public lands

A Republican representative from the Mountain West led an effort Wednesday to remove a controversial provision to sell 450,000 acres of federal land in Nevada and Utah from the House reconciliation bill.

Thanks to a new initiative, private landowners in Colorado and Wyoming are now letting people cross through their property for free to access these acres.

A new study from Headwaters Economics shows that housing on public lands would have only a minimal impact on the West’s housing crisis, with most potential development being focused in a small number of states. Economist Megan Lawson also says that wildfire danger would be a huge risk to these potential homes.

The Albany County Outdoor School focuses on science and outdoor recreation, using Curt Gowdy State Park and the Snowy Range as classrooms.

Republican representatives in Nevada and Utah this week were successful in getting an amendment to sell public lands in federal budget legislation. In Nevada, the idea is already facing strong opposition.

Economic and environmental challenges could complicate the Trump administration’s proposal to create housing on public lands. A new analysis supports the idea, but says it is unlikely to solve the affordable housing crisis by itself.

An amendment introduced late in the evening includes over 10,000 acres in Utah and identifies nearly 450,000 acres in four Nevada counties for sale or exchange.

The goal is to boost domestic mining of lithium and other minerals officials say are critical to national security and the economy.

Much of southern Arizona and New Mexico are expected to see above average potential for wildfire in April.

The judges said the ranch could not deny access to federal public lands for lawful purposes and affirmed that corner crossing is not trespassing, as long as private land is not physically touched.