Public Land Advocates’ Alarm Bells Go Off Over Report Congressmen Considering Selling Lands

By Andy Walgamott April 2, 2025 HEADLINES 0 Comments

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS AND ANGLERS

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is raising the alarm over confirmed reports that congressional Republicans are considering the sale of public lands as part of an upcoming budget reconciliation bill – a move that threatens to privatize landscapes cherished by hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the nation.

A TENT SET UP WEST OF BEND, OREGON, GLOWS IN THE EVENING. “IT WOULD JUST BE IN AREAS WHERE YOU CAN’T GET AFFORDABLE HOUSING, LIKE FOR GATEWAY COMMUNITIES,” REPRESENTATIVE BRUCE WESTERMAN (R-ARKANSAS) TOLD E&E NEWS FOR A LENGTHY ARTICLE. “YOU COULD ACTUALLY HAVE PEOPLE TO WORK IN THE NATIONAL PARKS, MAYBE AROUND SOME BIG METROPOLITAN AREAS IN THE WEST.”

The budget reconciliation proposal is part of a broader policy effort that touches on many issues and would be able to pass into law on a party line vote. This should not take action to reshape federal land management by selling public lands – putting at risk the places we hunt, fish, hike, and pass down to future generations.

BHA strongly opposes any plan to sell off public lands which are valuable for hunting and fishing. These lands belong to the American people — not politicians, not private interests.

BHA commends Sen. Daines (R-MT) and Rep. Zinke (R-MT) for standing up to Republican leadership and opposing this effort. BHA and its members urge all lawmakers to join them and reject any proposal that would sell off our public lands legacy.

“I’m grateful to Representative Ryan Zinke and Senator Steve Daines for understanding how important our public lands are to all Montanans, and our greater nation,” said Jake Schwaller, board chair for the Montana Chapter of BHA. “I’d like to thank them for genuinely representing their constituency on this particular issue and standing up for these precious resources that belong to all of us. We stand ready to continue this fight to keep our public lands in public hands.”

Join BHA in taking action to tell your elected officials that you oppose the transfer and sale of public lands, and ask your representative to support the Public Lands in Public Hands Act which would limit the privatization of public lands.

Editor’s note: For more, see Andrew McKean’s report on Outdoor Life’s website.

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Andy Walgamott