Number: 1995-06
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation and its state affiliates have been active in the various public land trades which affect wildlife habitat; and
WHEREAS, public land trades are inherently pursued by large landowners or well financed, often corporate, investors; and
WHEREAS, the disposition of public lands often benefit the public, but also may adversely affect local communities which rely on public lands for recreation, solitude, and the enjoyment of wildlife resources;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in its Annual Meeting assembled March 18-20, 1995 in Washington, D.C., urges:
- That measures be taken to ensure that public land trades, sale or any other form of disposition, by any branch or agency of the federal government be first offered to local communities, counties, state and/or private non-profit organizations, any of which will guarantee the natural resource values of the parcel be preserved;
- That measures be taken for regulations to be created for such dispositions to include notice to adjoining landowners as well as to local communities, counties, state, and private non-profit organizations which will guarantee the natural resource values of the parcel be preserved;
- That legislation be enacted in Congress amending the enabling act which created state school lands to reflect the changes referenced above also apply to these parcels.