County Officials Address Concerns Over Federal Land Management Plans

During the Curry County Board of Commissioners meeting on September 3, 2025, concerns regarding the management of federal lands in the county took center stage. Residents expressed frustration over a lack of transparency related to plans for leasing national forest land, which had recently been reported in the news.

One resident highlighted that the first mention of these plans came through media coverage rather than direct communication from the commissioners. This raised questions about the county's commitment to keeping the public informed about significant decisions affecting local land management. The resident urged the commissioners to address this issue openly during the meeting.

In response, Commissioner Tim noted that discussions about leasing federal lands had been previously addressed in earlier meetings. He clarified that the mention of 80,000 acres was a speculative idea brought up during a public meeting about revenue-generating opportunities, not a finalized plan. He acknowledged that the media coverage had misrepresented the situation, leading to public concern.

Commissioner Tim emphasized the importance of the "Good Neighbor Authority" agreement with the Forest Service, which allows for local management of certain federal lands. He expressed regret for any confusion caused by the article and reassured residents that the county would continue to engage with the public on this topic.

The meeting also featured comments from other residents who echoed similar sentiments about feeling sidelined in the decision-making process. One resident described the situation as feeling like a "backstab," particularly since they had missed previous discussions due to health issues.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the commissioners are aware of the community's concerns and are committed to addressing them. The discussion on federal land management is expected to continue, with promises of further public engagement in the future. This commitment to transparency and communication will be crucial as the county navigates the complexities of land management and seeks to involve residents in the decision-making process.