"I've had some controversial land exchanges and some compliance issues, but nothing that's gone on this long," she said.

Federal land exchanges have long been a source of controversy and complaint.

The auditors' reports usually conclude by saying that land exchanges ought to be halted.

The land exchange has generated controversy about impacts it might have on water quality and wildlife in the basin.

In land exchanges, the Government can give up land while getting something of value for the public in return.

Meanwhile, meteoric growth in the West is increasing pressure to complete land exchanges.

They gave the secretary of the interior 120 days to make the land exchange.

Over the past six years, this land exchange has been subject to intensive review, public consideration and modification.

The controversy surrounding the land exchange may outlive him, too.

The land exchange also had broad support from business and political leaders.