By Mr. McCAIN (for himself and Mr. KYL):

S. 849. A bill to provide for a land exchange in the State of Arizona between the Secretary of Agriculture and Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to join with Senator KYL today to introduce the Northern Arizona National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003. This bill facilitates an exchange of over 50,000 acres of Federal and private land in Arizona for the primary purpose of consolidating National Forest lands currently in checkerboard ownership in the northwestern portion of the State. Included in the exchange are a number of other Federal land parcels located in the communities of Flagstaff, Williams, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, and Camp Verde and other lands currently leased by six different camps.

This is a complex land exchange because of its size, the diverse nature of the lands involved, and the range of potential benefits and impacts that would result. The Forest Service has stated that the consolidation of the checkerboard in the Prescott National Forest will yield significant benefits and cost-savings to the public. In putting forth this exchange with the Yavapai Ranch Limited Partnership, the Forest Service has identified opportunities to achieve better and more cost-effective management of Federal lands and resources, to acquire lands that will meet the important public objectives of protection of wildlife habitat, cultural resources, watershed, wilderness and aesthetic values, and also meet the needs of State and local residents and their economies.

The communities of Flagstaff and Williams and the camps are strongly in favor of this bill as it will allow them to acquire federal lands that will be exchanged to Yavapai Ranch, providing them beneficial economic and land use management opportunities. The communities of Clarkdale, Cottonwood, and Camp Verde are also an important part of this exchange. Inclusion of these parcels, totaling more than 300 acres, has focused discussion on essential issues of available water supply, the limits of sustainable growth, and quality of life concerns.

The issue of potential adverse impacts of new development on limited water resources has been addressed in this bill through the establishment of conservation easements which limit water use on the Verde Valley parcels after private acquisition. This foresighted provision is intended to conserve precious surface and ground water resources and protect the water users and State water right holders dependent upon them. Given the uncertainty about available water supplies and future uses, I believe this is a responsible measure which is in the interest of both Arizona citizens and the American public.

Of primary importance to me are the procedural terms and conditions by which the land exchange will be conducted. The Forest Service has stated that the procedures set forth in this bill represent standard practice and will allow for the desired outcome of a fair and equal value exchange of public property. I have also made an effort to [Page: S5092] GPO's PDF solicit public input on the exchange in order to appreciate the potential benefits and costs involved. I held several public meetings in Arizona on the exchange and have heard and read the differing views of hundreds of interested Arizonans.

After careful consideration, I believe it is appropriate that the bill be introduced at this time. While the proposed exchange has the support of the Forest Service, the elected representatives of the affected communities, and the camps, introduction of this bill advances us to the next phase of public consideration of key aspects and procedural issues associated with the legislation.

I expect that public hearings will be held here and in Arizona on the bill in the near future. The Forest Service will have an opportunity to provide public statements concerning the specific provisions of the bill, as will other parties affected by the exchange. I anticipate that in the next phase of the legislative process, our state delegation will receive the information needed to address any remaining issues and ensure that this exchange will be conducted in a manner that benefits the citizens of Arizona and Federal taxpayers alike.

Mr. KYL. Mr. President, today, I am pleased to join with Senator MCCAIN to introduce the Northern Arizona National Forest Land Exchange Act of 2003. This bill, which facilitates a large and very complex land exchange in Arizona, is the product of months of discussions between the Forest Service, community groups, local officials, and other stakeholders. It will allow communities to accommodate growth and improve the management of our forests; it will also yield many environmental benefits to the public.

This bill will protect some of Arizona's most beautiful ponderosa pine forests from future development by placing approximately 35,000 acres of private land into public use. It consolidates a 110-square mile area in the Prescott National Forest near the existing Juniper Mesa Wilderness under Forest Service ownership, to preserve the area in its natural state and prevent its subdivision. This land has old growth ponderosa pine that is at least 250 years old and juniper that is 500 years old or older. Consolidation will preserve the area for watershed management, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreation. Without consolidation, these tracts would be open to future development. I am pleased that this bill will preserve them for future generations.

This bill significantly improves management of the Prescott National Forest. The existing checkerboard ownership pattern in the Prescott makes management and access difficult. The exchange improves management of the forest by consolidating this land, and allowing the Forest Service to effectively apply forest-restoration treatments designed to improve forest health and reduce hazardous fuels. In turn, better management will help decrease the fire risk in Arizona's forests. The importance of improved management and efficient restoration treatments cannot be overstated given last year's devastating Rodeo-Chediski fire.

In addition to protecting Arizona's natural resources, this bill allows several Northern Arizona communities to accommodate future growth and economic development, and to meet other municipal needs. The exchange will allow the Cities of Williams and Flagstaff to expand their airports and water-treatment facilities, and develop town parks and recreation areas. The town of Camp Verde will have the opportunity to acquire lands for view shed protection. Several youth organizations throughout northern Arizona will be able to acquire land for their camps.

Even as it addresses environmental and community needs, this bill saves significant taxpayer dollars. It obviates the administrative route for land exchange--doing an exchange of this size administratively would require considerable financial and personnel resources within the Forest Service. The agency estimates that the legislative approach will cost half as much as the administrative alternative--resulting in potential savings to the taxpayers in excess of $500,000.

This land exchange is supported and endorsed by many municipalities, religious institutions, environmental groups, and other nongovernmental organizations in Arizona. Experts from the Arizona Game and Fish Department have reviewed the lands to be exchanged and strongly support the proposal. I have received hundreds of letters and petitions from residents expressing support for it. This exchange is extremely important to the residents of Arizona.

This land exchange is a unique opportunity to protect Arizona's natural resources while accommodating the tremendous growth that my State is experiencing. This bill is good for the state of Arizona and I plan to work with my colleagues to ensure that we pass this important legislation this year.