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Commissioners urge Congress to convey Forest Service lands housing local facilities
Summary
Lincoln County commissioners approved a letter asking congressional representatives to introduce legislation conveying U.S. Forest Service lands occupied by county facilities (Libby shooting range, Troy airport, Yak community hall) to the county and proposed an equal-value land exchange to benefit recreation and habitat conservation.
Lincoln County commissioners voted Dec. 10 to approve a letter urging members of Congress to introduce legislation that would transfer U.S. Forest Service lands currently occupied by county facilities to Lincoln County at no cost, with the stipulation that the lands continue to be used for public purposes.
The letter identifies the Libby shooting range, the Troy airport and the Yak community hall as facilities built and operated under special-use permits, and says conveyance to the county would reduce administrative burdens and permit the county to pursue improvements and grants more easily.
The letter also proposes an equal-value land exchange that would allow the U.S. Forest Service to acquire inholdings within the Cooney National Forest to enhance grizzly habitat, protect wetlands around Savage Lake, expand public recreation access and establish snowmobile safety trails. Discussion at the meeting cited potential fire-barrier benefits for Libby and improved law-enforcement clarity on adjacent Forest Service lands.
Commissioners said special-use permits can create lengthy delays for upgrades and that conveyance or an exchange would provide greater stability for county-owned facilities. The board voted to approve the letter and instructed staff to forward it to the congressional offices along with supporting materials and a referenced resolution (Resolution 2024-33).
