CHEYENNE, Wyo. — On Thursday, Dec. 7, the State Board of Land Commissioners (SLBC) unanimously voted in favor to table an auction of the Kelly parcel until the fall of 2024.
Megan Degenfelder, board member and state superintendent of public instruction, led the board’s discussion on postponing a decision on the parcel.
“There is no question that the Kelly parcel is the crown jewel of Wyoming,” Degenfelder said. “We know the federal government is interested in this parcel. This has invigorated the voice of the people of Wyoming and I’m willing to work with a working group for other options for sale.”
In advance of a fall 2024 decision, the state will explore exchanging the Kelly parcel for other Wyoming federal lands to be utilized for oil and gas development.
Secretary of State Chuck Gray voiced his opposition to the auction sale and stated that he will offer his expertise in moving forward with a working group.
“The bottom line is that the status quo makes a lot a year for the state and diversifies our portfolio,” Gray said. “The SBLC stands for diversification.”
