[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 9, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5091-S5092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. McCAIN (for himself and Mr. Kyl):
  S. 849. A bill to provide for a land exchange in the State of Arizona 
between the Secretary of Agriculture and Yavapai Ranch Limited 
Partnership; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to join with Senator Kyl 
today to introduce the Northern Arizona National Forest Land Exchange 
Act of 2003. This bill facilitates an exchange of over 50,000 acres of 
Federal and private land in Arizona for the primary purpose of 
consolidating National Forest lands currently in checkerboard ownership 
in the northwestern portion of the State. Included in the exchange are 
a number of other Federal land parcels located in the communities of 
Flagstaff, Williams, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, and Camp Verde and other 
lands currently leased by six different camps.
  This is a complex land exchange because of its size, the diverse 
nature of the lands involved, and the range of potential benefits and 
impacts that would result. The Forest Service has stated that the 
consolidation of the checkerboard in the Prescott National Forest will 
yield significant benefits and cost-savings to the public. In putting 
forth this exchange with the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership, the 
Forest Service has identified opportunities to achieve better and more 
cost-effective management of Federal lands and resources, to acquire 
lands that will meet the important public objectives of protection of 
wildlife habitat, cultural resources, watershed, wilderness and 
aesthetic values, and also meet the needs of State and local residents 
and their economies.
  The communities of Flagstaff and Williams and the camps are strongly 
in favor of this bill as it will allow them to acquire federal lands 
that will be exchanged to Yavapai Ranch, providing them beneficial 
economic and land use management opportunities. The communities of 
Clarkdale, Cottonwood, and Camp Verde are also an important part of 
this exchange. Inclusion of these parcels, totaling more than 300 
acres, has focused discussion on essential issues of available water 
supply, the limits of sustainable growth, and quality of life concerns.
  The issue of potential adverse impacts of new development on limited 
water resources has been addressed in this bill through the 
establishment of conservation easements which limit water use on the 
Verde Valley parcels after private acquisition. This foresighted 
provision is intended to conserve precious surface and ground water 
resources and protect the water users and State water right holders 
dependent upon them. Given the uncertainty about available water 
supplies and future uses, I believe this is a responsible measure which 
is in the interest of both Arizona citizens and the American public.
  Of primary importance to me are the procedural terms and conditions 
by which the land exchange will be conducted. The Forest Service has 
stated that the procedures set forth in this bill represent standard 
practice and will allow for the desired outcome of a fair and equal 
value exchange of public property. I have also made an effort to

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solicit public input on the exchange in order to appreciate the 
potential benefits and costs involved. I held several public meetings 
in Arizona on the exchange and have heard and read the differing views 
of hundreds of interested Arizonans.
  After careful consideration, I believe it is appropriate that the 
bill be introduced at this time. While the proposed exchange has the 
support of the Forest Service, the elected representatives of the 
affected communities, and the camps, introduction of this bill advances 
us to the next phase of public consideration of key aspects and 
procedural issues associated with the legislation.
  I expect that public hearings will be held here and in Arizona on the 
bill in the near future. The Forest Service will have an opportunity to 
provide public statements concerning the specific provisions of the 
bill, as will other parties affected by the exchange. I anticipate that 
in the next phase of the legislative process, our state delegation will 
receive the information needed to address any remaining issues and 
ensure that this exchange will be conducted in a manner that benefits 
the citizens of Arizona and Federal taxpayers alike.
  Mr. KYL. Mr. President, today, I am pleased to join with Senator 
McCain to introduce the Northern Arizona National Forest Land Exchange 
Act of 2003. This bill, which facilitates a large and very complex land 
exchange in Arizona, is the product of months of discussions between 
the Forest Service, community groups, local officials, and other 
stakeholders. It will allow communities to accommodate growth and 
improve the management of our forests; it will also yield many 
environmental benefits to the public.
  This bill will protect some of Arizona's most beautiful ponderosa 
pine forests from future development by placing approximately 35,000 
acres of private land into public use. It consolidates a 110-square 
mile area in the Prescott National Forest near the existing Juniper 
Mesa Wilderness under Forest Service ownership, to preserve the area in 
its natural state and prevent its subdivision. This land has old growth 
ponderosa pine that is at least 250 years old and juniper that is 500 
years old or older. Consolidation will preserve the area for watershed 
management, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation. Without 
consolidation, these tracts would be open to future development. I am 
pleased that this bill will preserve them for future generations.
  This bill significantly improves management of the Prescott National 
Forest. The existing checkerboard ownership pattern in the Prescott 
makes management and access difficult. The exchange improves management 
of the forest by consolidating this land, and allowing the Forest 
Service to effectively apply forest-restoration treatments designed to 
improve forest health and reduce hazardous fuels. In turn, better 
management will help decrease the fire risk in Arizona's forests. The 
importance of improved management and efficient restoration treatments 
cannot be overstated given last year's devastating Rodeo-Chediski fire.
  In addition to protecting Arizona's natural resources, this bill 
allows several Northern Arizona communities to accommodate future 
growth and economic development, and to meet other municipal needs. The 
exchange will allow the Cities of Williams and Flagstaff to expand 
their airports and water-treatment facilities, and develop town parks 
and recreation areas. The town of Camp Verde will have the opportunity 
to acquire lands for view shed protection. Several youth organizations 
throughout northern Arizona will be able to acquire land for their 
camps.
  Even as it addresses environmental and community needs, this bill 
saves significant taxpayer dollars. It obviates the administrative 
route for land exchange--doing an exchange of this size 
administratively would require considerable financial and personnel 
resources within the Forest Service. The agency estimates that the 
legislative approach will cost half as much as the administrative 
alternative--resulting in potential savings to the taxpayers in excess 
of $500,000.
  This land exchange is supported and endorsed by many municipalities, 
religious institutions, environmental groups, and other nongovernmental 
organizations in Arizona. Experts from the Arizona Game and Fish 
Department have reviewed the lands to be exchanged and strongly support 
the proposal. I have received hundreds of letters and petitions from 
residents expressing support for it. This exchange is extremely 
important to the residents of Arizona.
  This land exchange is a unique opportunity to protect Arizona's 
natural resources while accommodating the tremendous growth that my 
State is experiencing. This bill is good for the state of Arizona and I 
plan to work with my colleagues to ensure that we pass this important 
legislation this year.

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