big win: public lands disposal halted
On May 21, the budget amendment that would have sold or exchanged around 500,000 acres of public land was pulled out of the Congressional budget reconciliation package. This is a significant win for our community - hunters, anglers, and all public lands users who spoke up in opposition to this amendment should take a moment to be proud of what our collective voices were able to accomplish in the halls of Congress. Idaho’s own Congressman Mike Simpson played a significant role in getting this amendment removed, and we appreciate his leadership on an issue so central to our way of life.
The amendment was initially added to the reconciliation package at close to midnight on May 6. Estimates of the amount of land it would have set for disposal varied widely – first it was 11,000 acres, then 350,000, then 500,000. Some estimates ranged even higher, though 500,000 acres was probably in the ballpark. Regardless, the fact that no one could seem to say for certain how much land would have been sold off highlights that the public had very little time to absorb what was even at stake here – let alone to thoughtfully opine on individual parcels up for sale. Public lands disposal, when it happens, should be a thoughtful process that goes through standard Congressional procedures with full public input – not rushed through the murky scramble of budget reconciliation.
Hunters, anglers, and public land users across the country recognized this and spoke up loudly in opposition to this amendment. In the end, it was a testament to the power of our voices when we speak loudly. Without that action, this amendment may well have passed. It was YOUR advocacy that made the difference.
While we have won a victory, we aren’t out of the woods yet. The budget still has to go through the Senate, and we will have to keep a close eye on any similar amendments there. Other threats still wait in the wings – from Congress, through potential lawsuits in the courts similar to the one Utah filed last year, or other avenues.
But we can face all of those knowing more than ever that when outdoorsmen and women raise our voices in unison, decision makers are forced to listen. Stay focused, stay engaged, and let’s make sure we can all tell our kids and grandkids that we rose to the moment to help defend the uniquely American heritage of public lands.