The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined 43 other hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation organizations in a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer encouraging them to keep federal public land sales out of the budget reconciliation bill.
“While we appreciate the desire to address federal land management challenges and respond to local community needs, we ask that any public land disposal be considered within transparent, public channels and that funding from sales be reinvested back into habitat and access. The reconciliation process does not provide the appropriate venue for these considerations,” the letter, sent June 6, states.
RMEF and co-signers expressed three concerns with including public land sales in the reconciliation process:
- Perhaps most critically, sales could include lands that are vital to hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation, particularly in rural areas. Loss of access to valuable public land could impact hunters, anglers and other recreationists who rely on public lands for their traditions, and could adversely affect outdoor businesses, guides and outfitters, local retailers, lodging companies and many others who rely on outdoor recreation for their livelihoods.
- Selling public lands through the reconciliation process bypasses critical public engagement opportunities provided under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and limits opportunities for hunters, anglers, recreationists and other stakeholders to engage in decisions affecting lands that belong to all Americans.
- Land sales through reconciliation would likely direct proceeds from sales to the general fund of the Treasury, rather than reinvesting funds in conservation programs that sustain our nation’s wildlife, habitats and recreational opportunities.
“We recognize the need and desire for increased efficiency in federal land management, and for communities to respond to local needs and demands, but budget reconciliation legislation is not an appropriate place for land sales. We urge you to prevent the inclusion of these provisions in the Senate bill. … We stand ready to work with you to ensure that our public lands continue to serve as a legacy for all Americans,” the letter concludes.