Wyoming Constitution article 18. Public Lands and Donations.
Here is a summary of Article 18 – Public Lands and Donations of the Wyoming Constitution:
🌲 Wyoming Constitution – Article 18: Public Lands and Donations
Purpose:
Article 18 governs the management, protection, and disposition of public lands granted to Wyoming by the federal government, as well as lands held for educational and charitable purposes.
🔑 Key Sections & Provisions:
Section 1 – Acceptance of Federal Grants
Wyoming accepts all lands granted by the U.S. to the state under the Act of Admission (1890).
These lands are held in trust for specific purposes such as schools, universities, and other public institutions.
Section 2 – Management by Board of Land Commissioners
A Board of Land Commissioners, consisting of the Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Superintendent of Public Instruction, manages these lands.
The board must manage lands in a way that secures the maximum long-term benefit for the beneficiaries (e.g., public schools).
Section 3 – Use and Proceeds
Lands granted for public use must be used exclusively for the purposes for which they were granted.
Proceeds from the sale or lease of such lands must go into permanent funds for education or other designated public services.
Section 4 – Leasing and Sale
The Legislature may provide laws for the leasing, sale, or other disposition of public lands, but always to ensure fair value and preservation of the trust.
Section 5 – Public Access and Protection
Lands cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of in a way that violates the trust under which they are held.
Preference must often be given to bona fide settlers when leasing or selling certain lands.
📌 Core Principles of Article 18:
Fiduciary Duty: The state must manage lands with the highest good for public beneficiaries, especially schools.
No Waste or Fraud: Disposition must avoid favoritism, speculation, or harm to future generations.
Trust Lands: All land proceeds are dedicated to permanent funds, helping fund public institutions in perpetuity.
✅ Summary:
Article 18 ensures that public lands and donations entrusted to Wyoming by the federal government are safeguarded, fairly managed, and used for the lasting benefit of education and public institutions. It embeds a strong principle of trust stewardship in land governance.
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