In light of serious attacks on America’s public lands at the hands of the Trump administration and anti-public lands politicians, including an attempt led by Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) to force the sale of up to 1.2 million acres of public lands to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy, over the past few months, more than 60 communities across the West have passed resolutions, sent letters to their federal delegation, or issued proclamations affirming their commitment to defending our nation’s most treasured natural spaces.
“In the West public lands power our outdoor economies, provide critical water and grazing resources for agriculture, and give our residents unmatched opportunities to recreate and enjoy the peace and solitude that comes along with time spent in nature,” said Anna Peterson, Executive Director of The Mountain Pact and organization that works with over 100 communities across the western U.S.. “But threats from the Trump administration and radical anti-public lands politicians are putting our shared outdoor heritage in danger of being exploited for short-term gain. That’s why communities across the West are standing up and taking official action to condemn these reckless and irresponsible attacks, and to push back against those who want to auction off these irreplaceable and sacred landscapes to the highest bidder. Mountain communities will not stand idly by as the heartbeat of our communities is threatened, and we’ll continue fighting to make sure our public lands remain right where they belong: in public hands.”
These resolutions come after more than 315 current and former Western local elected officials from both sides of the aisle, including mayors, county commissioners/supervisors, state lawmakers, and city and town council members/trustees urgently called for a more balanced approach to the management of our public lands this spring.
The resolutions also come after public lands have faced an all-out assault at the hands of the Trump administration. In June, Republicans passed a budget bill that included a number of attacks on public lands, including reforms to the federal oil and gas leasing system that heavily favor the oil industry over taxpayers and the environment, as well as measures that recklessly repeal lifesaving incentives for weather resilience, energy efficiency, and improved air quality in Western communities.
In the spring, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued secretarial orders targeting America’s national monuments and positioning drilling and mining interests as the favored users of America’s public lands, and Trump has fired thousands of employees and slashed millions in funding from public land agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management while targeting renewable energy in favor of more drilling and resource extraction. In just the past month, the administration has imposed new barriers for Land and Water Conservation Fund projects, and made moves to rescind the Roadless Rule and to eliminate the BLM Public Land Rule.
For local officials in mountain communities, public lands make up the very heart and soul of the places they represent. Protected public lands are critical economic drivers for Western communities that add $1.2 trillion to the American economy and support more than 5 million jobs in the US. A recent report from the National Park Service found that “325 million park visitors spent an estimated $26.4 billion in local gateway regions while visiting National Park Service lands across the country.” These expenditures supported a total of 415,000 jobs and added $55.6 billion in economic output in the national economy.
Further, public lands are incredibly popular among voters on both sides of the aisle. According to the 2025 Conservation in the West Poll, 65 percent of Western voters oppose transferring ownership of national public lands to states, 89 percent oppose reducing or removing national monument protections, and 72 percent prefer their elected officials to place more emphasis on protecting clean water sources, air quality, and wildlife habitat while providing opportunities to visit and recreate on public lands.
The full list of communities who have stood up to support public lands through recent resolutions, proclamations and letters to their federal delegation, include:
Arizona: Yavapai, Pima, and Coconino counties and cities of Tucson, Sedona, Flagstaff, Marana, and Clarkdale.
California: Towns of Mammoth Lakes and Truckee, and the City of Bishop;
Colorado: Larmier, Boulder, Summit, Clear Creek, Pitkin, Eagle, Gilpin, Routt, Garfield, Hinsdale, Jefferson, Saguache, La Plata, San Miguel, Pueblo, Gunnison, and Chaffee counties; and cities/towns of Boulder, Basalt, Winter Park, Snowmass Village, Durango, Frisco, Aspen, Eagle, Steamboat Springs, Mancos, Nederland, Dolores, Lyons, Superior, Keystone, Ridgway, Buena Vista;
Idaho: Blaine County as well as the Boise Mayor’s emergency resolution at the U.S. Conference of Mayors;
Montana: Missoula County, the City of Missoula;
New Mexico: Bernallilo, Taos, and Santa Fe counties; the City of Albuquerque and Las Cruces, and the towns of Taos and Mesilla;
Oregon: City of Bend;
Utah: Summit County, and Town of Alta;
Washington: Jefferson County; Towns of Covington and Leavenworth;
Wyoming: Park, Sublette, and Teton counties;
Along with other Western communities reviewing resolutions in coming months!
