When it comes to the possibility of putting solar facilities on Bureau of Land Management property in Park County, county commissioners want to have a seat at the table.

Earlier this month, commissioners unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding to work with BLM on such plans in the future.

“It would behoove us to sit at the table anytime the BLM wants to do something,” Commissioner Lee Livingston said.

The county has worked with BLM on a number of issues, from sage grouse to wilderness areas, and has worked via MOUs on those issues as well. Commissioners had to sign a new agreement for solar energy projects.

“It’s a bunch of crap that every time BLM comes up with something new, we have to come up with a whole new management plan,” Commissioner Lloyd Thiel said.

Chair Dossie Overfield echoed the frustration, adding that they only received the letter the day before their meeting and had to respond by the end of the week.

Despite their frustrations, commissioners unanimously approved the MOU. The action dovetails with the sentiment of most residents who’ve weighed in on the county’s new land use plan; they’ve said that the county government — and county residents — should have a greater say on any proposed renewable energy projects in the county going forward.