As an Association of Realtors whose members live and work throughout Garfield County and surrounding areas, we have a vested interest in the laws and rules governing how land is used, including the substantial public lands in and around our home.

For this reason, we wish to echo the sentiment expressed in a letter signed by Garfield County Commissioner John Martin to the Bureau of Land Management outlining concerns about the proposed resource management planning rule changes from the BLM.

We believe the rules as currently proposed would marginalize important requirements already in place for coordination with state and local governments with respect to land use inventory, planning and management activities. The current requirement for coordination provides for appropriate access to the decision-making process by both governmental entities and affected citizens.

We sincerely hope the BLM follows the recommendations for proceeding with coordination outlined in Mr. Martin’s letter, and we respectfully request continued cooperation with all local and state entities when important matters of public land use are considered.

C. Robert Fullerton

chairman, Glenwood Springs Association of Realtors