Resources - State Trust Lands
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Kathy Borgen champions causes that help protect, care for, and nurture a love of our planet. She is also passionate about the work of the Institute
Where We Work Southwest State Trust Lands
State Trust Lands
The State Trust Lands Project initially began as a partnership between the Sonoran Institute and Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. It assists state trust land managers in meeting their fiduciary duty in the changing West by broadening the range of land-use information, tools, and policy options available to them and diverse stakeholders for the long-term sustainable management of state trust lands. The project’s goal is to enhance the value of the trust for its beneficiaries by fostering better planning and implementation of residential and commercial development on state trust lands and by increasing the amount of state trust land in conservation use.
Working toward these objectives, the project:
- Conducts research and policy analyses on key issues related to growth and development in the West
- Develops, implements and highlights innovative or noteworthy approaches to state trust land planning, development and conservation use
- Provides information and tools to state trust land administrators and key stakeholders
- Engages in policy efforts to inform discussions on state trust land laws and regulations in key western states
In 2008 the Sun Corridor Legacy Program joined the state trust land efforts. The program has focused on informing Arizona's citizens and legislators on the complex issue of state trust land. Its ultimate goal is to influence policy reform in Arizona. To that end, Sonoran Institute published a series of five policy reports on state trust land in early 2011.
A comprehensive report analyzing the history of state trust land and how the current management regulations keep the Arizona State Land Department from moving into the 21st century.
A detailed look at the reasons planning for infrastructure on state trust land in advance of development is necessary and options to make it possible in Arizona.
A study of the current processes available for state trust land exchanges in Arizona, featuring case studies and recommendations on how to improve the overall process to maximize trust returns and consolidate lands for optimum economic and environmental management.
Examine the strategies that would allow the Arizona State Land Department to capitalize on its extensive land holdings suitable for solar development.
A look at options to improve Arizona State Land Department's ability to site transportation infrastructure in advance of development.
News & Updates
Managing State Trust Lands
The State Trust Lands Project first launched and now maintains the “go to” information source for state trust lands with resources and tools to assist state trust land managers and engaged stakeholders – GIS maps, information about the history and legal theories of state trust lands, individual state trust land summaries, research and policy analyses, tools and publications. Visit the Managing State Trust Lands Web site
Stories
“On the Edge” Workshop
Many of the West’s protected public lands were once far from urban centers. But unprecedented growth, particularly in Arizona and Nevada, has created an abrupt edge between the built environment and some of these lands – including state trust lands. In January 2008, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy – Sonoran Institute Joint Venture facilitated a workshop to promote better understanding of the urban edge interface.