Selling America Short: How Public Land Privatization Threatens Our Shared Heritage

For more than half a century, conservatives at both state and federal levels have attempted to shift American public lands from collective ownership to private hands. Despite repeated efforts, these campaigns have largely stalled—until now. Recent developments under President Donald Trump’s administration have prompted renewed fears that the government may begin selling off portions of the 640 million acres of land that belong to all Americans. Although no direct proposal to auction or privatize large tracts has been officially announced, actions and rhetoric from influential figures in government suggest such a move could be on the horizon.

A Longstanding Movement Against Public Lands

These efforts trace back to the 1970s with the so-called Sagebrush Rebellion, wherein certain groups and state governments argued that federal control over vast Western lands restricted economic growth and state autonomy. Over time, similar anti–federal ownership movements have recurred, attempting everything from legislative bills to budgetary maneuvers to weaken or fragment the federal government’s role in managing these landscapes.

The Trump Administration’s Posture

One of the clearest signals of potential land sell-offs comes from the administration’s business-oriented view of public lands. New Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has, for instance, likened the federal government to a profit-driven enterprise, calling U.S. public lands part of “America’s balance sheet.” In his confirmation remarks, he suggested that public lands should be leveraged for revenue—whether through logging, resource extraction, or outright sale—warning that underutilized land nets a “super low return for the American people.”

This rhetoric is a sharp departure from the traditional concept of land stewardship, which recognizes the government’s duty to protect public resources for recreation, wildlife habitat, and ecological services. As Land Towney, co-chair of the American Hunters and Anglers Action Network, put it when reflecting on Burgum’s statements: “Looking at our public lands as part of a balance sheet? That’s [something] that’s never been said out loud before.”

Patagonia’s Warning and Outdoor Recreation Data

Business leaders in the outdoor industry are also voicing alarm. Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert, in an essay published by Time, warned that if federal lands are sold to private interests, “we turn our back on the Indigenous and local groups that championed their protection” and jeopardize the ability of future generations to hike, climb, camp, fish, and hunt. Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of human-powered recreation groups, has similarly deemed potential sell-offs “a direct threat to the legacy of outdoor access in the West and to the outdoor recreation economy.”

And that economy is no small matter. Outdoor recreation generates over $1.2 trillion in economic activity every year and supports around 5 million American jobs. For scale, that makes outdoor recreation about 3.5 times larger than the airline or auto manufacturing industries and larger than the combined economic power of agriculture, forestry, oil, gas, and mining in many regions. In fact, according to the Recreation Roundtable, every federal dollar spent on public lands returns $14 to the broader economy.

Legislative Maneuvers

Several moves in early 2025 appear to lay the groundwork for unprecedented land transfers. In January, the Republican-led Congress passed a rule making it easier to transfer, sell, donate, or exchange federal lands by treating these actions as having “no cost” to the federal government. Environmental organizations, including Outdoor Alliance, have pointed out that this budgetary sleight of hand ignores the significant revenue and ecosystem services that public lands generate—such as clean air, water filtration, and outdoor tourism.

On top of that, the administration is entertaining the idea of creating a “sovereign wealth fund” to help tackle the nation’s $36 trillion debt. Selling tracts of federal land, the argument goes, could provide immediate large capital injections into such a fund. Critics counter that this would amount to a one-time transaction of priceless national assets, neglecting the long-term social, cultural, ecological, and economic value those lands consistently yield.

Bipartisan Support for Public Ownership

Despite the partisan rhetoric often found in federal politics, public lands remain a uniting issue. Across the political spectrum, Americans cherish open spaces, national forests, and parks. The conservation and hunting communities have long raised the alarm about privatizing public land, citing not only the cultural and recreational loss but also potential damage to local economies that rely on outdoor tourism.

Indeed, protecting public land often aligns strongly with economic development. As mentioned, the outdoor recreation sector’s market size and job generation dwarf many traditional industries. Whether you’re a liberal environmental advocate or a conservative business owner in a mountain town, public lands are frequently recognized as a cornerstone of community identity and prosperity.

Potential Protections: The Public Lands in Public Hands Act

There are measures underway in Congress to safeguard federal lands from large-scale privatization. One of the most notable is the Public Lands in Public Hands Act (H.R. 7430), introduced by Representative Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) and Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.). This bipartisan bill would block the sale or transfer of significant parcels of federal land (300 acres or more) managed by the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service. By retaining federal oversight, the bill aims to preserve recreational access, protect wildlife habitat, and maintain the outdoor economy’s vitality.

What You Can Do

• Raise Your Voice: Let your representatives know where you stand. Many organizations, including Outdoor Alliance, provide online forms that allow you to quickly send letters or emails to elected officials.
• Contact Congress Directly: Government directories such as USA.gov list every representative’s phone number and email address.
• Support Pro-Public-Lands Legislation: Consider advocating for bills like the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, which seeks to safeguard these irreplaceable treasures for future generations.

Looking Ahead

While the situation remains in flux, recent rhetoric and legislative changes suggest public lands may face their greatest threat in modern history. The economic implications are staggering, and the cultural impact is immeasurable. As this issue continues to develop, staying informed and engaged is vital. America’s public lands have been cherished for decades, providing recreational opportunities, job creation, and a shared natural heritage. Ensuring these vast tracts remain open and accessible for future generations is a bipartisan effort—and one that depends on steadfast public support and vigilance.