PUBLIC OWNED LAND

    Productive farmland that is purchased for parks or open space should be kept in production using best management practices until the land is needed for its intended use. ’06

    We ask that legislation be enacted to make it unlawful for any government agency to acquire, by condemnation, any farmland in the state for the purpose of converting this land to parkland or recreation land. We support fee simple acquisition of parklands or landfills by willing sellers only. ’07

    In response to the budget deficits of the federal and state governments, we urge the governments to review the inventory of public lands in parks, forests, refuges and wildlands to determine the cost to maintain said lands. We request the legislature to review and evaluate the sale of certain of these lands to the private sector. '02

    We recommend that consideration be given to leasing these woodlands for hunting or other recreational uses in an effort to raise funds to cover the cost of maintaining and administering these lands. '02

Timberland Management
We urge the State to develop a more aggressive Forest Management Plan and Land Use and Recreation Plan to include more timely timbering, increased recreational and hunting opportunities and a steady and increased income to the counties. ’07