The Ouray County Board of County Commissioners took up public‑lands policy in the July 9 work session and agreed to retain a 2015 county resolution supporting public lands while keeping draft updates ready if federal proposals to sell or transfer public lands reappear in Congress.

Why it matters: commissioners said they wished to be prepared in case federal legislation targeting public lands resurfaces. The board discussed whether to reissue an updated 2025 resolution but decided instead to keep the 2015 resolution (Resolution 2015‑014) on file and prepare proposed additions so the county can act quickly if a new federal vehicle emerges.

Suggested updates: commissioners and staff suggested several specific topics to consider if the county issues an updated resolution: recognition of the Ute peoples’ hunting and fishing rights under treaties; language affirming the economic and cultural importance of grazing allotments for working ranches; objections to wholesale disposal of federal lands that could fragment scenic byways, critical habitat and areas of special management; and concerns about understaffing of federal law‑enforcement personnel on public lands (the board noted safety and resource‑protection risks when federal ranger staffing is low).

Process steps: commissioners asked staff to retain the relevant materials used in the July 9 session, to collect model resolutions and to reconvene the board quickly if new federal legislation emerges. One commissioner observed that simply reaffirming the 2015 resolution would allow the county to be listed on national NGO trackers and that a revised 2025 version could be issued later if desired.

Ending: the board adjourned the work session with direction to keep the material ready and to revisit an updated public‑lands resolution if and when there is a concrete federal proposal to respond to.