By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

County commissioners got their first look Monday at a three-page draft of a resolution opposing a federal program that aims to preserve 30% of the nation’s land and waters by 2030.

In the draft, county counsel Brad Jantz wrote:

“The board opposes the 30x30 program, including the permanent preservation of 30% of the nation’s land and water by 2030; and the board further opposes the designation of Marion County land as part of the 30x30 program, be that through permanent conservation easement or other federal designation that limits the development and productive use of resources on or under such land.”

Among other things, the resolution would require county approval of any federal land acquisition for the program.

The resolution opposes federal designation of waters in the county that would impair or restrict water diversion and use authorized by Kansas law.

The resolution states that any land acquired should be acquired only from willing landowners, with compensation equal the fair market value.

“Marion County will not recognize the federal government’s right or interest in land surrendered by regulatory compulsion,” the resolution states.

The county could reserve the right to consider the impact of each permanent easement executed within its jurisdiction and recognize them only if “the health, safety, welfare, economy, and culture of Marion County, as it concerns both businesses and citizens, continue without significant impediment.”

Jantz told commissioners his draft was a starting point and they could bring their comments to their July 22 meeting.

He said he had reviewed other resolutions from counties in Kansas and other states.

“Some are in opposition; others are very supportive,” Jantz said.

Jantz reminded commissioners that public discussion would be advisable.

He gave commissioners numerous documents from U.S. Department of Agriculture and President Biden’s 2021 executive order establishing the 30x30 program, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad.”

“What I’d like you to do is take this, go through it, and bring your thoughts to the next meeting,” Jantz said.

Conservation Corridor, Center for American Progress, the Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Land Trust Alliance, and other organizations support the 30x30 program.

Commissioner Kent Becker has pushed for a resolution banning it since he heard about it at a Patriots for Liberty meeting.

In other business, commissioners:

• Voted for a revenue neutral budget.
• Heard from wind farm opponent Tom Britain.
• Heard from county administrator Tina Spencer that excavation for a county health department was expected to begin this week.