By Jen Schumann | Contributing Writer, Rocky Mountain Voice
Almost half of the land in the American West — 46.4% to be exact — is owned by the federal government. To put this into perspective, in most other parts of the nation that number sits only at 4.2%.
This often creates hurdles for local communities planning for growth. The six-year struggle to acquire a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) parcel in Mesa County demonstrates this. Even though the land was designated as surplus, federal red tape delayed its transfer.
On April 28, 2023, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert introduced the CONVEY Act to challenge this bureaucratic bottleneck. Passing the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support last week, it now awaits final approval from the President.
Once signed into law, it will allow the transfer of 31.1 acres of federal land to Mesa County.
Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland celebrated the act, saying, “Our community needs creative opportunities for job growth, and the CONVEY Act does just that. Thank you to Congresswoman Lauren Boebert for continuing her work on this bill and standing up for rural Coloradans, as well as Senator Hickenlooper for taking the lead in the U.S. Senate.”
Local leaders and Boebert’s dedication drove the push for accountability.
In November 2022, Boebert pushed for updates from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding delays in transferring the Clifton parcel, specifically requesting clarity on pending steps and urging progress.
Her proactive engagement ensured that environmental reviews, land suitability assessments and inter-agency coordination were completed.
Former Mesa County Commissioner Rose Pugliese emphasized, “After years of work for Mesa County on this project, it is incredible to see the CONVEY Act now passed through both chambers of Congress. This investment will provide a necessary boost to the economy on the Western Slope and allow this land to be put to good use for rural Coloradans.”
Federal land disposal involves complex laws, like The Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA). These legal frameworks aim for transparency and environmental care. But they often cause delays that hinder rural economic development.
The CONVEY Act demonstrates how Congress can intervene to speed up processes when federal oversight becomes a barrier to local development.
Boebert’s direct involvement, including seeking updates from the BLM and holding agencies accountable for delays, demonstrates the importance of congressional oversight in expediting federal land transfers.
As she noted, “My CONVEY Act will bring jobs to Mesa County and foster long-term economic growth on the West Slope by removing the bureaucratic red tape that has stalled this conveyance for more than six years.”
The act also underscores a bipartisan commitment to effective land management. Sen. John Hickenlooper, who championed the bill’s passage in the Senate, demonstrated the collaborative power of addressing shared rural priorities.
“Acquiring this land for Mesa County will be a victory for our residents and the entire Western Slope,” said Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis. “Our community is very appreciative of the work Congresswoman Boebert and Sen. Hickenlooper have done on this legislation.”
The parcel in Clifton offers strategic opportunities for attracting businesses, creating jobs and bolstering local infrastructure.
By enabling Mesa County to unlock this land’s potential, the CONVEY Act positions Clifton for sustainable growth. Proceeds from the land sale will also contribute to the Federal Land Disposal Account, ensuring funds are reinvested in state-level land management projects.
Boebert’s CONVEY Act sets a precedent for addressing similar challenges in rural communities across the United States.
“Stakeholders have differing views on when federal ownership of lands is appropriate and how federal lands should be managed,” according to the Congressional Research Service’s report on Land Disposal Authorities and Processes of the Bureau of Land Management.
This ongoing discourse underscores the need for strategic advocacy by local governments to address their community-specific challenges and priorities. As highlighted in broader debates about federal land transfers, stakeholders often clash over competing priorities, from economic development to conservation.
While some emphasize conservation and recreation, others prioritize economic development. When local governments, like Mesa County, advocated for greater access to federal lands for community development, Rep. Boebert responded by leveraging the legislative power of Congress to address these needs.
By retaining 8.25 acres of the parcel for Bureau of Reclamation projects, the act preserves critical federal interests while empowering Mesa County to pursue its economic goals. Such compromises highlight the importance of collaboration between federal agencies and local governments.
The CONVEY Act stands as more than a local achievement. It signifies a broader pivot toward addressing the unique challenges faced by rural communities nationwide.
Similar efforts in places like Lander County, Nev., where local governments have empowered themselves to address strategic priorities through legislative actions. In December 2022, the Lander County Land Management and Conservation Act transferred approximately 22,000 acres of federal land to local government.
This transfer supports initiatives such as watershed protection, recreation and infrastructure improvements, showcasing how federal land conveyances can drive tangible economic and community benefits.
The CONVEY Act’s success highlights the power of oversight by members of Congress. Boebert’s success in Clifton aligns with similar legislative strides in places like Lander County, where the federal land transfer has facilitated economic growth and strengthened local autonomy.
The act empowers Clifton to serve as a hub for innovative development on the Western Slope. As Mesa County Commissioner Janet Rowland stated, “Our community needs creative opportunities for job growth, and the CONVEY Act does just that.”
With the BLM managing nearly 45% of Mesa County’s land, federal agencies greatly influence local opportunities.
Local communities could hold the key to managing underused federal lands more efficiently, especially when the administrative maze can be streamlined. This requires collaboration between federal and local entities. Proponents argue this approach could pave the way for economic growth in rural America.
The CONVEY Act elevates the nationwide debate on balancing federal land management with local development needs.