The Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) is encouraged by the recent decision to remove a provision from the House budget reconciliation bill that would have directed the Bureau of Land Management to sell or exchange hundreds of thousands of acres of public land in Nevada and Utah. As originally written, the provision would have bypassed longstanding public participation requirements and redirected proceeds into the general treasury, rather than putting those funds into managing the land.

This outcome demonstrates the importance of maintaining transparency and public involvement when it comes to changes in public land ownership. We support the use of existing legal processes to address the current backlog of proposed sales and exchanges, which ensures decisions are made with input from the communities, landowners, and public land users most directly impacted.

When thoughtfully implemented, sales and exchanges can improve public land management, increase access for outdoor recreation, and benefit local communities.. But large-scale disposals without public input disregard the necessary thoughtfulness required for proper and scientific land management.

“The value of our public lands cannot be overstated — they provide space to hunt, fish, hike, and camp while safeguarding wildlife habitat and supporting the economy,” said Michael Cravens, Advocacy and Conservation Director for the Arizona Wildlife Federation. “We’re encouraged to see decisions being made that respect existing land laws and ensure the public has a voice in shaping the future of these shared spaces.”

The Arizona Wildlife Federation remains committed to collaborative conservation and to working with policymakers, agencies, and community members to ensure public lands remain accessible, well-managed, and intact for generations to come. AWF would like to thank the over 300 individual supporters and 25 Arizona sporting and outdoor recreation organizations who signed on and sent letters to our Arizona Congressional delegation. Your voice was heard!