Bills would legislate seizure of millions of acres of public lands, threaten fish and wildlife habitat, public access opportunities
WASHINGTON - A vote today by House of Representatives members to advance legislation that would enable the seizure of public lands is being strongly criticized by public lands sportsmen, who called the bills an affront to America's national public lands legacy.
Rep. Raul Labrador's Self-Sufficient Community Lands Act (H.R. 2316) and Rep. Don Young's State National Forest Management Act of 2015 (H.R. 3650) passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources during this morning's markup. The bills would legislate the transfer of millions of acres of public lands and jeopardize the health of America's national forest system, fish and wildlife habitat, and public access to quality hunting and fishing.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers spoke out on behalf of public lands sportsmen in condemning the measures and criticizing today's House vote.
"Once again, the House Natural Resources Committee has voted in favor of legislation that not only goes against the will of the American people; it also attacks the very foundation of our national heritage," said BHA President and CEO Land Tawney. "We the people must stand up and let Congress, members of the House Natural Resources Committee, and Committee Chair Rob Bishop know that public lands must remain in public hands. These ill-fated proposals should be left to die on the vine."
Following today's vote, the bills will receive consideration by the full House. BHA remains committed to preventing their passage by the House and to working with Senate leaders to block advancement of any legislation facilitating the transfer of the nation's public lands.
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is the sportsmen's voice
for our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.
About Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
The Voice For Our Wild Public Lands, Waters & Wildlife.