2003 - 06  Sale of Public Land for Revenue Enhancement

Many units of government and governmentally controlled entities have acquired or received lands containing significant natural resources and open space values.

Present budget constraints increase the likelihood that governmental units and entities will attempt to increase their operating income by determining that some of these lands no longer serve an important function in their operation, and can be sold to augment the income of the governmental unit.

Such sales may come within the description of government actions with the "potential for significant environmental effects" that require environmental review (MN Rules Chapter 4410).

Consequently, the issues involved in the sale or other transfer of public lands owned by local and state governmental units appear to need study and clarification.

Therefore be it resolved that the Minnesota Division of the Izaak Walton League in annual convention April 26, 2003, urges the Minnesota legislature to conduct a one-year study of the procedures, justifications, and other issues involved in the sale of public land by governmental units as a method of revenue enhancement.