JUNE 15, 2000

Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, this Statement for the Record sets forth the Administration’s position on S. 1030, the 60 Bar Land Exchange Act.

The Administration supports S. 1030, which involves the exchange of approximately 20,000 acres of Federal land for 9,480 acres of private land in the state of Wyoming. The private lands were formerly located within the 60 Bar Ranch, adjacent to existing Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Wyoming state lands. They have been purchased by Cow Creek LLC, a limited liability company, and will be exchanged for scattered, isolated tracts of public land located within the private ranch units of the owners of Cow Creek LLC. An existing uranium company holds unpatented mining claims on the scattered public lands proposed for exchange. The company stated a willingness to relinquish its surface interest to these claims back to the U.S. if this act passes. With respect to the lands being transferred by the BLM, S. 1030 provides for an exemption to 43 CFR Section 2201.1-2 (d) and 2091.3-2(c). These exemptions will allow the uranium company to locate and develop mining claims in the future. While these exemptions are unusual, it is our understanding that owners of Cow Creek LLC support this legislation.

If this exchange is completed, a block of approximately 18,600 acres will be established with public access. Completion of this exchange will provide excellent recreation opportunities for the American public.

 June 15, 2000 (10:30am)