Latest news with #WesternUSA
The Independent
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
A Republican push to sell public lands in the West is reigniting a political fight
Congressional Republicans say their plan to sell potentially hundreds of thousands of acres of federal land will generate revenue and ease growth pressures in booming Western cities. Yet without clear details on how it will work, skeptics worry it could be a giveaway for developers and mining companies and do little to ease the region's housing crisis. Legislation passed by the House Natural Resources Committee last week includes about 460,000 acres (186,155 hectares) in Nevada and Utah to be sold or transferred to local governments or private entities. The provision is part of a sweeping tax cut package and mirrors the Trump administration's view of most public lands as an asset to be used, not set aside for preservation. Who should control such sites has long been a burning source of disagreement in the West, where about half the acreage is under federal control and cities that sprawl across open landscapes face rising demand for housing, water and other necessities. The GOP plan is rekindling the fight and generating strong blowback from Democrats and conservationists. They see the measure as a precedent-setting move that would open the door to sales in other states. 'We have grave concerns that this is the camel's nose under the tent,' said Steve Bloch with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. "If it can happen in Utah, if it can happen in Nevada, it's not going to stay here. It's going to spread." Some Republicans also signaled opposition, setting up a political clash as the budget process moves forward. 'Good news' for fast-growing Nevada city The majority of land in the House provision is in Nevada, including the counties that encompass Reno, Las Vegas and the fast-growing city of Fernley, according to maps released by the measure's sponsors, Republican Reps. Mark Amodei of Nevada and Celeste Maloy of Utah. Fernley City Manager Benjamin Marchant said the opportunity to buy 12,000 acres (4850 hectares) of federal land at the edge of the community was 'good news.' The city size tripled since its incorporation in 2001 and is expected to double again over the next decade, he said. There is hope to emerge as a technology hub, but Fernley needs space to grow. 'We can't even talk about projects when it's federal land,' Marchant said. 'We can't sell what we don't own, and this is the first step.' Other parcels to be sold are farther from developed areas. They include sites bordering Zion National Park and tribal lands such as the Paiute Indian Tribe reservation in Utah and the Pyramid Lake Paiute reservation in Nevada. 'That means the tribe can't grow," said Mathilda Miller with Native Voters Alliance Nevada, an advocacy group for the state's tribes that opposes the sales. 'They can't reclaim the land that was stolen from their tribe, and it brings development right up to their doorstep.' Roughly 100,000 acres (40,500 hectares) in western Nevada's rural Pershing County could be sold to private companies with mining claims or mining infrastructure, according to Amodei's office. The legislation also requires federal parcels in that area to be exchanged for an equal amount of nonfederal land. Landlocked by federal holdings Many of the communities near sale locations share a common theme: Their expansion is hemmed in by federal property, which makes up 80% of the land in Nevada and 63% in Utah. Some states in the Midwest and East have 1% or less federal land by comparison. Public parcels often are interspersed with private holdings in a 'checkerboard' fashion that further complicates development efforts. Housing advocates caution that federal land is not universally suitable for affordable housing. Generally, the farther away the land is from cities and towns the more infrastructure is required — roads, sewage, public transportation. 'It's a costly way to go because of the infrastructure needs, because of the time it will take,' said Vicki Been of the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy at New York University. 'I'm not saying that there's no place on federal lands that would make sense, but one has to really look carefully.' The Republican proposal seeks to identify suitable lands in coordination with local municipalities. That has left some concerned there aren't enough assurances that the land, or enough land, will end up going to affordable housing. 'The devils in the details,' said Tara Rollins, executive director of the Utah Housing Coalition. 'It could just be a land grab. There just needs to be a lot of checks and balances.' A failed lawsuit to wrest control The wholesale transfer of federal lands to local or private entities is something many western conservatives have long sought. Republican officials in Utah last year filed a lawsuit last seeking to take over huge swathes of federal land in the state, but they were rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court. Twelve other states backed Utah's bid. There also are strong voices within the GOP against public land sales, notably Montana lawmakers Rep. Ryan Zinke, who was interior secretary in Trump's first term, and Sen. Steve Daines. Colorado Rep. Jeff Hurd was the lone Republican on the Natural Resources Committee to vote against the lands provision. The legislation would sell about 10,000 acres (4050 hectares) of land in two Utah counties. Maloy said it avoids areas that should be conserved and would help ease demand for housing and water, by creating space to build new homes and expand reservoir capacity. Smaller land sales are a common practice for the Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management. 'Not all federal lands have the same value,' Maloy said. 'In both Democratic and Republican administrations, for decades, we've been disposing of appropriate lands in a manner that's consistent with what I propose to do here.' ___
