The Quiet Plan to Sell Off America’s National Forests: Episode 2

It's time to let your U.S. Senators know what you think,Weber County Forum readers, even while your U.S. congresscritters continue to believe this nefarious land grab scheme yet remains under the radar, wethink

Following up on our 3/18/15 story, wherein we reported a "quiet" U.S. Congessional plan to seize and sell off America’s national forests and other public lands, we've stumbled upon two more online stories reporting that the implementation of this scheme is well underway in the U.S. Congress:

First, the TRCP Blog blows the whistle on a series of senate budget resolutions which "put members of the Senate on record on several issues important to sportsmen."

Not the least important of these resolutions is this, the TRCP story notes:

Besides the basic funding levels, the giant alarm bell coming from the budget resolution was the amendment offered by Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) that essentially encourages Congress to “sell, or transfer to, or exchange with, a state or local government any Federal land that is not within the boundaries of a National Park, National Preserve, or National Monument…” The amendment passed 51-49. Here is a roll call of the vote.

Read the full story here, folks, which includes a link to an online petition designed to nip this scheme in the bud:

• The sale of your public lands is more possible now than ever

Secondly, we'll refer to yesterday's Daily Kos story, which reports that "One of the 43 amendments passed by Senate Republicans in Thursday's vote-a-rama was a sop to extremist state legislatures in the west who have been pushing states' rights bills that would allow the states to sell off the federal public lands within their borders." "That's right, congressional Republicans—federal representatives—want to allow states to seize and sell off the nation's heritage," Daily Kos remarks:

• This land is our land? Not if Republicans have their way

For those Weber County Forum readers who might be keen on taking direct political action, here's a link to the above-referenced sportmen's access petition, folks:

• Online Petition Tell your decision maker: stop the seizure and sale of public lands

Alternatively or additionally, call your Senator’s office at (202) 224-3121 and thank them if they voted ‘No’ or voice your concern if they voted ‘Yes’ See how they voted here.  (That's right, gentle readers; Utah Senators Hatch and Lee both voted  ‘Yes’)

It's time to let your U.S. Senators know what you think,Weber County Forum readers, even while these sneaky congresscritters continue to believe this nefarious land grab scheme yet remains under the radar, wethink.

Update 4/1/15 9:31 a.m.: Surprize of surprises.   The Deseret News reports this morning that Congressman Rob Bishop will be "running interference" for this congressional land giveaway scheme at the local Utah state level:

• Rep. Rob Bishop plans public lands hearings on federal ownership

Rep. Bishop's Billionaire Puppetmasters must certainly be proud.