1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

Utah's push to privatize and sell off public lands goes against the will of the people who cherish these lands for recreation, hunting, fishing, and enjoying nature. The backlash against Senator Mike Lee's controversial proposal exposed widespread opposition to sacrificing public lands, even among Republicans and hunting/angling groups. Efforts by the state to undermine federal control through dubious legal strategies lack legitimacy, as public lands belong to all Americans. Rather than pursue divisive land seizures that threaten access and conservation, Utah should respect the public will and focus on more pressing issues that unite residents. The historical lessons are clear - capitalist exploitation through overlogging, overgrazing and development has necessitated federal protections for public lands in the first place. Utah's rural communities would be better served by sustainable policies that preserve natural assets instead of short-sighted resource extraction. Public lands near population centers provide invaluable recreational access for families. Utahns should speak out against attempts to dispose of these cherished public spaces to private interests.