1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support legislation that prevents the transfer or sale of federal public lands to state or private ownership. As your constituent, I believe maintaining these lands in public hands is essential for conservation, recreation, and economic vitality in our communities. Public lands generate significant economic benefits through outdoor recreation, hunting, fishing, and tourism. These activities support local businesses, create jobs, and contribute billions of dollars annually to state and national economies. Transferring these lands to state control or private ownership would jeopardize public access and the economic activity that depends on it. State management of transferred federal lands would impose substantial financial burdens on state budgets. Federal agencies currently bear the costs of wildfire suppression, habitat management, infrastructure maintenance, and law enforcement on these lands. States lack the resources to assume these responsibilities without either raising taxes significantly or selling off lands to cover costs. History shows that when states acquire federal lands, they often sell them to address budget shortfalls, permanently eliminating public access. Federal public lands belong to all Americans and serve purposes that transcend state boundaries, including wildlife migration corridors, watershed protection, and climate resilience. These lands provide hunting and fishing opportunities that are increasingly scarce on private property, supporting traditions that are central to rural communities and conservation funding through license fees and excise taxes. I ask that you oppose any legislation that would facilitate the transfer or sale of federal public lands and support measures that keep these lands in public ownership. Please also advocate for adequate funding for federal land management agencies to ensure these lands remain accessible and well maintained for current and future generations. Thank you for considering this important issue and for representing the interests of constituents who value public land access.