County staff support proposed Gley–Forest Service land exchange if public access is preserved

Zach Weebi, planning and natural resources manager, briefed the Board of County Commissioners on a proposed land exchange between the Forest Service and the city of Gley. Weebi described two parcels under consideration: an Forest Service parcel just south of Seaman Reservoir of just under 80 acres with public trail and fishing access, and a Gley‑owned inholding farther west of about 40 acres adjacent to Kelly Flats Campground.

Weebi said county natural resources staff "see no reason to oppose this exchange" provided public access is preserved. He said the exchange would proceed through active federal legislation governing divestment and exchange of federal land and that appraisals would address acreage differences and compensation under the legislative process. Staff said they will draft a letter of support for the county packet next Tuesday and can share the draft bill and the letter in advance for commissioner review.

Commissioners asked whether public access would be protected in writing; Weebi said the current draft of the bill includes language for continued public access, and staff offered to add recommended language around wildlife and vegetation stewardship at the commissioners’ request. Representative Evans was identified in the discussion as the sponsor of the legislation as referenced by staff.

No formal board vote occurred; staff requested guidance and offered to transmit the draft letter and bill language for commissioners to review before packet publication.