The recent conflict over Wyoming’s 640-acre Kelly Parcel sale reveals mounting tensions within the state’s leadership. Superintendent Megan Degenfelder, a key figure leading discussions on a possible land exchange, publicly criticized Governor Mark Gordon for advancing a direct sale of the land to Grand Teton National Park without her knowledge, despite her task force’s efforts to arrange a land swap.
Degenfelder’s stance reflects concerns that a direct sale prioritizes quick federal acquisition over exploring alternatives that would benefit Wyoming by acquiring other developable land.
Degenfelder’s criticism highlights procedural and transparency issues, as she and her task force had been negotiating with the Bureau of Land Management BLM to potentially trade the Kelly Parcel for a significant, developable area in the Powder River Basin.
She believes this approach would better serve Wyoming’s interests, avoiding new federal ownership while still providing public access. According to Degenfelder, the sale option surfaced unexpectedly on the Land Commissioners’ agenda, with no response from the governor to her concerns before its public posting.
Governor Gordon’s team, represented by spokesperson Michael Pearlman, defends the urgency of the sale, citing concerns over the availability of federal funds for the transaction. The governor’s office, along with some legislators like Sen. Mike Gierau, argue that legislative directives favor a direct sale, asserting that the anticipated $100 million revenue could fund other land acquisitions in Wyoming.
Environmental groups and state officials remain divided over the best course, with Degenfelder calling for further exploration of the exchange route and emphasizing a preference against transferring additional lands to federal control.
Degenfelder’s pushback underscores a broader debate about the balance between Wyoming’s autonomy in land management and the federal government’s influence over state lands, as well as the importance of transparent decision-making in Wyoming’s public land dealings.
The upcoming Thursday board meeting will determine the next steps, including whether the sale will proceed or if exchange discussions will continue.