Transfer of Public Lands Act and Study

[KMWJR]

Transfer of Public Lands Act and Study --> http://publiclands.utah.gov/current-projects/transfer-of-public-lands-act/

I am drafting an email to my Governor, I am a pretty simple guy and having no experience in this sort of thing I am at a loss of words. This is what I have drafted at this point. Any feedback would be helpful!

Dear Gov Herbert,

Having reviewed, H.B. 142 and the Economic Feasibility of Transferring Public Lands, and based on the president in the west that when states gain control of public land they have a tendency to sell to privet/reduce access. It is clear that this is financially motivated and not in the best interest of the Wildlife, Sportsmen and general outdoor enthusiasts. Do not proceed with burdening the public with $14,000,000.00 bill to acquire federal public land.

Regards,

Mitch Watkins

 

[npaden]

I would use the correct term "precedence" instead of based on the president and correct your spelling of private (instead of privet) but other than that I think you are right on target.

Reading some of the information in the link you don't have to go very far to see where the root of this entire movement gets it's funding.

From the first page of the website.

Today, approximately two-thirds of Utah’s energy resources are located on federally owned lands. Conflicting and cumbersome federal rules, regulations, processes, and management policies often prevent development of these resources resulting in diminished revenue to the State and its citizens. H.B. 148 initiative would increase Utah’s ability to access and responsibly develop its energy resources.

Those cumbersome federal rules and management polices like wilderness areas and not having pump jacks scattered through national forest lands are getting in the way of development that's for sure.

 

[KMWJR]

Thank you much. I have made those edits, and emailed my gov.

 

[Ben Lamb]

Nice work, Mitch!

 

[authentichunter]

Mitch,

Make sure you also email your state representative and state senator. Here is the link for the district map.

http://le.utah.gov/GIS/findDistrict.jsp

 

[KMWJR]

Reply from state senator and congressman

I received a reply from both my Senator and Representative last night after a second email in a 7 day period. They both inquired for further detail outlining my concern, I am drafting a response today, and would like to add anecdotal evidence of precedent set in the west of states selling off public land. I seem to remember a podcast that Big Fin reference two states, NV and NM sold off public land shortly after acquiring it from the federal gov. Does anybody remember the specifics of those examples?

 

[James Riley]

I received a reply from both my Senator and Representative last night after a second email in a 7 day period. They both inquired for further detail outlining my concern, I am drafting a response today, and would like to add anecdotal evidence of precedent set in the west of states selling off public land. I seem to remember a podcast that Big Fin reference two states, NV and NM sold off public land shortly after acquiring it from the federal gov. Does anybody remember the specifics of those examples?

I remember a thread from quite some time ago about that. If I recall, in the case of NV, it was about State Trust Lands which the Fed gave to NV when it came into the union (part of the Equal Footing Doctrine). Rather than maintain the lands in trust for schools and whatnot, NV decided to sell them off. Since a lot of NV is bombing range, I'm not sure how much was sold to the Feds or what actually happened to them. I'm sure someone else will come fill in the details more accurately. I'd like to see your letter when you are done with it. Good luck.

 

[hank4elk]

I don't know of any recent that I have heard of,but then again NM is a bad example.
We were THE SW territory 1st ,but last to become a state. Covered 6 western states.
Who got what is a 500yr old question still. Since before Jamestown.
We have more corruption than we do beauty,which is unlimited.
We are the bottom of the poor states.
Imagine what Miss. would do with millions of acres to profit from given the chance to sell it to big oil?

Our state lands guy would trade a goat for it ,given a chance.
There has been several questionable state lands swaps the last 10 yrs I know of.White Peak comes to mind.
But our states citizens are big hunters and outdoors folks overall.
Our Senators are pro public lands,at least one for sure.
My US Congressman would trade it ,sell it ,in a heartbeat.
Forget Martinez helping.....Tripp,he found cool aid in SF along with power.

 

[Big Fin]

I received a reply from both my Senator and Representative last night after a second email in a 7 day period. They both inquired for further detail outlining my concern, I am drafting a response today, and would like to add anecdotal evidence of precedent set in the west of states selling off public land. I seem to remember a podcast that Big Fin reference two states, NV and NM sold off public land shortly after acquiring it from the federal gov. Does anybody remember the specifics of those examples?

Nevada - Granted 2.1 million acres at statehood. They now have 3,000 acres remaining. All sold for $1.50 per acre to political cronies.

Wyoming - Granted 4.2 million acres at statehood. They now have 3.5 million acres remaining. They sold 700K acres that we can no longer hunt, fish, etc. No camping on state lands. Imagine doing a Wyoming Range mule deer hunt in Region G if you had to hike in each morning and hike out each day because these lands that are currently USFS lands became state trust lands that you could not set your camp on.

