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Commissioners ask state for more detail on proposed Staple Ranch land disposal
Summary
Commissioners declined to take a position on a state notice to dispose roughly 3,500 acres of state land (Staple 3 Ranch) and asked staff to request the state’s detailed analysis before recommending support or opposition.
County commissioners discussed a state notice about the proposed disposal of roughly 3,500 acres (referred to as Staple 3 Ranch) that would convert state trust land to private ownership and agreed to ask the Wyoming Office of State Lands for more detailed information before taking a position.
Chairman North said the letter from the state contained minimal detail and commissioners did not have enough information to support or oppose the proposed disposal. A commissioner said the county should respond to the state and ask whether the proposed action is a sale or part of a land exchange and requested the state’s detailed analysis so the county can assess public access, grazing, and long‑term impacts.
Outcome: Commissioners directed staff to send a response to the Office of State Lands asking for the state’s detailed disposal analysis and to state that, based on the limited information provided, the county could not take a formal position at this time. Commissioners emphasized the need for prompt state responses because the Office of State Lands will include county comments in its public‑analysis materials.
Why it matters: Conversion of large tracts of state land to private ownership can affect public access, grazing rights, recreation and tax base; county comment can influence the state’s public analysis and final disposition.
Next steps: Staff to draft and send the letter requesting the detailed analysis and to circulate the state response to commissioners for a follow‑up position if warranted.
