JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — The State of Wyoming will appeal a large land tract acquisition by a federal agency claiming the process with not transparent and rushed.
Governor Mark Gordon said the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) purchase of a 35,670-acre ranch on the North Platte River in Natrona and Carbon counties is concerning. He said the state has concerns that BLM did not involve the public in the acquisition process and that the environmental assessment did not adequately consider impacts on tax revenues, school funding, grazing, mineral development and other natural resources.
Th purchase of the Marton Ranch for a reported $21M was facilitated by the Conservation Fund. It is being touted as making public a 118-square-mile chunk of land that is prized wildlife habitat as well as stream frontage offering some of the best trout fishing in the state.
The governor emphasized that the challenge to the acquisition is focused on the adequacy and proper adherence to the process that occurred. He supports the expansion of public access for hunters and anglers, as well as opportunities for recreation. He also recognizes the rights of private landowners to sell their land as they see fit.
“This action is not about limiting access for sportspeople or challenging the rights of private property owner’s rights,” Gordon said. “It is about whether the federal government can increase its land holdings without public scrutiny, or should it adhere to the same transparent process that private landowners are subject to if they sought to purchase or exchange federal land.”
To buy or sell land, the state must have a 60-day comment period and hold two public votes of the State Board of Land Commissioners.
