Pennsylvania’s outdoor heritage is built on public access and conservation. Our ability to build on that heritage could be under threat as a recently proposed bill. Senate Bill 857 would mandate county government approval for all land acquisitions by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, DCNR, and Fish and Boat Commission. On behalf of our members, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Pennsylvania strongly opposes this bill.
Why SB 857 Is Bad for Pennsylvania
1. It Undermines Landowner Rights.
Conservation often starts with a willing landowner choosing to sell or donate their property to a state agency to preserve their legacy. SB 857 disrespects that choice by allowing county politicians to override a landowner’s decision, adding costly delays and bureaucracy to what should be a voluntary, good-faith transaction.
2. It Threatens Public Access and a $20.4 Billion Economy.
Pennsylvania is a national leader in outdoor recreation because people have places to hunt, fish, hike, and explore. Outdoor recreation contributes $20.4 billion annually to our economy, supporting local jobs and businesses. By blocking new conservation acquisitions, SB 857 directly threatens this economic engine and future recreational opportunities.
3. It’s a Political Solution to a Solved Problem.
The bill claims to address lost local tax revenue, but Pennsylvania already has the Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program, which has been strengthened twice in recent years. PILT is the right tool to support local governments—not a law that stifles conservation.
4. It Politicizes Science-Based Management.
Land acquisitions by our expert wildlife and conservation agencies should be guided by habitat needs and public benefit, not local political pressure. SB 857 invites NIMBY vetoes over responsible resource management.
Our Call to Action
We urge the Senate to reject SB 857. It harms landowners, hunters, anglers, and all who depend on Pennsylvania’s public lands.
What You Can Do:
Pennsylvania's public lands and waters are a legacy we inherit and a trust we must pass on. Let’s work together to protect them.