Wyoming, BLM Reach Settlement on Appeal of Land Acquisition

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have announced that they have reached a settlement on the state’s appeal of an acquisition of land by the BLM in Natrona and Carbon Counties. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

In June, Wyoming filed an appeal challenging the BLM’s purchase of more than 35,000 acres of the  Marton Ranch near Casper. The State expressed concerns that BLM did not involve the public in the acquisition process and that the environmental assessment did not adequately consider impacts on the recreational setting and fishery along the North Platte River. After Wyoming filed a Statement of Reasons in support of its appeal, BLM filed a motion to set aside and remand its decision so that it can “reevaluate its May 18, 2022, decision, provide additional opportunities for public notice and comment, and supplement its environmental analysis to better address issues” raised by the State.

In a media release issued by the Governor’s Office, Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon said the decision of the BLM to join in a settlement on the Marton Ranch purchase is very gratifying and that his concern has always been that the process was not followed, and this now gives the BLM the opportunity to address that concern. Gordon said he is looking forward to working with the BLM on these issues and recognizes that both the State and the BLM are committed to transparency of government.