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petitioners argue that rural development in Sheridan County means
larger (i.e., 35-acre lots or greater) tract development with
residences built on prominent points overlooking scenic views, or
rural acreage tracts used for the buyer's personal recreation, or
to build cabin sites. Thus, local zoning ordinances have no
effect on rural development of the type petitioners describe.
In determining the property's highest and best use,
respondent relies heavily on Boyett's finding that the property
had no development potential. At trial, Boyett testified that
the property at issue is not located in an area where there are
other residential or commercial developments. This conclusion is
in direct conflict with the evidence. First, we mention that the
property is located approximately 5 miles from the Bighorn
Equestrian Center, one of the oldest polo clubs in the United
States, which also provides community facilities, such as fields
for soccer and baseball, and a clubhouse that can be rented out
for weddings and funerals. There is a development of houses and
cabins just southeast of the property, which is situated on rough
mountainous land similar to portions of the easement property.
Moreover, just 4 or 5 miles west of the property, there is a
2,000-acre development known as Teepee Creek, which is 1,000 feet
higher in elevation than the easement property and has similar
mountainous topography. Just off the southwest portion of the
easement property, composed of some of the roughest terrain,
there is a seasonal cabin of the type commonly found in this
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