Supporters of public lands are breathing a sigh of relief after a proposal to sell off some lands in Nevada and Utah was removed from the federal budget reconciliation bill. A provision to sell hundreds of thousands of acres in the two states has been deleted from the text of the bill, which passed the U.S. House on Thursday morning. In a statement, the Denver-based conservation group the Center for Western Priorities said, “Clearly, selling off public lands is still a third rail for members of Congress on both sides.” However, public-lands advocates say the issue will likely come up again.
Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper have reintroduced legislation to protect more than 68,000 acres along the lower Dolores River. The legislation would create a national conservation area and special management area on parts of the river in Montezuma, Dolores, and San Miguel counties. The legislation is the result of a years-long collaborative effort by diverse stakeholders. National conservation areas are designated by Congress, not by presidents, as national monuments can be. This bill is supported by Montezuma, San Miguel, Dolores, Archuleta, and La Plata Counties; the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe; the city of Cortez; the towns of Dove Creek, Norwood, and Dolores; and numerous boating, conservation, and outdoor advocacy groups.
