I believe the feds know their argument of excess lands is fraudulent based on what is written in the master plan. However they will never admit to it. Unless it is some how pushed to the high courts the land transfer will continue. As far as this bill 1457 goes this is obviously an attempt by a few snake in the grass politicians in ND to gain from the land transfer. Hopefully during the next election go around the people in their districts vote these people out. I would prefer to see the state have control of these lands and others such as some Federal refuges. Don't get me wrong any government be it state or federal can screw things up. I prefer to have the people making decisions on land management to be locally elected officials or committee rather than a management plan dictated by people that have never set foot in ND. I will give you a few examples of stupid land management policies from the feds on refuges here in ND. 1. Prescribed burns in ;Lake Darling, Lostwood of which I am very familiar with its devastating effects on wintering habitat. All because some tree huger in Denver thinks a refuge on the prairies should only have grass. They don't take into consideration that todays practices of farming from road ditch to road ditch increases the value of land with a good mix of grass, trees and shrubs so local wildlife have an area to make it through winters. 2. Limiting boat access. This one I am mainly referencing Lake Audubon. Why is the southern portion of that lake still off limits to boats? There is just as many ducks and geese that nest and occupy the boating area than there is on the restricted area.
Moving back to the point of this thread we need to be vocal and make sure that the fat cat politicians know we are watching as we can not afford to lose anymore land for public access. There is not much habitat left on private lands and where there is good luck getting access. It would be great to see the state try to initiate some form of a CRP program. Maybe the farming groups would be willing to listen now that the commodity prices are back in the crapper.
Moving back to the point of this thread we need to be vocal and make sure that the fat cat politicians know we are watching as we can not afford to lose anymore land for public access. There is not much habitat left on private lands and where there is good luck getting access. It would be great to see the state try to initiate some form of a CRP program. Maybe the farming groups would be willing to listen now that the commodity prices are back in the crapper.
