Forest Service Land Exchange Activities in Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests

At the request of a Congressman, GAO reviewed a proposed land exchange involving the Chattahoochee National Forest in Georgia to determine: (1) if applicable laws, regulations, and Forest Service procedures were followed in the proposed exchange; and (2) the adequacy of Forest Service regulations and procedures for land exchanges made under applicable legislation.

During the review, several matters were noted which GAO wished to bring to the attention of the Forest Service. If the practice of equalizing land values by rounding them off is found to be within the intent of applicable legislation, GAO believes that the Forest Service should develop guidelines for rounding off land exchange values so that all Forest Service regional offices would follow a uniform procedure. Procedures for appraising land for exchange contain a statement of intent but do not require a statement of ownership; thus, the Forest Service might appraise lands that an exchange proponent ultimately cannot acquire. Therefore, the Forest Service should modify its statement of intent form to include a statement that the proponent either owns the land or has a firm option to buy it. The Forest Service procedures should provide specific guidelines concerning the circumstances under which two independent appraisals would be appropriate. Proposed exchanges involving controversial aspects or on which major questions are raised should receive a second independent appraisal. Currently, the Government bears the full cost of surveys and appraisals of the lands proposed for exchange. Since these exchanges are advantageous to both parties, the Forest Service may wish to revise its procedures to require other parties to reimburse it for some equitable portion of the costs. It should discuss with oversight committees whether the need for oversight warrants retaining the $25,000 limit in the applicable legislation or whether this level should be increased.