For Immediate Release:

Nov. 21, 2025

Contact:

media@backcountryhunters.org

 

BHA Applauds Bipartisan Caucus Support for Public Lands in Public Hands Act

Key legislation adds needed checks on federal land sales and transfers

Washington, D.C. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) applauds the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus for their recent endorsement of the Public Lands in Public Hands Act. This legislation protects America’s public lands and ensures they remain open and accessible for hunters, anglers, and all outdoor enthusiasts.

Formed earlier this year by Reps. Ryan Zinke (R-MT) and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), the Public Lands Caucus is a bipartisan coalition focused on conserving America’s public lands and expanding access for all Americans. The caucus brings together lawmakers from both parties to advance practical, consensus-driven public lands policy that supports habitat, recreation, and local communities.

“Our public lands are the backbone of hunting and fishing in America,” said Jack Polentes, Senior Policy & Government Relations Manager for BHA. “This bipartisan support is a critical step in protecting lands that provide habitat, public access, and outdoor opportunities for all.”

The Public Lands in Public Hands Act, introduced by Zinke and Vasquez, requires congressional approval for the sale or transfer of federal lands over 300 acres, or over five acres if accessible by public waterways—ensuring these lands remain in public hands for generations. It provides a critical improvement from current law in which federal land management agencies have broad discretion to sell or transfer publicly owned parcels that provide valuable habitat, public access, and recreational opportunities. Limiting lands available for disposal by the Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest Service will greatly reduce the threat of privatization for valuable public resources owned by all Americans.

“Hunters and anglers benefit whenever public lands remain public,” Katie DeLorenzo, Western Field Director for BHA, added. “We thank the Caucus for their leadership in safeguarding these irreplaceable lands.”

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Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. To learn more about issues important to BHA’s membership, visit https://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/issues.