Eyes in the West Are on Federal Land Sale

Eyes in the West Are on Federal Land Sale

Proceeds from U.S. acreage outside Zion park would be used for local development.

By Julie Cart, Times Staff Writer
June 6, 2006

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Its mild climate, stunning scenery and proximity to several national parks
have helped make Washington County one of the five fastest-growing counties in the nation.
But like many rural Western counties, it has little room to expand: 87% of its land is owned
by the federal government.

Now, Utah's congressional delegation has a plan to remedy the problem, one that is being
closely watched by nearly a dozen Western counties with similar growing pains. The plan is also
being scrutinized by conservationists who warn that it would set a dangerous precedent, making
thousands of acres of public land available for private development as well as offering
a windfall for local agencies and special deals for politically influential officials and
property owners.

The proposed Washington County Growth and Conservation Act would sell up to 40 square miles
of federal land and use the proceeds to finance a multimillion-dollar water pipeline and other
local projects. Utah Republican Sen. Robert F. Bennett and Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson are
expected to introduce the bill in coming weeks. Waiting in the wings are nearly a dozen similar
bills for counties in Utah, Idaho, Nevada and New Mexico where population pressure is fueling
the demand for more developable land.

The Washington County plan and others like it highlight the growing tension between growth
advocates and others who fear that the West's unique legacy of protected public land is
in jeopardy along with the wildlife, clean air and water that go with it.