Department of Interior and Wyoming reach agreement on park in-holdings
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell have announced an agreement to allow the U.S. government to purchase and permanently protect two state school land parcels located within the park.
“The agreement announced today is a true win-win for the State of Wyoming and for the National Park Service as it invests in the future of Wyoming’s school children and will protect in perpetuity these world-class natural treasures that belong to all Americans,” said Jewell. “I am not alone in the belief that commercial development of these lands is inconsistent with the natural values of the area, and we are absolutely committed to working with Congress and those who have generously stepped forward to ensure the long-term protection of important wildlife habitat and breathtaking vistas.”
“I am pleased the sale of these state parcels inside the Park is moving forward,” said Governor Mead. “This sale will fulfill our responsibility to realize the greatest return possible for the state lands involved and will bring revenue to the Common School Permanent Land Fund. The agreement still needs to be considered and approved by the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners.”
Under previous agreements, the National Park Service had util January 5, 2016 to complete a land exchange with Wyoming for the Antelope Flats and Kelly parcels. Under Wyoming state law, the Board and Land Commissioners is authorized to put the parcels up for public auction if they aren’t conveyed by the end of the year.
Under the agreement, Wyoming would receive $46 million, which was set by appraisal for the 640-acre Antelope Flats land. It is the Deprtment of Interior’s highest priority for the National Park Service and is working with Congress to appropriate funding for the project in the Fiscal Year 2017 budget. The Grand Teton National Park Foundation and the National Park Foundation committed to raise the remaining $23 million. $5 million in private committments were announced Monday.
A total of $16 million in Land and Water Conservation fund money was previously used to buy two of the four state inholdings within Grand Teton National Park.
