Dear NWTA Community:
There is a proposed amendment in the US Senate that would mandate sales of up to 3.3 million acres of public lands, permanently threatening trails and recreation in the places you cherish.
The proposal as it currently stands (full text here) defines up to 3.3 million acres of US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management land across 11 western states that would be mandated for sale. Included in this are vast swaths of land in the Gifford Pinchot and Mt. Hood National Forests, where many popular MTB/muti-use trails exist. Further, it is concerning that the current bill gives governments a first right of refusal to purchase proposed lands, but not Native tribes.
This would be detrimental for trail networks across the country, let alone ones that you frequent.
This is a fast-moving issue, and details on the bill may change. However, right now the threat is real, and we encourage you to take action. IMBA has a very detailed write up of the bill and its impacts, including the feedback form linked below.
Please take a moment to click on the link above and send in a message to your elected officials in opposition to this amendment. Customize your message: share a personal story and explain why the trails matter to you.
In addition to contacting your Senators, encourage others in the list of affected states or those with Senators who support this measure and ask them to contact their Senators. States affected: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming and Utah.
Thank you for all you do to support our trails.
Additional resources that explain the impact of this legislation:
- Outdoor Alliance has an analysis and detailed map
- Singletracks article about the proposal