Not surprisingly, our county commissioners have joined the American Lands Council which promotes transferring ownership of federal lands to the states. Certain radicalized members of Congress, supported by special interest groups, are salivating over the prospect of state control. The proponents of the Disposal of Excess Federal Lands Act, along with other similar legislative proposals, now have a majority in the Senate and are trying to sell their nonsensical agenda.
The problem with giving states control over vast expanses of public land is that the states could never afford to maintain them and would be forced to sell them off. In 2012 alone, the cost to fight fires in Colorado was $92 million.
Unlike Europe, where hunting and fishing is largely reserved for the wealthy elite, America is blessed with millions of acres of public land that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of income or social stature. Over 70 percent of hunters and anglers rely on access to public lands as does our $640 billion outdoor recreation economy.
Perhaps those dopey ideologues, who favor selling our outdoor heritage to a privileged few, should sail back to England, fall to their knees, and pledge allegiance to the king. Those of us who value freedom will continue to fight the treasonous notion of selling our American birthright to the highest bidder!
Tom Sykes
Dolores