Utah - Granted 6 million acres at statehood. They now have 3.4 million acres remaining. That is 2.6 million they have sold or otherwise disposed of. Utah is very active in selling state trust lands, the most recent being sold in October. Link here - http://trustlands.utah.gov/sitla-land-auction-earns-673k-for-public-schools/

Alaska - Granted 100 million acres, though some is still waiting to be transferred. Alaska is very active in selling their state lands. They sell land to fund the school system, the university system, and their mental health system. Here is the link to how you can buy some if you qualify - http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/landsale/sale_faq.cfm#9

Colorado - No hunting allowed on CO state lands, unless permission from the lessee. There are 23 million acres of BLM and USFS land in Colorado that if transferred to the state would not allow for open public hunting. Here is their land board website. Read this opening paragraph - Unlike federally owned land in Colorado, state trust land is not open for public recreational use.

These are some examples to start with. Similar examples in NM, MT, and ID. Arizona is one state that has been aggressive in retaining their state lands and also adding to them as they are able.

 

[James Riley]

Not to complicate things, but I know of *some* CO trust land is open to hunting but you can't spend the night. Some of it is not leased and some that is leased has a deal with CO Parks and Wildlife to allow public access; again, you can't spend the night. But yes, as a general principle, the lessee not only has grazing rights, they have exclusive use.

 

[1_pointer]

Few possible talking points here about transfer of federal lands and some history.

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/3386846-155/op-ed-oregon-occupiers-have-much-in
http://news.hjnews.com/opinion/utah...cle_0f299d60-349a-11e0-aa81-001cc4c03286.html

 

[Josh Kuntz]

Mitch,

Good job writing your officials. Below is a link to an article I wrote about public land transfer in Idaho. Feel free to use it to help shape your thoughts if you wish.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article52356140.html

 

[grizzly_]

Here's a scary thought... A full 1/3 of all private land in the state of Utah was once state-owned. That gives you an idea of how much state-owned land has been sold.

Not to mention, with oil prices where they are... the state's own study shows this is a fool's errand. We paid for the study, the least we can do is heed it's findings.

 

[hank4elk]

NM lands commish just traded 8000 ac & a disfunctional apple orchard for hotel property in Santa Fe across street from state lands office,
Conchiti Pueblo is new owner or said they were original owner of the 8k.
So 8000 acres just left public use again ever.
I see a casino in my vision ........
Guess State Lands & school system might have done well,I seriously doubt local schools will.

 

[authentichunter]

Another recent example from Utah:

http://www.sltrib.com/news/2562099-155/utah-to-auction-scenic-properties-near

http://www.sltrib.com/home/2588953-155/state-trust-lands-auction-nets-2

 

[welch01]

Josh,

I read your article in the Statesman - good stuff. I also saw the interactive piece you guys did on the statesman on Monday. I shared it to my Facebook feed.

Last couple weeks I have been doing some research on the Idaho Department of lands, their budget, and how big of an undertaking it would be for them to take on what is now Federally managed in Idaho. Hopefully soon I can put in in a coherent form and post on here.

Too many of Idaho's politicians are stumping for land transfers. I am ready to get more involved in this issue and we need more people involved.

Thanks,

 

[KMWJR]

Mitch,

Good job writing your officials. Below is a link to an article I wrote about public land transfer in Idaho. Feel free to use it to help shape your thoughts if you wish.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article52356140.html

Very well written article Josh, thank you for sharing.

 

[KMWJR]

Nevada - Granted 2.1 million acres at statehood. They now have 3,000 acres remaining. All sold for $1.50 per acre to political cronies.

Wyoming - Granted 4.2 million acres at statehood. They now have 3.5 million acres remaining. They sold 700K acres that we can no longer hunt, fish, etc. No camping on state lands. Imagine doing a Wyoming Range mule deer hunt in Region G if you had to hike in each morning and hike out each day because these lands that are currently USFS lands became state trust lands that you could not set your camp on.

Utah - Granted 6 million acres at statehood. They now have 3.4 million acres remaining. That is 2.6 million they have sold or otherwise disposed of. Utah is very active in selling state trust lands, the most recent being sold in October. Link here - http://trustlands.utah.gov/sitla-land-auction-earns-673k-for-public-schools/

Alaska - Granted 100 million acres, though some is still waiting to be transferred. Alaska is very active in selling their state lands. They sell land to fund the school system, the university system, and their mental health system. Here is the link to how you can buy some if you qualify - http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/landsale/sale_faq.cfm#9

Colorado - No hunting allowed on CO state lands, unless permission from the lessee. There are 23 million acres of BLM and USFS land in Colorado that if transferred to the state would not allow for open public hunting. Here is their land board website. Read this opening paragraph - Unlike federally owned land in Colorado, state trust land is not open for public recreational use.

