Make Your Voice Heard to Stop Public Land Sale Effort

iSportsman Staff

A coalition of hunting, fishing, and conservation groups is urging sportsmen across the country to contact their U.S. Senators and oppose any proposals in the federal budget that would allow the sale or transfer of public lands. The call to action follows renewed efforts by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) to introduce language in the budget reconciliation process that critics say could pave the way for large-scale disposal of federally managed lands.

Sen. Lee has floated several proposals in recent weeks aimed at transferring public lands from federal to state or private control. Though the Senate Parliamentarian previously ruled that such provisions would not be allowed under reconciliation rules, Lee has reportedly continued to explore alternate methods to include them in the bill.

The Sportsmen’s Alliance, a national advocacy group for hunters and anglers, warned that any attempt to include public land sales in the budget process is a direct threat to the nation’s sporting heritage and access to public spaces.

“This isn’t about improving policy—this is a backroom attempt to cut public land out from under the American people,” said Todd Adkins, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Budget reconciliation is not the place for sweeping changes to how public land is managed or owned.”

Opponents argue that selling off federal lands would reduce public access for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation, and could result in the permanent loss of landscapes critical to wildlife habitat and conservation.

The group is encouraging constituents to call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to reach their senators, or to use its online tool to find contact information directly. While calls are directed at lawmakers, the Alliance reminds callers to be respectful to staff and emphasize that they want “zero acres” sold or transferred as part of any legislative package.

With access to land an increasing obstacle for many would-be hunters, the controversy comes as federal lands—ranging from national forests to Bureau of Land Management tracts—play an increasingly vital role in providing that access for millions of Americans.