How would it work: We are pursuing concepts for a federal bill that would provide a mechanism allowing states to apply for specific tracts of federally controlled land as they are willing and ready to care for these areas responsibly. Under this framework, states could apply for small-scale pilot project areas first and, if successful, seek additional tracts in the future. Existing valid rights and uses would be honored and special safeguards would be built in to preserve public access routes. Such parameters would ensure no loss of public access while allowing state and local citizens to have a meaningful role in policy decisions.

Finally, transferred lands would be administered in a manner that is consistent with each county's resource management plan. An equitable revenue-sharing arrangement between the state and counties is proposed so a large portion of any profits from mineral royalties, timber receipts or grazing fees would stay with the county to help fund things like local roads, crime control, ambulance, fire departments and other public services. The state’s share of proceeds could be used to support schools, highways, health care or other public programs anywhere in the state. Proceeds would be calculated after management costs are factored in, including setting aside adequate funds for a firefighting reserve account. There would be no requirement to maximize profits like there are with school trust lands, so use fees could be much lower than current trust land fees are.