1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

Congress should not proceed with plans to sell off over 250 million acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service across 11 western states. These lands are vital natural landscapes that support diverse wildlife, provide recreational opportunities, and belong to all Americans. Allowing their outright sale to private entities would devastate vulnerable ecosystems, undermine public access, and set a dangerous precedent of liquidating public lands for short-term financial gain. These public lands encompass iconic areas like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Otero Mesa grasslands, Owyhee Canyonlands, and Snoqualmie National Forest. They provide critical habitat for species such as the pronghorn antelope and its long-distance migration routes. Selling these lands would disrupt delicate ecosystems and fragment landscapes, putting wildlife at risk. Furthermore, public lands belong to the American people and are meant to be managed for the public good, not auctioned off to the highest bidder. Outdoor recreation on public lands generates over $600 billion in consumer spending and supports millions of jobs. Privatizing these lands would limit access for hiking, camping, hunting, and other pursuits that drive local economies. Rather than entertaining this destructive sell-off, Congress should uphold its responsibility to steward America's public lands for current and future generations. The majority of Americans value environmental protection over energy development on public lands. Elected officials must listen to their constituents and defend these irreplaceable natural treasures from being exploited for private profit.