Going as far as conducting a detailed Environmental Impact Statement before planting a simple tree in a local park borders on the absurd, and the U.S. Senate Committee of Energy and Natural Resources agrees.

The committee on Thursday approved a bill sponsored by U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colo.) that transfers ownership of Joe Rowell Park in Dolores over from the Forest Service to the town. The non-controversial bill now goes to the Senate floor for approval, where it is expected to pass.

"Joe Rowell Park is an integral part of the Dolores community and holds no real value for the U.S. Forest Service," Allard said in a press release. "Transferring ownership is a logical choice for the community, the Forest Service and the American taxpayer."

Allard was asked to introduce legislation by the town of Dolores, which currently operates the park with a special-use permit from the U.S. Forest Service.

The Dolores community has spent nearly $300,000 in improvements upon the 25-acre plot that borders the Dolores River, providing playgrounds, baseball fields, a children’s summer-activities building, an outdoor-concert pavilion and a river walk enjoyed by area residents.

Under the bill the park would be ceded to the town but could only be used for open space and recreational purposes.

"We are crossing our fingers and hoping it will happen this year," said Marianne Mate, planning and zoning director for Dolores.

"A lot of possible projects and improvements are contingent on it, but in terms of going for grants to fund them it makes it difficult when we do not have ownership."

Mate, who testified on behalf of Dolores to Congress in support of the bill, said that the next step for Allard’s staff is to match the bill with another non-controversial companion bill from the House in order to expedite the process and pass the bill.

"It has been a great learning experience," she said. "It literally took an act of Congress to get this to happen."

The park land was originallyobtained and leveled with fill dirt by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the McPhee Reservoir project.