If you live anywhere in the country where public lands exist, be warned: special interests have become more emboldened than ever to privatize and profit from our public lands.

As many Americans remained transfixed on the November 5th election, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has been pushing back against an ominous tidal wave of opposition and antagonism to our public lands legacy. In one of the greatest betrayals of recent times, a growing coalition of elected officials in multiple states are shamelessly pushing for the divestment of public lands owned by us all.

The most insidious of threats at our doorstep is the State of Utah’s lawsuit filed in August with the U.S. Supreme Court to seize a staggering 18.5 million acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Shockingly, elected officials in 14 states – along with a variety of self-serving trade groups and other anti-public land interests – have since jumped on board with legal support.

If Utah’s lawsuit succeeds, the consequences will extend far beyond its borders. At a minimum, 211 million acres of BLM lands across the West would be at immediate risk – and potentially all federally managed lands. This includes national forests, parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness. That means the repercussions would extend far beyond Utah, leaving our public lands across the country vulnerable to privatization, exploitation, or even forcing the federal land agencies to directly sell all of it rather than transfer it in the first place.

No matter how saccharine the spin from the spendy gaslighting campaign out of Utah, their true intentions starkly contradict their well-rehearsed claims that “public lands will remain in public hands.” History proves they won’t. States that forcibly attempt to seize federal public lands cannot afford the immense costs of maintaining them. Essential responsibilities like infrastructure upkeep, oversight, and wildfire response would certainly bankrupt them, leaving our public lands vulnerable to privatization and exploitation.

So, what is the real objective here? The ultimate goal for commandeering publicly owned lands is to sell them, sub-divide them, or lease them to private interests. These are our lands we’re talking about, yours and mine. These are publicly owned assets passed down by generations of Americans, and cherished by hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts in every corner of this country.

The money being funneled into Utah's PR machine to deceive the public of their rights and to influence the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to take up the case is staggering. In addition to the $14 million burden placed on Utah taxpayers to cover the cost of the lawsuit, Utah residents will also have to pick up the tab for a marketing blitz reported to top $2.6 million. And then there’s the money being burned up by various special interests that are working overtime to back Utah’s case. Without direct financial support from people who cherish public lands, and direct engagement from leading public lands advocates like BHA, the scales will tip dangerously in favor of those seeking to exploit our public lands for profit, with consequences almost beyond comprehension.

Throughout our history, land barons and developers have preyed upon the inattention of a hardworking Americans busy with the rest of life to swipe lands right out from underneath us. Now these long-time swindlers have a growing roster of accomplices in the form of politicians who have zero shame cutting Americans out of our own public lands legacy.

In a flurry of unknowns, one thing is certain: As nonpartisan advocates, BHA will remain unwavering in our commitment to defend our wild public lands, waters, and wildlife, regardless of who holds elected office. The next generation of conservation-minded hunters and anglers is counting on all of us to stand tall in the face of incredible adversity and defend the special places where sportsmen and women pursue their passions. The question is, will you stand with us?

Your support – whether through donations, advocacy, or action – is essential to ensuring these lands remain public and protected. To join BHA’s fight, visit UtahIsNotForSale.org.