Summit County Council adopts resolution supporting public lands amid state-level proposals

Council Member Megan introduced Resolution 2025-16, a county resolution expressing support for public lands remaining in public ownership and opposing proposals that would transfer or sell public lands for nonfederal development. Megan said the resolution responded to recent state-level discussion about public-land transfers and that county residents overwhelmingly supported protecting open and agricultural lands.

Jess Kirby, Summit County natural-resources and land manager, described concerns from a land-management perspective and said the county’s visioning work showed broad resident support for keeping public lands accessible. Kirby noted that while some language in a state bill had been removed by the Senate parliamentarian, sponsors had signaled an intent to pursue land-disposal provisions in future drafts; the county’s resolution was intended to register local preference and encourage other local governments to act.

Council members discussed the resolution and the broader context. Some members emphasized that counties with different land portfolios may hold different views; others said preserving public lands was consistent with county values and recreation-based economic interests. Council Member Roger offered procedural support and moved the resolution; Megan seconded. The council approved the resolution by voice vote.

Why it matters: the resolution is a formal county statement supporting public-land retention and is intended to inform state-level conversations and encourage other jurisdictions to adopt similar positions.

Next steps: the county will publish the adopted resolution and share it with state lawmakers and regional partners; staff will monitor legislative developments and report back.