QUOTES FROM WESTERN LOCAL OFFICIALS ON THEIR RECENT RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/LETTERS
ARIZONA
City of Flagstaff, Arizona Mayor Becky Daggett said, ”Public lands are integral to our identity and economy. Priceless treasures like Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument bring visitors to our area, create good-paying jobs, and give our residents opportunities to explore and enjoy nature. Selling off these lands would demonstrate a marked lack of vision and a terrible misunderstanding about what the public values. That’s why we reaffirmed our support for the national monument through a recent supportive resolution.”
Coconino County, Arizona Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said, “In response to the deeply alarming and profoundly disappointing proposals to sell off public lands, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors was proud to affirm our support for the public lands that serve as the bedrock of our communities, economy, and heritage. Here in Coconino County, our public lands—spanning nearly five million acres—are essential to our identity and prosperity. From the grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the rich forests surrounding Flagstaff, these landscapes are not only sacred to Indigenous Peoples and wildlife—they are a vital economic engine. Selling off our public lands would devastate ecosystems, displace wildlife, threaten Indigenous stewardship, and undermine the rural economies that rely on recreation, tourism, grazing, hunting, fishing, and cultural heritage. Those lands belong to all of us—not to be bargained away for short‑term political gain.”
Yavapai County, Arizona Supervisor Nikki Check said, “Yavapai County’s public lands are the heartbeat of our community and the backbone of our economy. These precious spaces provide critical water and grazing space for agriculture, habitat for our wildlife, and give our residents countless opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors. We’re proud of our public lands and will always stand up to defend them.”
Pima County, Arizona Supervisor Rex Scott said, “Public lands are the backbone of Arizona’s outdoor heritage, and the threat of selling these treasures off is simply unacceptable. America’s public lands support our outdoor recreation and tourism economies, and contribute to the health and well-being of our communities. Pima County is proud to stand up for the places we call home, and will work to ensure our public lands aren’t sold off to the highest bidder.”
Tucson City Council Member Kevin Dahl said, “Ragged Top, Silverbell, Pan Quemado – these amazing low desert mountains and the lands that stretch between them are home to amazing geology and the unique plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert. Towering saguaros, dense stands of ironwood trees, herds of the rare Desert Bighorn Sheep. Tucson is so fortunate that these public lands are protected by being designated the Ironwood Forest National Monument. Our City joins with so many who know and love these lands to declare they are an important part of southern Arizona’s lifestyle and economy, offering a sanctuary where visitors and residents alike can visit this amazing landscape. It is important that we prevent anti-public land politicians who would shrink or sell off our public lands to the highest bidder. The incredible natural resources and recreational opportunities available today at Ironwood Forest must be protected so that this place can be enjoyed by our children and our children’s children.
CALIFORNIA
Town of Truckee, California Council Member and Former Mayor Courtney Henderson said, “Protecting our public lands is critical to our way of life in the Sierra Nevada, which is why I was proud to help pass a resolution recently affirming Truckee’s commitment to defending these irreplaceable spaces. Our local economies rely on our public lands to generate outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities and our communities rely on them for a multitude of uses - hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, connecting with nature, family, friends, and so much more. As taxpayers, we are the ones who have funded the preservation of these lands for decades. They are not for sale."
Town of Mammoth Lakes Council Member and Former Mayor John Wentworth said, “The Eastern Sierra's public landscape, providing billions of dollars in ecosystem services and an outdoor recreation economy that supports millions of visitors, defines who we are, and makes our rural lives possible. Attacks on public landscapes betray our communities and put livelihoods at risk. Mammoth Lakes is proud to stand in support of public lands. Without them, our community would not be the thriving and proud one that we are today.”
