Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Moskee acquisition nears public comment period

A state land acquisition that would return part of the Moskee to public ownership may finally be coming to fruition. Originally given the blessing of the State Board of Land Commissioners more than three years ago, the 4714-acres of scenic canyon lands in the Grand Canyon area, adjacent to the Black Hills National Forest, would be purchased from the Moskee Land Corporation.

Jessica Murkin, Real Estate Analyst for the Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments, updated the county commissioners on progress last week. She explained that the board approved an application for a Forest Legacy Grant in 2016, kickstarting the process of gathering data.

This process, said Murkin, includes appraisals, preliminary title commitments, a timber inventory and more.

“Once we have all this data in place…we will publish what we call our detailed analysis,” she said. This summarizes the data and launches a 60-day public comment period.

Halfway through that period, Murkin said, a public hearing will be held in Crook County. This is generally found to be the best moment during the process to receive the most comments, she explained, because people have had chance to look at the data.

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal will be presented to the State Board of Land Commissioners for final approval.

“If they reject it, that’s the end of it from our perspective,” she said. On the other hand, if the board approves it, the process of closing on the land will begin.

Commissioner Kelly Dennis asked why the state wants to purchase this land in particular.

“Our Forestry Division proposed acquisition of this property,” she said, because it’s one of the most productive timber areas in the state.

It’s also a good investment because it’s possible to secure federal funds and also donated funds, rather than rely entirely on the state to cover the cost, Murkin said.

“We think it’s a pretty good deal and we’ll be able to make some good timber and grazing revenue,” she said.

It is expected, said Murkin, that the land will go out to competitive lease. There will be no obligation to the current lease holders, who will need to bid like everyone else, she said.

If the data can be gathered in time, Murkin hopes it will be published on November 17, starting the 60-day comment period “if we’re able to make that deadline”. This would allow the proposal to be presented to the State Board of Land Commissioners at their February meeting.

If the deadline cannot be met, the process will be delayed to fit with the board’s April meeting instead.