Many opponents of the auction proposal have expressed support for an alternative: selling the parcel to the National Park Service.
Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Public meeting showcases unpopularity of 'Kelly parcel' auction proposal
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Monday, November 13, 2023
A rally last week in Jackson, Wyoming, to protest the proposed auction of the "Kelly parcel," Stop the Auction ([link removed])
At a public meeting last week in Jackson, Wyoming, more than 20 people filled the time allotted for public comment with expressions of opposition to a proposal to auction off a parcel of land within Grand Teton National Park to the highest bidder. The "Kelly parcel" ([link removed]) is a 640-acre piece of Wyoming state trust land that is bordered on three sides by Grand Teton National Park, and on the fourth side by the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
The Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments (OSLI) is under pressure to sell the parcel to generate revenue for schools after the parcel was appraised at over $62 million ([link removed]) in 2022. However, given the unique location of the parcel and its importance ([link removed]) to the "Path of the Pronghorn" migration route, the proposal to auction the parcel off to the highest bidder has quickly become controversial and unpopular ([link removed]) . Jason Crowder, deputy director
of OSLI, said ([link removed]) after Thursday's meeting that he has yet to hear anyone express support for the auction proposal. "This is special land, we all know it," said ([link removed]) Bill Schwartz, a Jackson resident, summarizing the sentiment of many of the proposal's critics.
Many opponents of the auction proposal have expressed support for an alternative: selling the parcel to the National Park Service, which is interested in acquiring it if the Wyoming state legislature passes a bill allowing a direct sale. "We are really concerned about inappropriate development," said ([link removed]) Chip Jenkins, superintendent of Grand Teton National Park. "The National Park Service stands ready once again to work in collaboration and partnership, if we can figure out a way to be able to provide revenue for schools, to be able to prevent development and have this preserved as part of the park."
Last Thursday's meeting was the second of four public meetings ([link removed]) being held to hear input on the proposal. Written comments are also being accepted through December 1st ([link removed]) . A decision will be made by the State Board of Land Commissioners when it meets on December 7th.
** Quick hits
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Judge upholds Biden's approval of Willow oil project in Alaska
Washington Post ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed]) | NPR ([link removed]) | CNN ([link removed]) | Alaska Beacon ([link removed])
Gosar amendment advances that would undo Baaj Nwavjo I'tah Kukveni National Monument to allow uranium mining
Tucson Sentinel ([link removed])
Uinta Basin oil train on pause, but another Utah project stokes worries
Denver Post ([link removed])
Trump-era oil and gas leases have been voided across the West. The same might happen in Utah
Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
Oil or water? Disposal wells could threaten water supply in the Permian
Inside Climate News ([link removed])
America's new wildfire risk goes beyond forests
New York Times ([link removed])
Controlled burns can provide years of protection against wildfires, study shows
Grist ([link removed])
Grand Canyon flood experiment helped restore beaches, vegetation
Arizona Republic ([link removed])
** Quote of the day
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” This is like a poster child of all the things that went wrong with the Trump administration’s rush to blanket public lands with oil and gas leases.”
—Landon Newell, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Salt Lake Tribune ([link removed])
** Picture This
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@usinterior ([link removed])
Hang in there, you got this!
The holiday season can bring joy, but it's not uncommon to experience stress.
Being outside in nature can help defuse stress levels. Find your happy place in the outdoors or on public lands near you.
Photo at @brycecanyonnps_gov ([link removed]) by Dave Koch
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