COLORADO
Aspen, Colorado Mayor Rachael E. Richards said, “Carefully managed public lands are the economic lifeblood of the West, the foundation for tourism and outdoor recreation in all its forms; watchable wildlife, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, rafting and backcountry skiing. Western public lands provide irreplaceable habitat for many species and are the true reservoirs for fresh clean water for both agriculture and tens of millions of citizens annually. Western public lands are the birthright and legacy of all American citizens; it is our responsibility to enhance and guard those resources for future generations.”
Buena Vista, Colorado Trustee Michal "Micha" Rosenoer said, “Buena Vista passed a resolution supporting our public lands because they are hugely important to our economy and to our outdoor way of life. We need these places to remain open and accessible, instead of being stripped for parts or sold off to the highest bidder. We urge the Trump administration to end its attack on public lands and to instead focus on protecting these special places so we can continue to benefit from them for years to come.”
City of Durango, Colorado Mayor Gilda Yazzie said, “Public lands are what makes Durango such an amazing place to live and raise a family, and recent attempts to sell off these treasures made affirming our commitment to protecting them a no-brainer. Protected public lands are irreplaceable - once they’re gone, they’re never coming back, which is why it’s critical we stand up against these reckless schemes that aim to sell them off.”
Town of Ridgway, Colorado Mayor John Clark said, "Ridgway depends on easily accessible public lands as a major pillar of our economy. They bring visitors to our region in droves and support hundreds of good-paying jobs and give our community unparalleled opportunities to enjoy countless outdoor activities. Ridgway passed a resolution standing up for public lands to send a message: the Trump administration needs to end its counterproductive war on public lands immediately.”
Chair of the Gunnison, Colorado County Board of County Commissioners Laura Puckett Daniels said, “Public lands are critical for Gunnison’s economy, environment, and culture. They are the backbone of what makes Gunnison and Colorado special, and we were proud to stand up on their behalf through a recent resolution. Public lands enjoy widespread, bipartisan support, and should be stewarded for future generations, not sold off for private profit.”
Routt County, Colorado Chair Board of County Commissioners Sonja Macys said, “Routt County was proud to pass a resolution reaffirming our longstanding commitment to keeping public lands in public hands. These lands support our agricultural producers and provide critical ecosystem services while simultaneously allowing for the numerous and varied recreational opportunities that our constituents value and that are integral to our economy and the quality of life we enjoy in Routt County.”
La Plata County, Colorado County Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton said, "La Plata thrives on its public lands for everything — iconic views, water, recreation, economic opportunities for all, wildlife habitats, and so much more. The fact the current administration desires to put over 14M acres of these lands in Colorado on the chopping block is horrible. It's just plain wrong. Elected officials across the West are speaking out about this self-interested idea that is in direct contrast to sustaining healthy landscapes and economies that serve everyone, not just those who can afford it. La Plata County is proud to have been the 1st community to pass a pro public lands resolution!”
Superior, Colorado Councilmember Jenn Kaaoush said, “The Town of Superior was proud to officially affirm what should be obvious: our public lands are not for sale to the highest bidder. They are a legacy we hold in trust for future generations. You can’t put a price tag on clean air, wild spaces, and the soul of Colorado—this land belongs to the people, not profiteers.”
Town of Frisco, Colorado Mayor Rick Ihnken said, “Standing idly by while anti-public lands politicians work to hand over our national treasures to the highest bidder is not an option. Public lands make up the very heart and soul of our community. We’ll do everything in our power to ensure Colorado’s public lands remain in public hands and we are proud to recently have passed a pro public lands resolution.”
Chaffee County, Colorado Commissioner Gina Lucrezi said, “In Chaffee County, we are doing everything possible to keep public lands in public hands. Public lands make up 80% of our County, and are absolutely essential to our community's livelihood, way of life, and overall well-being. They drive our outdoor recreation economy, support local agriculture through grazing and water access, and provide opportunities for the community to connect with the land. Our public lands define our way of life, and we will not allow short-sighted anti-public lands politicians to sell off our heritage and our legacy to make a quick buck.”
