Action Alert: Public Lands Threat

Tell Utah Senators “Public Lands Are Not for Sale”

America’s public lands — and the places we love to ski, climb, hike, and explore — are under immediate threat. A dangerous proposal buried in Congress’s latest budget negotiations could pave the way to sell off millions of acres of public land, altering our nation’s landscape forever.

Despite broad public opposition, some lawmakers are still trying to treat public lands as a piggy bank to fund tax cuts and spending deals. The current Senate Budget Resolution includes language that assumes revenue from selling public lands — a shocking move that could gut protections for the wild places that define Utah and threaten access to beloved public lands.

But there’s a chance to stop it — and we need your help today.

Thankfully, New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich and Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper have introduced Amendments 1453 and 1454 to the Senate Budget Resolution. These amendments would prohibit the sale of public lands for budgetary purposes — and protect the outdoor spaces that are the backbone of Utah’s identity and economy.

The vote is expected tonight, April 4, or early tomorrow morning — so time is critical.

Montana Senator Steve Daines (R) has already spoken out, saying he will “never support the sale of public lands.” That’s the kind of leadership we need from all lawmakers who value access, conservation, and local economies tied to the outdoors. Now is the time to ask Senator Mike Lee and Congressman John Curtis to join Senator Daines and clearly state: public lands are not for sale. Utahns deserve the same commitment to protecting the places that make our state special.

Public Lands Are the Heart of Utah

Wasatch Backcountry Alliance has spent 12 years protecting access to the Central Wasatch for human-powered winter recreation. We represent a passionate community of backcountry users who rely on public lands for adventure, solitude, and livelihood.

Public lands are not just beautiful — they’re essential. They support small businesses, guides and outfitters, coffee shops, gear stores, and communities across the state. And they define why people live, work, and visit Utah. From Moab to the Swell, from the Wasatch to the Uintas, our public lands make Utah Utah.

What You Can Do

Call or email Senators John Curtis and Mike Lee RIGHT NOW. Tell them to vote YES on Amendments 1453 and 1454 to the Senate Budget Resolution. Remind them:

• Public lands are not for sale.
• Selling off outdoor access is a red line for Utahns.
• We need long-term investments in public lands — not budget gimmicks.

Senator John Curtis
Send a message: https://www.curtis.senate.gov/share-your-opinion/
Call his DC office: 202-224-5251
Call his Salt Lake office: 801-524-4380

Senator Mike Lee
Send a message: https://www.lee.senate.gov/contact
Call his DC office: 202-224-5444
Call his Salt Lake office: 801-524-5933

Or use this easy tool from our partners to send a message in 30 seconds:

Let’s make it loud and clear: Utahns don’t want to privatize our wild places. Not now. Not ever.