These are some examples to start with. Similar examples in NM, MT, and ID. Arizona is one state that has been aggressive in retaining their state lands and also adding to them as they are able.

THIS, is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you.

 

[KMWJR]

I have sent the following correspondence below, unfortunately the Sen responded almost right away with his cell phone asking me to call him. I plan on calling tomorrow, but a bit frustrated that I will not have a documented response with his position.

Dear Senator Bramble,

First off thank you so much for your reply to my email. HB 142 and HB 148 refers to the "Transfer of Public Lands Act and Study", this was signed into law on 23 March 2012. To be more clear, my concern is access to public land for hunters, anglers and the outdoor enthusiast. Why is public access so important? The North American model of Conservation is largely funded by Hunters and Anglers. This model is the ONLY model of conservation that is showing sustainable results. What is the number one reason hunters and anglers no longer participate in their activity? Lack of access to public land and waterways. Ergo, the more hunters and anglers, the better it is for conservation. The only way to have strong sustainable conservation in Utah is to find ways to increase access to public land.

As far as the precedent I mentioned in the previous email I am happy to provide a few evidences.
Nevada - Granted 2.1 million acres at statehood. They now have 3,000 acres remaining
Wyoming - Granted 4.2 million acres at statehood. They now have 3.5 million acres remaining. They sold 700K acres that we can no longer hunt, fish, etc. No camping on state lands. Imagine doing a Wyoming Range mule deer hunt in Region G if you had to hike in each morning and hike out each day because these lands that are currently USFS lands became state trust lands that you could not set your camp on.
Utah - Granted 6 million acres at statehood. We now have 3.4 million acres remaining. That is 2.6 million we have sold or otherwise disposed of. Utah is very active in selling state trust lands, the most recent being sold in October. Link here - http://trustlands.utah.gov/sitla-land-auction-earns-673k-for-public-schools/
Alaska - Granted 100 million acres, though some is still waiting to be transferred. Alaska is very active in selling their state lands. They sell land to fund the school system, the university system, and their mental health system. Here is the link to how you can buy some if you qualify - http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/landsale/sale_faq.cfm#9

If the proposed lands are transferred to the state, how long before drilling, mining, and selling/leasing take place reducing access to sportsmen and outdoor enthusiast? It is clear that this is economically motivated from the website (http://publiclands.utah.gov/current-projects/transfer-of-public-lands-act/) it states "Conflicting and cumbersome federal rules, regulations, processes, and management policies often prevent development of these resources resulting in diminished revenue to the State and its citizens. H.B. 148 initiative would increase Utah’s ability to access and responsibly develop its energy resources." I read through the economic impact study that was conducted, of the 784 pages only 13 (section 7.2 Wildlife - Associated Recreation) are considered for the impact of wildlife and sportsmen.

Our leaders are touting Utah as a leader in the west championing "The Transfer of Public Land", but what if other states like Colorado follow suite? There is no hunting allowed on CO state lands, unless permission from the lessee. There are 23 million acres of BLM and USFS land in Colorado that if transferred to the state would not allow for open public hunting. Here is their land board website (http://trustlands.state.co.us/Projects/Pages/Recreation.aspx). Read this opening paragraph - Unlike federally owned land in Colorado, state trust land is not open for public recreational use.

What about the impact on wildlife? Lets use the Mule Deer as a case study. In the UTAH MULE DEER STATEWIDE MANAGEMENT PLAN it states the long term management objective of 425,400 deer in Utah. Current estimates 355,600 Mule Deer in Utah, we are still ~70,000 Mule Deer behind population objectives. What does DWR site as the main reason for low Mule Deer populations? Habitat. Loss and degradation of habitat are thought to be the main reasons for mule deer population declines in western North America over the last few decades (Workman and Low 1976, WAFWA 2003). Crucial mule deer habitat is continuously being lost in many parts of Utah and severely fragmented... Reducing the amount of public land by mining, and drilling will further put us behind population objectives.

Senator Bramble this topic is very close to my heart there is nothing that brings me more joy in this world then spending time in the outdoors with my family, showing my 4 kiddos the beauty that God created for them to enjoy on this earth. Back to my original question from the previous email, what is your position on "The Transfer of Public Land"?

I look forward to your response.

 

[Corax]

I have sent the following correspondence below, unfortunately the Sen responded almost right away with his cell phone asking me to call him. I plan on calling tomorrow, but a bit frustrated that I will not have a documented response with his position.

KMWJR - IMO you are doing great. Getting an elected official to call you is better than I have ever done. I get either a form letter or nothing.

The main thing is that they know you are against sale of public lands. They know dollars, and they know votes.