Board backs resolution supporting federal management of public lands

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Resolution 2025‑34 on Tuesday reaffirming county support for continued federal management and stewardship of public lands within the county.

Supervisor Judy Horstman introduced the resolution and said it was part of a broader, multi‑county effort to make clear local opposition to proposals that would place federal public lands for sale. Supervisor Lena Fowler proposed minor, action‑oriented wording changes — to convert “expresses its strong support” into “affirms its strong support,” to urge full federal funding for public land management, and to call on federal land management agencies to “maintain and strengthen” collaboration with local communities, tribal nations, stakeholders and other government partners. County manager Andy Bertelsen confirmed the original draft came from the Center for Public Lands and noted the edits were grammatical and action‑oriented.

Supervisors spoke about public lands’ cultural, recreational and economic value to the county and the need for transparency and local input on any proposals that would change management or ownership. Supervisor Fowler reminded the board that the county had opposed prior state proposals to transfer federal lands and had supported national monuments when proposed. Supervisor Begay and others emphasized the spiritual and subsistence importance of public lands to local tribes and the economic significance of outdoor recreation to the county’s tourism economy.

The board approved the resolution with the Fowler amendments by unanimous vote without further amendment.