Preservation of Historic Idaho Property Nears Completion

Federal Land Facilitation Transaction Act (FLTFA) funding approved to conserve 160 acres in the City of Rocks National Reserve in South-Central Idaho

January 14, 2009

Contact:
Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, 703.908.5809

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – The Conservation Fund commended the secretaries of Interior and Agriculture for approving land acquisition funding today to conserve a key tract of private land located within the western entrance of Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve, along the California National Historic Trail.

Today’s approval of Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act funds will help the National Park Service tell the story of western trailblazers’ historic journey along the California National Historic Trail (NHT) by protecting the 160-acre tract’s historic wagon ruts and outstanding scenery.

Funded through sales of lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Federal Land Facilitation Act (FLTFA) of 2000 provided funding to the National Park Service to acquire this critical tract for the City of Rocks National Reserve and California NHT.  Upon completion of the project later this year, the public will enjoy access to the property and a greater appreciation of the courage and hardships of mid-19th century pioneers that settled in the western United States.

The Idaho congressional delegation strongly supported this acquisition and encouraged the Secretary of Interior to approve the FLTFA funding.

“Idaho holds a prominent role in the historic westward immigration of our nation’s settlers and preserving these trails for future visitors is paramount,” Senator Crapo said.  “Secretary Kempthorne and The Conservation Fund are to be commended for their role in approving and acquiring this funding, which I was proud to support in the United States Senate.”

“The acquisition of this property is an important addition to the City of Rocks National Reserve and forever protects land that is a vital link to our region’s past,” said Congressman Mike Simpson, ranking member of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.  “I applaud the secretaries of Interior and Agriculture for recognizing the importance of this land acquisition and taking action to ensure its long-term protection. I also commend The Conservation Fund for its efforts to identify and conserve some of our nation’s most important public lands.”

“We thank Senator Crapo and Congressman Mike Simpson along with the National Park Service for supporting this wonderful project,” said Mark W. Elsbree, vice president of the Northwest region for The Conservation Fund. “The Federal Land Facilitation Act is a wonderful tool for advancing land conservation by providing much needed funds for acquisition.  This project will leave a wonderful conservation legacy.”

Passed by Congress in 2000, FLTFA embodies the concept of “land for land,” using the proceeds from federal land sales to acquire key lands for the BLM, USDA Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service.  FLTFA projects are funded through the sale of federal lands that the BLM has deemed eligible for disposal via land use plans approved following extensive opportunities for public comment.  

Through the sales of scattered and discontiguous tracts with limited benefits to the public, FLTFA provides a balanced approach for conservation and economic development.  In a time of increased budget pressures, FLTFA is an excellent way to use the sale of non-essential BLM land to generate funds to acquire high priority land for conservation, outdoor recreation and historic preservation.  

In addition to its historic significance along the California NHT, the City of Rocks features remarkable granite spires dating back over 2.5 billion years.  These spires and associated lands provide the public with outstanding opportunities for rock climbing, hiking, camping, wildlife watching and other forms of outdoor recreation.    

Today’s approval of FLTFA funds supports the acquisition of other projects, including a 40-acre acquisition in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming. 

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