Lincoln County commissioners back letter urging federal conveyance of three Forest Service sites

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted May 21 to authorize a letter urging state legislators to support legislation conveying three community properties now on U.S. Forest Service land to county ownership.

The letter, read aloud by a commissioner, asked Senator Sheehy and area representatives to introduce bills conveying the Troy Airport, the Lincoln County Shooting Complex and the Yacht Community Hall to the county. It said the sites have been used under long‑standing special‑use permits that limit improvements and impose recurring administrative burdens on both the county and the Forest Service. "A conveyance would allow the long‑term investment, improve safety, and relieve both parties of the annual permit renewal process," the letter states.

Commissioners said local control would simplify grant eligibility and allow projects such as restroom or septic work at the community hall and safety upgrades at the airport and shooting complex. The letter includes a revisionary clause: the properties would remain in public use under county ownership and would revert to the Forest Service if later transferred to a private owner.

The board discussed timing and confirmed an attorney working with county leaders had solicited congressional offices and expected to meet with lawmakers and the private landowner involved in a related land exchange in June. A commissioner said the county previously sent a similar letter and that the proposed bills would split an earlier statewide conveyance into separate measures that include Lincoln County properties.

A motion to authorize the letter carried by voice vote.

What’s next: The county will forward the signed letter to the cited legislators and monitor the June meetings in Washington, D.C.; the board said it will assist county representatives in advancing the legislation as requested.