Land conservation plan stirs fight over Trump restrictions

Proposed land conservation purchases in dozens of states would preserve parts of natural areas in tourist destinations, U.S. officials anunced Friday as lawmakers from both parties pushed back on Trump ministration restrictions on how money can be spent.

$125 million in congressionally authorized spending would buy up private property inside boundaries of places including Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, Kentucky’s Green River National Wildlife Refuge and Florida’s Evergles region.

It comes as some senators objected to an order last week from U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt that empowers local and state officials to block purchases. Bernhardt's order also limits land acquisitions to property inside existing boundaries of parks and refuges, rar than expanding ir footprint.

table among critics of order is Sen. Steve Daines. Montana Republican helped barter a bipartisan agreement that authorized conservation fund purchases under Great American Outdoors Act, which was signed into law in August.

Daines said in a statement that order ran counter to “ transparency, collaboration, and partnerships that have me this critical conservation program so successful for deces.”

“This must be corrected going forward to ensure Montana voices are heard,” Daines said. “Fortunately, Congress maintains oversight.”

Democratic Sens. Tom Udall of New Mexico, Jon Tester of Montana and Joe Manchin of West Virginia also have raised objections.

Udall called it a “last-gasp attempt" by President Donald Trump's ministration to hinder land preservation efforts. Several conservation groups also have raised objections. A Tester spokesman said it was a "slap in face" for ministration to push through order just weeks before Trump leaves office.

An Interior Department official closely involved in development of spending plan defended Bernhardt's order in an interview with Associated Press. Margaret Everson, a counselor to Bernhardt, indicated re are plans to rescind order as Tester has requested.

“This idea about being a good neighbor and coordinating with state and local counterparts is a good idea," she said. “That's something that's really important as we prioritize recreational access and opportunities for everybody.”

Tester spokesman Roy Loewenstein said senator would push ministration of Democratic President-elect Joe Biden to quickly strike down Bernhardt's order.

Im Credits: AP