Wyoming Approves $100M Sale to Federal Government

Wyoming officials have voted 3-2 to sell approximately 640 acres of state land within Grand Teton National Park to the federal government for $100 million, a decision aimed at protecting the land from private development after decades of contention. The sale, supported by Governor Mark Gordon and other leading officials, is seen as a significant step towards preserving the ecological and scenic integrity of the park. Despite potential higher returns from private developers, conservation groups have advocated for public ownership to prevent ecological degradation. The land, which has generated minimal revenue from grazing leases, is now poised for federal acquisition by the end of the year. Critics of the sale expressed concerns about securing the best possible deal for the state amidst changing political dynamics, while proponents emphasized the importance of prioritizing preservation over profit. This transaction symbolizes a resolution of long-standing tensions regarding land management in one of America's iconic national parks.