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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- When professional appraisers value a swap of state and federal parcels in Utah, they'll have to put a dollar value on a pair of notable natural arches.
The state is giving up 72 square miles of wilderness-worthy parcels around Moab, including Corona and Morning Glory arches.
In return, the federal government will turn over energy-rich lands totaling 56 square miles, mostly in the Uintah Basin oil patch.
The legislation landed Tuesday on the desk of President Barack Obama, but it could take appraisers a year to decide if the swap is fair for both sides.
State trust lands officials say the appraisals could leave one side or the other owing some money or land to balance things out.
The state says it's holding a good hand with Corona and Morning Glory arches.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