Snowmass Village, Colorado Council Member Britta Gustafson said, "In Snowmass Village, as in many remarkable areas of this great state, public lands represent more than mere open space; they are vital to our livelihoods and offer us solace in their embrace. In our community, we dedicate ourselves to living, working, and playing amidst these cherished landscapes.
Here, public land is a way of life; it inspires us and serves as the great equalizer that connects us all. When we are surrounded by vast undeveloped land, it reminds us of our responsibility to protect this ecosystem rich with timeless past, history, and culture in all its splendor, for future generations.
As stewards of over 22 million acres in Colorado, we honor our humanity by safeguarding the air we breathe, the waters we cherish, and the sacred homelands of Indigenous peoples. As a representative of the Town of Snowmass Village, I can affirm that we not only celebrate our public lands but are also committed to rising to the challenge and championing all public lands, for they define our very existence."
Winter Park, Colorado Mayor Nick Kutrumbos said, “In Winter Park, we are part of 1.5 million acres of national forest and wilderness areas that define who we are. These lands are our heritage and our future—and we will always work to protect them for generations to come.”
Snowmass Village, Colorado Council Member Susan Marolt said, “Snowmass Village exists because of public lands. They are a key component of our outdoor economy, create hundreds of good-paying jobs, and give folks who live here unmatched opportunities to ski, hike, fish, and play in some of Colorado’s most scenic outdoor spaces. We stood up to defend public lands because without them, Snowmass Village simply would not be the amazing place it is to live, work, and raise a family.”
Boulder County, Colorado Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann said, “From the tremendous environmental benefits to the economic and recreational opportunities, every person in the country benefits directly or indirectly from our collective public lands. Boulder County is proud to stand in strong defense of our priceless and irreplaceable natural resources that promote the health of our residents and create resilient communities. By protecting our public lands, we build a stronger America.”
San Miguel County, Colorado Commissioner Galena Gleason said, “San Miguel County remains deeply committed to safeguarding our public lands, recognizing their vital role in providing critical habitats for threatened species such as the Gunnison Sage Grouse. We are devoted to ensuring the long-term protection of these irreplaceable ecosystems and wild landscapes.”
Eagle County Commissioner Tom Boyd said, “Ninety percent of public lands are in the West but people from around the world value them as a global treasure. That's because America's public input process for preserving public lands is unlike anything in any other nation now or in history. And so people in Eagle County of all political stripes joined us this year in a groundswell of support to vehemently protect that process, to advocate for continued balanced management of these lands, to fully fund the on-the-ground staff who care for them, and to ensure that their fate is not destroyed by the penstroke of some wayward ideologue in Washington, D.C.”
Pitkin County, Colorado Commissioner Jeffrey Woodruff said, “With the federal government intent on degrading our public lands, Pitkin County took measured action to ensure our zoning reflects how the public lands in our county are actually used and protect the land from extraction and exploitation.
Pitkin Open Space and Trails and our Sheriff’s Office partnered with neighbors to remove fell trees, to tell stories and protect and welcome visitors to our outdoor sanctuaries. We enjoy the enchantment of wandering in the sagebrush and scrub oak and serviceberries. We cherish elks bugling across three meadows and enjoy a breath; delighting the quiet of the land.
Public land is integral to our rural resort economy. Grazing allotments are essential for our ranchers. Special use permits are critical for skiing and snow making and X Games. Public lands are our economy. Public lands must be protected. Public lands are not a billionaire’s wilderness. Public lands belong in public hands.”
Town of Basalt, Colorado Mayor David Knight said, “Basalt simply wouldn’t be the amazing place to live in today without our public lands and our collective love of our shared outdoor spaces. Public lands power our outdoor recreation economy and are the reason many of us choose to call Basalt home - but they must be cared for and protected. That’s why we chose to officially oppose any shortsighted proposal to sell off public lands and why we’ll keep fighting to protect the public lands that make Colorado such a special place to live.”
