I just stumbled upon an interesting sign of the times – a Republican proposing a conservation bill. Representative Jack Draxler (R – Logan, District 3) has proposed a relatively unsubstantial bill that is, none the less, a step in the right direction.
H.B. 115 is designed to allow counties to take funds earned from the Farmlands Assessment Act (I admit I have no idea what this act actually says but I presume it has something to do with assessing farmlands) and place it into funds designed to protect an conserve land. Counties wold in essence, be able to buy special land such as watersheds, wildlife habitat, and open space to ensure that it does not get developed.
I would like to see some sort of provision wherein the counties would have to use x amounts of the fund to purchase land, but hey, one thing at a time. Good work Representative.
