I find the topic of 'selling off BLM lands" philosophically interesting.........
Background:
The BLM was formed post WW2 by the Truman administration by combining both the General Land Office (which was formed as an agency to administer the Land Ordinance Act of 1785) and the US Grazing Office formed during the mid 1930's.
Now the original purpose of the GLO in administering the LOA of 1785 was to explore, survey and SELL federal lands as they were acquired to the public for settlement.........
At the turn of the 20th century as the Federal Govt began to realize more and more the VALUE of its property it began to issue 'grazing leases' rather than release property to be sold. This led to the formation of the above mentioned Grazing Office; and then putting Humpty Dumpty back to gether again and calling it the BLM........post WW2.
As the US population demographically changed frum rural to urban/suburban, 'settlement' became a less & less need or desire by Uncle Sam and its desire to maintain ownership of its property increased more & more to a point where today the BLM now desires to keep its property in federal ownership rather than the original GLO purpose of distribution; and US National Forest Dept seeks to reacquire property when it can and has finances to purchase.........
Given that often in Life things have a way of running 'full circle' i laugh that maybe 1 day the BLM will return to the original intended roots of land distribution as first called for by the GLO & Land Ordinance Act of 1795? No prolly not but still ????
PS: as a Land Surveyor for over 35 years licensed in 4 states I have extensive expereince with the notes & surveys, regs, & deed/patents & leases with the BLM/GLO and its administrative employees.
INTJohn