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VISIT GLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO RECEIVES HONOR
Best Destination Marketing & Management Organization 2025 – Western USA Summer View of Glenwood Springs Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Best Destination Marketing & Management Organization 2025 – Western USA Located in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, Glenwood Springs is a vibrant city of eclectic attractions and incredible outdoor recreation. As the contracted destination marketing and management organization for the City of Glenwood Springs, Visit Glenwood Springs provides the city with responsible marketing to promote the local economy, enhance residents' quality of life, and protect the area's natural resources. Recognized for the second year in LUXlife Travel and Tourism Awards 2025, Glenwood Springs is a captivating location that offers endless fun and excitement for travellers. Glenwood Springs, Colorado is a mecca of outdoor fun, home to the world's largest hot springs pool and 32 therapeutic mineral springs pools and historic vapor caves. The town has earned the name 'The Land of Water' for its two rivers, its immersive water activities and three hot springs attractions. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is a family-friendly resort featuring the Sopris Splash Zone, complete with a thrilling adventure river tube ride. Iron Mountain Hot Springs and the 21-plus WorldSprings expansion offers visitors revitalizing geothermal and inspired mineral springs pools with unparalleled Colorado River views. For those who prefer steam baths, Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves utilizes the geothermal mineral waters to provide therapeutic steaming experiences designed to detox the body and enhance relaxation. Situated at the mouth of the Roaring Fork Valley, Glenwood Springs is an oasis of water where hot springs meet pristine rivers that have carved out vast caves ready for exploration. From white-water rafting and kayaking to excellent fishing, the Colorado river offers many popular water activities for the whole family to enjoy. Local raft guides provide visitors with guided trips while skilled rafters can embark on their own river adventures. Glenwood Springs is also renowned for its fly fishing with the Roaring Fork River Valley boasting Colorado's longest stretch of designated Gold Metal Water. In addition to numerous water activities, visitors can explore a hub of outdoor recreation, vibrant dining experiences, boutique shopping, and museums. Rich in history and culture, Glenwood Springs offers visitors and residents endless unique adventures to make their experience unforgettable. Glenwood Springs is renowned for its many hot springs' spots, hiking, and biking trails. The Rio Grande Trail and Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path offer miles of multi-use trail, perfect for those on foot, cycles, or mountain bikes. Hiking to the beautiful Hanging Lake, a National Natural Landmark and Colorado treasure, is a highlight for visitors with exceptional views of the lake and dazzling waterfalls. Hikers must purchase a reservation in advance to experience this challenging but rewarding backcountry hike. A shorter trail to Doc Holliday's memorial provides visitors with a snapshot of Old West history. John Henry 'Doc' Holliday, Glenwood Springs' most famous dentist turned gunslinger, is an American legend and a trip to the town would be incomplete without trekking to his memorial marker in Linwood Pioneer Cemetery. With 75 years of combined experience in tourism, marketing, and public relations, Lisa Langer, Tourism Director and Heidi Pankow, Communications Director, are the team behind Glenwood Springs' marketing and management. Visit Glenwood Springs has been involved with major industry collaborations including the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop and the Roaring Fork Valley Destination Alliance. Lisa and Heidi actively participate in state and regional boards and commissions including the Colorado Association of Destination Marketing Organizations. Lisa says, 'Visit Glenwood Springs works in a nimble and flexible style that allows us to shift our resources and messages when necessary. We have faced wildfire, weather, and other natural disaster events in recent years. We are committed to excellence in all we do. Visit Glenwood Springs is an active partner with the Colorado Tourism Office's Destination Stewardship Coalition and Inclusivity in Tourism Coalition and have been chosen among three Colorado destinations to participate in an Accessible Tourism Pilot Program with Wheel the World. The Glenwood Springs Visitor Center has been refreshed to emphasize the 'Do Colorado Right' responsible traveller messaging, walkable wayfinding mapping and itineraries.' The Visit Glenwood Springs team is passionate about promoting the beauty and vibrant community to encourage responsible tourism that will benefit the local economy and its residents. From rejuvenating hot springs and water activities to rambling trails and thriving local businesses, Glenwood Springs is a must-see destination for adventurous travellers. Recognized as this year's Best Destination Marketing & Management Organization – Western USA, Visit Glenwood Springs remains steadfast in its mission to support the local community while improving the lives of residents and protecting natural resources. ### Contact Details (To Be Published) Contact: Lisa Langer – lisa@ Company: Visit Glenwood Springs Web Address: Attachments Summer View of Glenwood Springs LUXlife Award_Visit Glenwood Springs_2025_final.docx CONTACT: Lisa Langer Visit Glenwood Springs 970230 lisa@ in to access your portfolio
