Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Block Public Lands Privatization, Continuing Hunting and Fishing Access

BHA applauds the reintroduction of Public Lands in Public Hands Act

Washington, D.C.—Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), the leading voice for North America’s public lands, waters, and wildlife, enthusiastically supports the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, reintroduced by Representatives Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM). Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations for BHA, highlighted the importance of this bill in the following statement:

“Our nation’s public lands are an irreplaceable asset for hunters and anglers who rely on them for access as well as the intact habitat they provide fish and wildlife. We thank Reps. Zinke and Vasquez for their leadership introducing the bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Act. By making it more difficult to sell or transfer public lands, this legislation would strengthen the integrity of our public lands heritage at a time when many unsavory interests seek to privatize one of our most American ideals.”

What You Need to Know

• The Public Lands in Public Hands Act would require congressional approval for the sale or transfer of publicly accessible tracts of federal land greater than 300 acres, or greater than five acres if accessible by public waterway.

• This is a critical improvement from current law in which federal land management agencies have broad discretion to sell or transfer publicly owned parcels that provide valuable habitat, public access, and recreational opportunities.

• Limiting lands available for disposal by the Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service will greatly reduce the threat of privatization for valuable public resources owned by all Americans.

Contact:

Kaden McArthur, Government Relations Manager, mcarthur@backcountryhunters.org

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. To learn more about issues important to BHA’s membership, visit www.backcountryhunters.org/our_issues.