Wyoming proposes first-ever auction for trust land in national park

The first stop on the Wyoming Office of State Land and Investments tour across the state was fiery, as dozens of Jackson residents lined up to blast a proposal to sell state land inside Grand Teton National Park at auction. 

“If this auction goes forward it will be the first time in the history of the U.S. that a state sells state trust lands within the boundaries of a national park,” Teton County Commissioner Luther Propst told The Colorado Sun. “It would be a terrible, horrible precedent.”

The proposal to sell the so-called Kelly Parcel to the highest bidder is drawing national attention. Public land and wildlife advocates fret that Wyoming’s plan to auction the 640 pristine acres with unfettered views of the Grand Tetons and robust wildlife could unlock the…