Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is redesigning his department to move hundreds of public employees from Washington out West.

In theory, putting decision-makers in closer touch with the landscapes and people they will affect is a good idea. We are, however, skeptical about intent, because, as with the Bureau of Land Management most of them are already there, and the most frequent challenges land management agencies face are political, philosophical and financial, not geographic.

Zinke has released few details of his proposal, so no one knows how he plans to implement it, but Western leaders, especially governors who Zinke did not consult (Herald, Feb. 14), are equally skeptical. The concept could make sense with the right people and support, perhaps starting with a different Interior secretary who places a higher value on public comment, but potential problems are apparent.

Proximity to the West’s public lands and water resources means distance from Washington, and that distance likely will mean less visibility there and less access to Congress, its funding appropriations and the president.

Read more at durangoherald.com