Public lands policy out for review
by Cat Urbigkit
June 19, 2008
The Sublette County Commission’s draft federal and state lands policy is now available for public review and comment. Comment will be accepted through July 31.
The policy document is based on the following principles:
“Federal lands are to be managed in a way that protects and improves the health, safety, environment, and well being of our citizens, and improve the performance of the economy without imposing unacceptable or unreasonable costs or impacts to local social structure. Sublette County recognizes that the private sector and private markets are the best engine for economic growth; that regulatory policies should respect the role of state and local governments; and public lands policies and regulations should be effective, consistent, sensible, and understandable.
“In adopting this federal and state land use policy, the Sublette County Commission intends to:
• Protect the integrity of environmental systems and natural resources;
• Preserve resource-based industries;
• Promote a robust, diverse and stable economy;
• Minimize conflicts between land uses;
• Protect public health, safety and welfare; Promote an understanding of the dynamics and benefits to and from agriculture and other multiple use activities and federal land concerning wildlife;
• Preserve culture, customs, heritage, and economic diversity; and
• Recognize and protect private rights in federal and state land resources including rights-of-way, grazing permits, water rights, special use permits, leases, contracts, and recreation use permits and licenses.”
The policy document addresses everything from general land planning processes to the various natural resources, resource uses, and special designations.
The commission looks forward to receiving comments targeted to improve the document and the county’s policy. Comments should be submitted to the commission’s consultant on the project: Cat Urbigkit, P.O. Box 1173, Big Piney WY 83113, or email: cat@pinedaleonline.com.
Copies of the draft policy document are available on the counter at the Sublette County Clerk’s office. The draft is also posted on Pinedale Online and is available by clicking the link below.
_________________
Editor’s Note: Cat Urbigkit is writing and editing the county’s Land Use Policy under an independent contract with the Sublette County Commissioners. Cat is also a frequent contributor to Pinedale Online.
|
