Ouray County commissioners raised alarms about recent federal proposals discussed in national committees that could authorize sale or conveyance of public lands. Commissioners said the county should articulate its values on public lands protection and the interests of gateway communities.

Why it matters: commissioners noted that some national proposals under discussion would have treated broad swaths of BLM and Forest Service lands as potentially eligible for sale; depending on language, parcels in or near Ouray County could include campgrounds, trailheads and other public‑use facilities. Commissioners said that, even if the legislative effort shifts, the county should adopt an evergreen resolution that explains why public lands matter locally and asks federal representatives to protect watershed, recreation access, wildlife habitat and gateway community needs.

The board asked staff to draft a short, local resolution for consideration at a near‑term meeting or work session. Commissioners suggested the resolution should emphasize: continued federal stewardship and staffing of public lands, protection of critical watersheds and trailheads, the role of public lands in the county’s outdoor recreation economy, and the need for any congressional proposals to consider gateway community impacts. Commissioners also discussed continuing outreach to regional partners and ensuring messaging ties to county economic and water‑resource concerns.

No formal resolution was adopted at the June 25 work session; staff were asked to prepare draft language and supporting materials.