Issue Position: Transfer of Public Lands

Issue Position

The State of Wyoming should pursue taking control of federal lands currently managed by the BLM and Forest Services. These federal agencies operate under burdensome regulatory requirements which make them less effective than state land agencies. Ultimately, the federal government loses money managing land and the state government makes money. Such a transfer should be thoroughly researched and planned; after all, with control comes responsibility.

Of course, I will defend public access to transferred land. The state of Wyoming has successfully managed state lands since statehood, with 3.5 million surface acres currently under state management. This proven track record alleviates the concerns that these lands would be sold to private entities. If we are going to manage public land in Wyoming in a manner consistent with our respect for the land and tax payer dollars, that management needs to happen from right here in the state, not Washington DC.

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