Agenda

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ARF- 3629

Regular Agenda Item 2. H.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	03/15/2016
Submitted For:	Jacque Sanders
Submitted By:	Jacque Sanders, Asst. County Manager/Librarian
Department:	Deputy County Mgr/Library District

Information

Request/Subject

Approval of responses for the Survey of Counties Land Management and Conditions to be submitted to the Arizona Transfer for Federally Managed Lands Study Committee.

Background Information

In 2015, the Transfer of Public Lands Study Committee (TPL) was established by the Arizona Legislature and Governor to examine processes to transfer, manage and dispose of federal lands within Arizona. This study committee consists of the chairperson and vice chairperson of the House of Representatives committee on agriculture, water and lands, the chairperson and vice chairperson of the Senate committee on rural affairs and environment and a member of the public appointed by the Governor.

One of the specific outcomes outlined in the purposes of this committee is to survey the County Board of Supervisors of counties that contain at least fifteen percent land area under the management of federal agencies. The TPL has established that the attached survey be completed and returned by March 22, 2016, and that each county only submit one survey.

Evaluation

Since the land management within Gila County is primarily under the jurisdiction of the United States Forest Service, it is important that the County respond to this survey on behalf of the residents that live, work and play here. The survey instrument covers five main areas: Public Health, Safety and Welfare, Environmental Quality, Economic Productivity and Sustainability, Consistency with State and Local Objectives, and Ownership and Jurisdictional Responsibilities. Various factors influence each of these areas, and consideration has been given to each.

Conclusion

Approval and submittal of this survey will ensure that the Gila County Board of Supervisors has been responsive to the request for participation in the TPL Committee's effort to evaluate this topic and provides input into the development of management priorities for public lands.

Recommendation

Staff recommends that the attached survey be approved for submission to the Transfer of Federally Managed Lands Study Committee.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to approve Gila County's response to the Survey of Counties Land Management and Conditions for submittal to the Arizona Transfer of Federally Managed Lands Committee. (Jacque Sanders)

Attachments
Survey-Gila County's Response