H.J.R. 27 Enrolled

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BEAR RIVER
MIGRATORY BIRD REFUGE SETTLEMENT
2002 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Sponsor: Ben C. Ferry
This joint resolution of the Legislature approves the settlement agreement to be reached
between the state of Utah, through the Department of Natural Resources, and the United
States Department of the Interior, through the Fish and Wildlife Service, regarding the
disposition of lands in question within the boundaries of the Bear River Migratory Bird
Refuge.
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
WHEREAS, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, located in the Bear River Bay of the
Great Salt Lake, is of great value to the citizens of Utah;
WHEREAS, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge provides essential habitat to millions
of birds and other wildlife in fulfillment of international treaty obligations of the United States;
WHEREAS, the continued preservation of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge is in the
interest of the nation and the citizens of Utah;
WHEREAS, questions have arisen as to whether the state or the federal government has
ownership of lands within the boundaries of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge;
WHEREAS, the state claims that much of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge land is
state sovereign land;
WHEREAS, the lands in question within the boundaries of the expanded Bear River
Migratory Bird Refuge amount to approximately 70,000 acres;
WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and the
citizens of Utah to resolve the issue of ownership of lands within the boundaries of the Bear River
Migratory Bird Refuge in a timely manner; and
WHEREAS, the Utah Department of Natural Resources and the United States Department
of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, are negotiating a settlement agreement regarding the
disposition of lands in question within the boundaries of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah approves
the settlement agreement between the state of Utah, through the Department of Natural Resources,
and the United States Department of the Interior, through the Fish and Wildlife Service, regarding
the disposition of lands in question within the boundaries of the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
if:
(1) the terms of the settlement agreement are consistent with the terms of H.B. 162, "Use of
Bear River Bird Refuge Settlement Monies," 2002 General Session, as it is enrolled; and
(2) the settlement agreement is fully funded by the federal government.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature approves an immediate effective date
for this resolution.

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