This debate reminds me a lot of the debate over Grand Teton NP.

A handful of Wyoming ranchers, miners and the Wyoming state gov. pretty much lost their minds when, with the stroke of a pen, T Roosevelt established the Teton Forest Reserve.

Then a few years later they wake up to the fact that John D. Rockefeller had purchased most of the land in the Jackson Hole valley and wanted to give it to the Feds under the condition that it be established as a NP.

Wyoming freaked, even threatining to succeed. They rose such a stink that to this day Wyoming is the only state in the Union where a President cannot create a National Monument or Forest without Congress's approval. At the time it was the greatest land grab and threat to freedom ever concieved.

From Wikipedia: The mineral extraction industry and travel and tourism sector are the main drivers behind Wyoming’s economy. The Federal government owns about 50% of its landmass, while 6% is controlled by the state. Total taxable values of mining production in Wyoming for 2001 was over $6.7 billion. The tourism industry accounts for over $2 billion in revenue for the state.

So I gotta agree with those who think that Yocals deciding how to use Federal and State owned lands is pretty much a death sentance to said lands! I wonder if the residents of Wyoming would rather have the Feds control 50% of their landmass or the miners to control 50% of their land mass??

Pretty good vision for a couple of yahoo's from Manhattan! One of whom was a rancher himself!