Bill Would Allow Towns To Operate Programs On Federal Lands

Earlier this month Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Prescott), who represents Rim Country in Congress, introduced a bill that would make it possible for state and local governments to operate facilities and manage federal lands. H.R. 4786 would create a pilot program to allow state, local governments and nonprofits to operate third-party recreational concessions on certain lands managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management under the terms of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act (RPPA). “The BLM currently allows all kinds of third-party commercial concessions to take place on BLM lands including mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, golfing and zip-lining. These concessions are a critically important part of the economy for many communities throughout the West. “However, due to a lack of statutory authority and outdated regulations, third-party concessions that would otherwise be allowed on BLM lands are prohibited or severely restricted on RPPA parcels." The bill already has the backing of the National Association of Counties, the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, the National Association of State Park Directors, and the National Recreation and Park Association...more