Park County commissioners adopt resolution opposing proposed federal land sales provision

Park County’s Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday adopted a resolution opposing a provision recently reported in the U.S. Senate that, as drafted publicly, would authorize or require the sale of certain federal public lands.

The resolution — introduced by Commissioner Simone and adopted by voice vote — urged Wyoming’s congressional delegation (Sen. John Barrasso, Sen. Cynthia Lummis and Rep. Harriet Hageman) to oppose the provision and to seek removal of Wyoming from any land‑sale mandates. It called for public lands to remain in public ownership and for any disposal process to include transparent public debate and local consent.

Why it matters: the draft provision has stirred debate because supporters describe it as a way to resolve long‑standing federal land access or management inefficiencies, while critics say it would circumvent existing federal land‑disposal processes and could fragment habitat, restrict public access and advantage large private landowners. The commissioners cited concerns about priority criteria, the provision’s use of the term “interested parties,” and the possibility of wealthy adjacent landowners acquiring multiple tracts.

Text and action: the resolution as approved by the board specifically opposes language reported to have been inserted into the Senate budget package by Senator Mike Lee of Utah (the provision is discussed informally in public reports as part of the “big” Senate budget bill). The resolution asks the state delegation to “vigorously oppose this provision and any similar efforts to reduce public land holdings or restrict public access in the state of Wyoming” and requests transmission of the signed resolution to Wyoming’s congressional delegation, the governor and the Wyoming County Commissioners Association.

Board debate and timing: one commissioner urged postponement to allow county officials to participate in an informational meeting hosted by the Wyoming County Commissioners Association and the legislature’s natural resources committee; other commissioners argued the measure should be sent immediately because the provision could be considered by Congress on an accelerated schedule. After discussion the board moved and approved the resolution that day.

Ending note: staff were directed to prepare a printed copy of the adopted resolution for signature and distribution to the delegation and relevant state officials.