In response to federal land sales being included in the U.S. House of Representative’s budget reconciliation legislation, the NWTF has been working with a coalition of conservation partners to craft a community-wide letter to House leadership that was delivered today.
Read the letter sent to House representatives.
The letter expresses our concern that while selling public lands is at times appropriate and in the public interest,
- There already exists publicly facing authorities to sell/trade/transfer federal public lands. The language in this bill could reduce transparency, public input from stakeholders, such as hunters and outdoor recreational users, and weaken the intentionally rigorous process;
- The proceeds from these sales or transfers would be diverted to the general fund of the Treasury instead of re-invested in expanding public access, habitat improvements and other conservation projects, as is currently required by law; and,
- The treasure that is America’s public land is a unique trust that makes our nation different from nearly all other nations. These lands are a part of our culture, our lifestyles and our livelihoods.
We appreciate the administration and Congress’ friendliness toward hunters, opening more public lands to hunting, expanding conservation on the ground, and their efforts toward fiscal responsibility. However, selling these lands to balance the budget is setting a dangerous precedent with a one-time fiscal benefit at a generational public expense, because once gone, we will never get those lands back.
We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to find solutions to help meet their fiscal responsibilities while maintaining a transparent, people-forward process.
NWTF encourages our members, as American citizens who value our public lands, to reach out to their Congressional representatives, today, and ask them to reconsider this provision that would have long-lasting impacts if enacted. Let’s keep public land sales out of the budget and in an open, public process for the benefit of all Americans.
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