On January 24th, Representative Jason Chaffetz from Utah’s 3rd Congressional District introduced H.R.621, the Disposal of Excess Federal Lands Act of 2017.
The law identifies 3.368 million acres of public lands to be sold, located in ten western states. In Representative Scott Tipton’s district, here in Colorado, the study lists 849 parcels, totaling 49,000 acres, in fifteen counties, including Montezuma County.
Here are my concerns: The findings are outdated, based on data that are 20 years old (collected in March 1997 to aid in the restoration of the Florida Everglades).
The properties serve a public function. Although Chaffetz’s website states, “these lands have been deemed to serve no purpose for taxpayers,” the study itself identifies a number of functions of these properties, including agriculture and grazing, public use, endangered species habitat, and historic/cultural resources.
The properties lack legal access. Chaffetz’s statement that these properties will provide “much needed opportunities for economic development” lacks merit, as lack of legal access is identified as an impediment to disposal for properties located in every single Colorado county listed in the study.
Many properties cannot be disposed of. The Department of the Interior cover letter that accompanies the study states, “Please note many lands identified appear to have conflicts which may preclude them from being considered for disposal or exchange. Conflicts include high disposal costs, critical natural or cultural resources and habitat, mineral claims and leases and hazardous conditions.”
Outdoor recreation is critical to Colorado’s economy. According to a 2013 report by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, outdoor recreation contributes nearly $34.5 billion to Colorado’s economy annually and directly supports 201,442 jobs. What will happen to Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry if we start selling off our public lands?
Sale of these public lands sets a bad precedent. If you hunt, fish, hike, bike, ski, cut firewood, graze livestock, birdwatch, or ride horses on public lands, you and your family benefit from our nation’s public lands.
Please contact Scott Tipton and voice your opposition to H.R. 621.
Jeanne Becker
Dolores