[Vision2020] Arguments against federal land holdings don’t hold water

[Moscow Cares]

Courtesy of today's (March 2, 2016) Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

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Our View: Arguments against federal land holdings don’t hold water
By Anthony Kuipers, for the editorial board
Those arguing for the benefits federal ownership of public land provides residents of Western states — compared to private ownership of those same lands — have another bullet in their chamber thanks to a study from Headwaters Economics. This independent, nonpartisan organization researched counties in 11 Western states, including Latah and Whitman counties.
The study found that rural counties with the highest proportion of federal land tend to have faster growth than those with less federal land.
“Growth” includes population, jobs and per capita income. The Palouse fits this trend with Latah County showing more growth and more federal land than Whitman County.
Economist Paul Jakus said one factor behind this is that counties with a large proportion of private land tend to rely more on agriculture, thus the slow growth. But the study does contradict assertions that federal land inhibits the economy.
This, in addition to providing places to hike, fish, camp, hunt and just enjoy.
Given this news, it’s a little concerning that, less than a week later, Utah lawmakers met with Idaho legislators Monday to offer legal arguments they say could be used to gain control of about 30 million acres of federal land within Idaho mostly administered by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service, according to an Associated Press story. Utah leaders are contemplating suing the agencies for control of their land.
These Utah leaders apparently believe states can manage these lands better than the federal government, and that somehow states with large federal holdings are at a disadvantage to states in the East.
At least a couple Idaho lawmakers seemed hesitant, knowing how much their constituents enjoy the perks of using federal land.
Rep. Ken Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs, told the Utah representatives that if Idaho did get control of federal land, he’d want to make sure it stayed public and would not be “sold off.”
We hope lawmakers continue to be fearful of attempts to pry land in Idaho away from the federal government. Growing evidence shows there are more downsides than proponents want to admit.

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"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
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Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
  
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