Press Release

Date: January 6, 2016

Re:
Statement regarding Hammond Ranch Conflict
Contact:
American Lands Council (801) 252-6622
info@americanlandscouncil.org
www.AmericanLandsCouncil.org
In spite of grave injustices levied against the Hammond ranching family, the
potentially dangerous standoff that is shaping up in Oregon is not likely to resolve
conflicts caused by the federal governments mismanagement of public lands.
Although we understand the frustration with how the Hammonds and many other
rural Americans have been treated by federal land managers, we pray the situation
in Oregon is decided peacefully, and that calm reason prevails on all sides.
We at the American Lands Council recognize the current system of federal public
land management is failing America in nearly every regard. Significant reforms are
necessary to improve public access, environmental health, multiple use, and
opportunities for land-based livelihoods. ALC is comprised of hundreds of elected
officials, resource experts and volunteers who are working diligently with State,
local, and national elected leaders to free the lands from out-of-touch federal
bureaucracies through education, legislation, and, if necessary, litigation.
ALCs Public Policy
is centered on transferring federally controlled public lands to
the more responsive and accountable state and local governments so the American
people can tend our environment locally, thoughtfully, and with common sense.
Who better to tend the lands in a state than the people who live there and care the
most about the air, water, wildlife, and local communities?
ALCs tremendous efforts within the policy arena over the past 3 years have proven
viable, as evidenced by this recent, ground-breaking
legal analysis
, this
economic
study
, and favorable legislative efforts in nearly half the states and the U.S.
Congress. In recent months, numerous presidential candidates have come out in
support of freeing public lands from unaccountable federal bureaucracies and
shifting authority to willing states. The National Farm Bureau, National Association
of Counties, Republican National Committee, and numerous other organizations also
support the lawful transfer of public lands to the states.

Our goal is healthy air, water and wildlife; abundant outdoor recreation
opportunities; and safe, vibrant communities. Unfortunately, federal
mismanagement of our public lands is producing unhealthy air and water,
decimated wildlife, blocked off and destroyed recreation access, and unsafe,
economically depressed communities. As the constitutional lines of jurisdiction have
become blurred, unfair treatment of American citizens has also become more
prevalent.
Under local control, issues like the Hammond ranch legal case would be resolved
under state law by local officials, judges, and juries who are accountable to their
local communities. As such, conflicts would be better resolved in accordance with
the will of the people, and the livelihoods of rural Americans will no longer be
needlessly placed in jeopardy.
We encourage all who desire better public land governance to
join ALC
and work
with friends, neighbors, resource experts, and elected officials to lawfully and
peacefully enact reasonable solutions that restore fairness and balance in the way
our public lands are managed.
Finally, if We the People concentrate our efforts on electing good, wise, and
honest representatives who are committed to upholding the U.S. Constitution, we
can all live in harmony with what America is said to be the Land of Liberty.
Feel free to share this info and learn more about the legal, economic, and
environmental case for the Transfer of Public Lands at
www.AmericanLandsCouncil.org
.
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