November 3, 2022 |
The Bureau of Land Management concedes the public was kept in the dark while the federal agency purchased a big ranch in central Wyoming earlier this year. Governor Mark Gordon and the BLM have reached a settlement in Wyoming’s favor on the state’s appeal of the agency’s acquisition of the Marton Ranch in May.
The Marton Ranch stretches along the North Platte River in Natrona County and sprawls southward across scrub sage brush in Carbon County.
Wyoming filed an appeal in June challenging the BLM’s purchase of 35,000-plus acre ranch south of Casper. The State claimed that the 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 the May 18, 2022 decision. The feds say they now will provide additional opportunities for public notice and comment, and supplement its environmental analysis to better address issues” raised by the State.
Governor Gordon said in a statement that the agency’s decision to remand the decision for further review was “gratifying.” The governor said his concern was that the legal process was not followed.
“I am pleased they have agreed to complete a public comment period, do further environmental analysis and consult with state agencies,” the governor stated. “This also offers an opportunity for additional discussions about the process, should the BLM pursue other acquisitions.”
The official document from the U.S. Department of Interior setting aside the decision and remanding the matter for appropriate action is dated October 21, 2022.
Click here to view 2022-218 Order Granting Motion to Set Aside and Remand
Pictured above: Photo from Marton Ranch real estate listing from farmandranch.com.
