1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent House proposal that seeks to sell off approximately 460,000 acres of federal public land in Nevada and Utah. This legislation, part of a broader tax package, would authorize the sale of vast tracts of public land for development, mining, and infrastructure projects. Such actions set a concerning precedent, threatening the integrity of public lands across the nation. These lands are not just parcels of real estate; they are vital ecosystems, recreational havens, and cultural treasures held in trust for all Americans. Once public land is sold, it is extraordinarily difficult — often impossible — to recover it for public use. The loss is permanent. Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a powerful example of what’s at stake. Spanning over a million acres of pristine lakes and forest, the BWCAW is the most-visited federally designated wilderness area in the U.S. It supports a thriving outdoor recreation economy, sustains unique ecosystems, and holds deep cultural and historical significance. Like many public lands, it has faced threats from development and mining — and its protection demonstrates the value of preserving such irreplaceable places. Selling off public lands undermines our collective heritage and jeopardizes the environmental, economic, and cultural benefits they provide. I urge you to oppose this proposal and any similar efforts that threaten the sanctity of our nation’s public lands. Please act to ensure they remain public, protected, and preserved for generations to come.