A land ownership checkerboard exists in nearly every state because of an oddity called “state school trust lands.” The federal government granted those lands at the time of statehood, under the Land Ordinance of 1785. Thomas Jefferson’s system divides and records land into townships, each with 36 one-square-mile sections. New states entering the union were each given 2 sections per township, to be held in trust to fund public schools.
State Land Boards were created to manage those lands – in my state of Colorado it’s 4 million acres. The Board was charged with administering the lands “in such a manner as will secure the maximum possible amount” for the school fund. The Lincoln Institute of Public Lands explains, “That singularity of purpose continues today and distinguishes state trust lands… from other types of public lands.” In other words, these lands are for making money to fund schools. more
Do not allow these Leftist Schools to sell these lands to the Chinese so they will be clear cut of all timber and be able to provide sites to dump their waste to totally destroy the value of these lands.
Utah has been working steadily to negotiate the trade of School Trust Lands locked up in National Parks and Monuments, wilderness areas, military reservations, etc., for property in areas that have income potential. Unfortunately, the Utah Legislature is corruptible and there have been a few questionable golfing-buddies deals.
If it looks like money politicians will find a way to grab it. I remember when they said a portion of gambling proceeds would be for the schools… then Lucy grabbed the football away when gambling was voted in.
“The federal government granted those lands at the time of statehood, under the Land Ordinance of 1785.”
“government granted” and therein, my friend, lies the problem.