ACTION ALERT: Senate Lawmakers Propose Mandatory Public Land Disposal
Idaho Included.
Despite widespread opposition from sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservationists across the country, Senator Mike Lee of Utah has officially introduced language into the Senate reconciliation package that would allow the sale of up to 2.5 million acres of YOUR public lands.
Even more troubling? Some of these lands may include parcels right here in Idaho.
If passed, Senator Lee’s backroom deal will strip future generations of access to the lands we hunt, fish, and recreate on.
The Senate Reconciliation bill is aimed at selling public lands under the guise of affordable housing. Here are some takeaways from the bill text:
Mandatory land disposal: The Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture would be required to sell 0.5% to 0.75% of federal lands in each of the states listed - including Idaho. The list of parcels would be compiled 60 days after the bill is signed into law.
Nominations process: 30 days after passage, the Secretaries must post a public notice inviting nominations for lands to sell.
Sale priorities: Priority goes to parcels nominated by states, adjacent to development, that reduce checkerboarding, or are deemed “inefficient” to manage.
Auction to the highest bidder: Parcels would be sold at auction for fair market value. The Secretaries would be responsible for setting the maximum amount of land any one party could buy.
Where the money goes:
90% to the U.S. Treasury
5% to local governments with jurisdiction over the parcel
5% to federal agencies’ maintenance backlog
These lands provide critical habitat for wildlife, support our $7.8 billion outdoor recreation economy, and connect generations of Idahoans to hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Mandating disposal, without prior input, transparency, or scrutiny - is unacceptable. These lands are part of our heritage. They belong to all of us - not to Congress, and not to special interests.
WE CAN’T AFFORD TO STAY QUIET.
Tell your Senators Crapo and Risch: Public land sales don’t belong in a budget deal - especially not one crafted behind closed doors, with no chance for Idahoans and fellow sportsmen to weigh in before the damage is done.