IDAHO
City of Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said, “Our public lands must remain in public hands, so I submitted and passed an emergency resolution at the US Conference of Mayors calling on Congress to oppose the sale of our public lands. Our parks, trails and open spaces are a beloved part of our community. They attract visitors to our city, contribute to our local economy, safeguard our wildlife populations and habitats, protect homes from wildfires, and provide outdoor recreational opportunities for Boise residents. We know spending time outside improves our health, well-being, and quality of life. We’ll keep fighting to protect these natural spaces so communities like Boise can benefit from them for generations to come.”
Blaine County, Idaho County Commissioner Angenie McCleary said, "Idahoans cherish and depend on our public lands and national monuments to support our economy while providing certainty for our rural and gateway communities. Blaine County strongly opposes any attempt to curtail protecting our nation’s most treasured landscapes which is why we recently passed a resolution supporting the protection of our public lands. We hope our leaders in Congress will vote to keep these lands where they belong: in public hands.”
MONTANA
City of Missoula, Montana City Council Member Eric Melson said, “Missoula’s economy is driven by outdoor recreation.; Healthy rivers, clean air, and easy access to public lands define who we are and how we live. And yet again, we're seeing a few unmoored politicians try to sell off our public lands, our backyard, and put everything we value at risk. That’s why the City of Missoula took a stand and passed a resolution in support of public lands. Protecting these places isn’t just about the environment—it’s a moral responsibility and an investment in our future. I’ve called Senators Daines and Sheehy and Representatives Zinke and Downing and told them to fight like Montanans to keep our public lands well-funded, well-managed, and open to everyone. Have you?”
Missoula County, Montana Commissioner Josh Slotnick said, “Western Montana is home to some of the most scenic and important public lands in the West, lands that power our economy, provide critical water resources and wildlife habitat, and form the backbone of our outdoor way of life. That’s why we were proud to formalize our support for these natural spaces. We won’t stand by while politicians play games with our public lands, and will keep fighting to make sure they remain open, free and accessible for every American to enjoy.”
NEW MEXICO
Taos County, New Mexico Commissioner, District III Darlene Vigil said, "The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is a living cultural landscape that defines our rich Pueblo and Hispano land based heritage in Taos County. Cherished and vital traditional land uses such as hunting, fishing, acequia-based agriculture, livestock grazing, herb, piñón and firewood collection are essential part of our county’s identity. All of these values and many others are codified in our monument’s declaratory language. Undermining these values by rescinding the monument or allowing for mining or other development that degrades them is a direct attack on our community.”
Las Cruces, New Mexico Council Member Becky Corran said, “Open spaces in Las Cruces, especially our Organ Mountains, serve as a bridge to our past and the backdrop for a future grounded in public lands. Families celebrate milestones at La Cueva, soak in yellow flowers along Baylor Canyon and hike contemplatively in the beauty of Soledad Canyon. Our public lands make us who we are, and we are committed to protecting them for future generations.”
Town of Taos, New Mexico Councilor Darien Fernandez said, “Our public lands are essential to our traditions, wildlife, and way of life. They are integral to our heritage, culture, and future, and each of us must be responsible stewards of these shared spaces. We were proud to stand up in defense of these irreplaceable landscapes, and will continue educating and empowering folks to protect our public lands.”
Santa Fe County, New Mexico Commissioner Camilla M. Bustamante said, “For generations, we have utilized public lands to sustain our families and nourish our souls. My father often referred to the wilderness as his church, and for our family it remains a sacred place that provides the sanctuary and resources we need to not only survive, but thrive. We depend on public lands for gathering wood for warmth in the winter, hunting wild game for food, and foraging plants and herbs as our Pueblo neighbors taught us. These sacred spaces are irreplaceable, and they must be preserved so that my family and countless others like us can continue relying on them to provide the resources, recreation, and solace that sustains life in our communities and makes Santa Fe such an amazing place to live.”
