NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed a declaratory resolution at its meeting on Wednesday declaring that they do not believe the federal government has the authority to implement the 30x30 goal of the Biden administration.
"I've drafted a resolution for consideration that would direct the federal government not to involuntarily impress conservation efforts on landowners," said county counselor Patrick Hoffman. "I also added a statement with that same concern regarding historical trails, because that's something that may be of interest locally. The U.S. Department of Interior has in its charter one of its requirements is to take under consideration local government input. If something like this is passed, we would send it to the Department of Interior and they would compile it, most likely. Obviously, it's a federal program, so the local government has very limited power to impress upon the federal government, but they are supposed to listen to our voice."
Commissioner Don Bogner is concerned about this generally, as the beginning of a slippery slope.
"I think it is a legitimate issue," Bogner said. "I've got friends in other states where the government has gradually started buying up properties. Local people run out of money far, far before our federal government does. They expand their national parks. They do various other things. They would probably come off with a pretty light touch in the beginning, but once they accumulate enough land, then things change."
The commission is clear that they are against the taking of private land for federal purposes involuntarily.
"Other counties are interested," said commissioner Ron Hirst. "I know McPherson County wants to see, if we pass this, they want to see what we've done and other counties, too. It's time that we at least have an opportunity to make our thoughts known."
The resolution notes that there is no Constitutional authority for the federal government to take land without due compensation.
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