In the center of Pinteop-Lakeside, AZ, there is an enclave of National Forest land on which exist several wonderful community assets: a lake, some wooded areas, and an active spring that exhibits several active ecosystems. For years, the lake has been used as a community rendezvous point, with picnic areas and athletic fields; and the Big Springs area has been called the "Outdoor Classroom", where students from all grade levels can hike a half-mile on a nice day and study nature. The town and school district have been trying for years to get the Feds to either cede the land to the community, or to offer it at a decent price. The Feds have refused, instead threatening several times in the past to sell the assets to developers unless the community can come up with $50 million or some unaffordable amount.
Here is a perfect example of an opportunity for the federal government to serve the interests of the people at the local level; but no-o-o-o-o-o-o (you get the idea).
There are already enough “public” lands.
I applaud the Feds on trying to sell public land to private interests.