Anticipated Rush to Buy U.S. Land Parcels Dries Up

The expected rush to buy 3,500 acres of public lands Tuesday on a firstcome, first-served basis at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Desert District office here failed to materialize and most prospective customers walked away empty handed.

Some complained that the available parcels in Los Angeles, San Diego and Riverside counties were unsuitable for development or that their appraised values, which ranged from $25,000 to $1.25 million, were too high.

“Look at that” asked Phil Troost, a Mira Loma hay dealer, holding up a snapshot of hilly terrain covered with huge boulders on display at the office. “What would you do with it except light a stick of dynamite and hope it levels out?”

The office had been inundated with telephone calls from people wanting to be among the first in line for the novel sale. Previously, the BLM required prospective buyers to submit sealed bids that were opened later at scheduled auctions.

When the doors opened for business Tuesday at 7:45 a.m., however, there were about 50 waiting to get in.

“I would not say I’m disapointed,” said BLM spokewoman, Candy Johnson. “I think the sale was very successful.”

Others were less optimistic.

“People can make fair weather committments,” said another BLM official, “but when it comes down to it, not many make the show.”

By the time the office closed at 4:30 p.m., 856 acres had been sold. Nobody even sniffed at a 1,609-acre parcel in Riverside County with an appraised value of $1.25 million.

Johnson said the BLM did not plan to hold another first-come, first-served land sale. “When these parcels are gone, that’s it.”