TC Res. No. 2006-15 OPPOSING PUBLIC AUCTION OF U.S. FOREST SERVICE LANDSTOWN OF AVON, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 06-15
Series of 2006
A RESOLUTION OPPOSING PUBLIC AUCTION OF U.S. FOREST SERVICE LANDS
IN EAGLE COUNTY TO FUND FEDERAL PROGRAMS
WHEREAS, the US Presidents FY 2007 Budget Proposal for the Forest Service includes
provisions for funding renewal of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination
Act of 2000 (the "Act") by sale to the highest bidder of designated parcels of land owned by the
U3. Forest Service; and
WHEREAS, the Act's specific findings and purposes are limited to 72 counties in Oregon,
Washington and northern California in which Federal timber sales have been restricted and the
Federal government desires to share lost timber revenues from affected Federal lands in these
specific areas back to the same counties; and
WHEREAS, the current proposal for providing this funding relies solely on the sale of lands
throughout the U.S. Forest Service system, including two parcels of land adjacent to the
unincorporated Edwards area of Eagle County; and
WHEREAS, there is no rational nexus between the sale and disposal of public lands in the
White River National Forest System, including the two parcels of land proposed for auction, or
any other parcel of existing forest service land in Eagle County including all federal lands
adjacent to the Town of Avon; and
WHEREAS, the one time auction of any existing federally protected public forest lands in the
White River National Forest system will create a precedent that is considered a legitimate threat
to Avon, Eagle County, and the State of Colorado's quality of life and economy that is heavily
reliant on the forest service public lands system for recreation, wildlife, water quality, and eco-
tourism; and
WHEREAS, the random disposal and sale of existing federal public lands in Eagle County is a
serious and devastating threat to the ability of local governments to control and plan for orderly
growth and public infrastructure necessary to serve growth which is contrary to the intent and -
stated findings of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 that
this proposal intends to address in Oregon, Washington and California only; and
WHEREAS, the proposal to sell federal lands to the highest bidder does not protect the right of
local governments to control growth and impacts to public infrastructure, nor does it propose or
include a right of first refusal to local governments in order to prevent unplanned growth or
unnecessary impacts to already burdened public infrastructure, in the event that this proposal is
passed; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Avon opposes the proposal and any similar
federal action that would result in the loss of open space, critical wildlife habitat, watershed
recharge areas, scenic vistas, and existing White River Forest system public lands that are critical
to our local economy and quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of the Town of Avon will vigorously challenge this proposal
and hereby resolves to take all available actions as to prevent the sale of public forest service
lands in Eagle County, including future proposals, that may be adjacent to the Town and our
neighboring communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Town Council of the Town of Avon,
Colorado hereby states it opposition to this preposterous and dangerous proposal and urges the
Colorado Municipal League and Town citizens to submit comments against this action and that
the Colorado's U.S. Senators and our U.S. District Congressional Representative oppose these
sales.
Adopted this 14th day of March, 2006
WN OF AVON. COLORADO
OF AY,
Ronald C Wolfe, Mayor
Resolution No. 06-15 USFS Land Sale Opposition
Page 2 of 2
r s y
AVON
C O L O R A D O
Avon... a smoke free community
Post Office Box 975
400 Benchmark Road
Avon, Colorado 81620
970-748-4000
970-949-9139 Fax
Relay recognized
www.avon.org
March 20, 2006
Mr. Sam Mamet
Colorado Municipal League
1144 Sherman St.
Denver, CO 80203-2207
Dear Sam:
Please find attached a Resolution adopted by the Town Council of Avon, Colorado
opposing the planned sale of two U.S.F.S. parcels close to the town limits. The
Avon Town Council asks the Colorado Municipal League to support our efforts with
this topic.
Attached are copies of the correspondence which will be forwarded to our
congressional leaders in Washington DC as well as the USDA Forest Service. The
Town has provided the rational behind our opposition on these land sales in these
letters and asks for their support.
Sam, if you would like any other information at this time, please feel free to contact
me or the Town Manager, Larry Brooks, at 970-748-4005.
Re ectfu ly,
Ronald C. Wolfe
Mayor, Town of Avon
•
Memo
To: Honorable Mayor and Town Council
Thru: Larry Brooks, Town Manager
From: Tambi Katieb, Community Development Directo
Date: March 8, 2006
Re: Resolution 06-15, A Resolution Opposing Public Auction of U.S. Forest
Service Lands in Eagle County to fund Federal Programs in Oregon,
Washington and northern California
Summary:
As requested by the Town Manager, staff has prepared Resolution 06-15 opposing the U.S.
President's FY 2007 Budget Proposal for the U.S. Forest Service proposal to include a
funding renewal of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000
by sale to the highest bidder of parcels of land owned by the U.S. Forest Service.
While only two parcels in Eagle County are targeted for this auction, the precedent this type of
disposal creates represents a dangerous threat to the entire White River National Forest system
and specifically to forest system lands that border the Town of Avon and are considered
federally protected public lands.
There is no rationale or methodology presented with the selection process, nor is there any
nexus to the sale of forest service lands in Colorado to the theoretical need for revenue sharing
proceeds from this sale to go only to 72 counties in Oregon, Washington and northern
California.
Attached to this memo is the press release of the U.S. Forest Service, the 2000 Secure Rural
Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, and an overview map showing the selected
auction parcels in Eagle County.
The resolution specifically recommends that the Colorado Municipal League and Town
citizens submit comments in opposition of this funding proposal by the March 30, 2006 public
comment deadline.
E
BCamciFMEM0S\2"JZm 06-15 USM Auction opposition.Doc
Recommendation: Approve Resolution No. 06-15, a resolution opposing public •
auction of U.S. Forest Service Lands in Eagle County to fund Federal Programs in Oregon,
Washington and northern California
Proposed Motion: I move to approve Resolution No. 06-15, a resolution opposing
public auction of U.S. Forest Service Lands in Eagle County to fimd Federal Programs in
Oregon, Washington, and northern California '
Town Manager Comments:
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Attachments:
Exhibit A: Resolution 06-15
Exlnbit:B: USDA Forest Service Press Release dated February 28, 2006
--Exhibit C: Secure Rural-Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000
Exhibit D: Overview Map of proposed Eagle County auction parcels
FAComciRMEMOSOMPta OCr 15 USFS Auction Oppw tiaLdm