Dear editor:
This letter is in regards to Wyoming Legislative SJ0002, which demands the transfer of 30 million acres of federal public lands in Wyoming currently owned by all Americans and managed for present and future generations be transferred to the State of Wyoming
From my perspective, SJ0002 is not in Wyoming's best interest. Let me explain why.
The premise of the federal public land system managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management was to allow the use and enjoyment of these public lands for present and future generations.
The intent of SJ0002 is to demand the transfer of 30 million acres of federal public land in Wyoming to the State of Wyoming.
To be clear, the intent of SJ0002 relates to ALL federal public lands in Wyoming, with the exception of Yellowstone National Park. Thus the acreage includes Grand Teton National Park, ALL of the designated National Forests in Wyoming and ALL of the federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Wyoming.
What is very problematic with this is the purpose of Wyoming's state lands know as Wyoming "trust lands" is to support essential public institutions which are primarily public schools. State trust land managers lease and SELL these lands to generate revenue for current and future designated beneficiaries.
An example of this is the State of Wyoming's recent decision to sell a parcel of state trust land, ironically to the federal government, for $100 million dollars.
Regardless what Wyoming state legislators or the governor's office says about what they will or will not due related to the potential transfer of 30 million acres of federal land to the State of Wyoming, the real possibility of large parcels of these lands being sold to the highest bidder is a potential reality.
From my perspective, the status quo of these federal public lands remaining in public ownership for the enjoyment and use of present and future generations makes the most sense to me.
The freedom of utilizing our amazing current public land system is the main reason why I love living in Wyoming. Potentially losing this tremendous public land resource that currently belongs to all Americans for present and future generations would be an absolute tragedy.
Please let's not make that mistake for the sake of our children and future generations.
SJ002 should be soundly defeated; just like a similar effort in 2016 when a similar land grab scheme was wisely defeated by the Wyoming Legislature back then.
Thank you!
Eric G. Decker
Worland, WY
