According to a news release from Coos Co. dated April 16, 2019, “effective immediately, Coos County is entering into litigation against the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI), acting by and through the Bureau of Land Management, and the Secretary of Interior, David Bernhardt.” The litigation seeks to make the DOI “to meet its statutory duties under the 1939 Coos Bay Wagon Road Act (1939 Act). For many years, DOI has failed to convene a committee designed by the 1039 Act to fairly appraise Coos Bay Wagon Road Lands. Convening this committee every ten (10) years is an unconditional requirement of the 1039 Act. DOI’s failure has wrought tangible harm and forced the County to make difficult financial decisions.” The release goes on to state, “The County views this lawsuit as a last resort after years of efforts to bring DOI into compliance.”
