The Office of State Lands and Investments is formally recommending an $80 million auction for the Kelly parcel in Wyoming, $18 million more than the appraised value, to meet fiduciary responsibilities for state trust lands benefitting Wyoming schools. While public comments, largely opposing the auction, have been shared with the Board of Land Commissioners, the decision ultimately rests with Governor Mark Gordon and four elected officials. The board justifies the $80 million minimum bid, emphasizing greater long-term returns for the state. The proposed auction, recommended by Jennifer Scoggin, director of the Office of State Lands and Investments, is set before January 30, 2024. Public meetings in Jackson, Casper, Cheyenne, and Cody reflected widespread opposition to the auction, with suggestions to sell directly to Grand Teton National Park for conservation. Wyomingites express a desire to preserve the parcel, renowned for unobstructed Teton views and crucial wildlife habitat, especially for the Path of the Pronghorn. The parcel's sale to the park would require legislative approval, an ongoing challenge. The public comment window is closing, and sentiments advocate for conservation, emphasizing the parcel's environmental significance and its role in the pronghorn migration route.
Read the whole article on Jackson Hole News & Guide here: https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/the_hole_scroll/despite-near-total-public-opposition-office-of-state-lands-recommends-auctioning-kelly-parcel-for-80/article_16d71744-9086-11ee-ab93-cfc989d45464.html