Town of Mesilla, New Mexico Mayor Russell Hernandez said, “The public lands in the Mesilla Valley play a vital role in preserving our communities’ character, economy, and outdoor way of life. Transferring or selling these irreplaceable spaces would be devastating. We were proud to stand strongly in support of our public lands, and will fight to make sure they remain free and open to the public for generations to come. That’s why we recently passed a resolution showing our support for our public lands.”
City of Albuquerque, New Mexico City Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn said, “New Mexico and public lands go hand-in-hand, and without public lands, our state and our community would suffer greatly. We depend on these places, and were appalled by recent attempts to sell them off, which is why the City of Albuquerque is taking action to defend them. Ensuring public lands remain free and openly accessible is a critical priority for us, and we’ll keep speaking out and standing up for the irreplaceable public lands we call home.”
OREGON
City of Bend, Oregon Mayor Mayor Melanie Kebler said, “While selling off our public lands is framed as a housing initiative, it’s clear the primary goal is revenue generation—not solving our housing crisis. Selling off acres of public land, including areas near Bend, threatens the natural spaces that define our community and support our local economy through recreation and tourism. Our residents are not interested in sprawling into our beautiful surrounding area —they want affordable housing in places where jobs, schools, and amenities already exist. What cities like Bend need is not the loss of public lands, but direct federal support—funding for infrastructure and affordable housing programs that help us prioritize smart growth over land consumption. That’s why we reaffirmed our support for public lands through a recent Public Lands Day proclamation.”
UTAH
Summit County, Utah County Councilor Megan McKenna said, “As Utahns, we love our public lands and in Summit County, we showed our support for keeping public lands in public hands by unanimously passing a public lands resolution. Most Utahns want to see our public lands protected for future generations to enjoy. Our five national parks anchor our state’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy and bring millions of visitors each year to our state. Our public lands connect us with one another and with nature and provide critical water resources while supporting small businesses and creating good-paying jobs. We need to take the care and protection of our public lands seriously, which is why I am calling on anti-public lands politicians to abandon their scheme to sell of millions of acres of public land to pay for tax cuts for the rich, and instead give these critical landscapes the support they need to remain healthy and accessible for all Utahns to enjoy.”
WASHINGTON
Jefferson County, Washington Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour said, “Attacks on our public lands are unacceptable. Jefferson County was proud to stand up and affirm our commitment to defending these treasures. All year long people flock to our communities to enjoy the best of what Washington has to offer. We need to protect public lands at all costs.”
Town of Leavenworth, Washington Mayor Carl Florea said, “Our community is surrounded by protected public lands, that locals and visitors alike come to recreate on and experience their beauty and solitude. These places support our growing outdoor recreation and tourism economies. Public lands are something to be celebrated and protected, and our community was proud to stand strong in defense of them against attacks from the Trump Administration.”
Town of Covington, Washington Mayor Pro Tem and former National Park and U.S. Forest Ranger Sean Smith said, "Here in Covington, we’re proud to live next door to Mount Rainier National Park and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest—places that embody the best of America’s natural heritage. These public lands fuel our regional economy, provide it with clean water and wildlife habitat, and offer unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Undermining these landscapes puts our economy and way of life at risk, which is why we stood up to call for smart, thoughtful stewardship instead of political games that threaten what makes this region such a great place to live, work, and play.”
WYOMING
Teton County, Wyoming, County Commissioner Len Carlman said, “The people of Teton County are strong supporters of keeping public lands where they belong – in public hands. Attacks on our local and national heritage of public lands are unwelcome and unwarranted. These spaces add up to 2.616 million of the 2.697 million acres in my home of Teton County. They include the southern half of Yellowstone National Park, all of Grand Teton National Park and the National Elk Refuge, about 175,000 acres of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest on the west slope of the Teton Range, and the northern one-third of the 3.4-million-acre Bridger-Teton National Forest. By working together with citizens and local governments across the American west, I believe we will defeat the current attacks and emerge as stronger advocates for our priceless heritage.
ARIZONA
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
IDAHO
MONTANA
New Mexico
OREGON
UTAH
WASHINGTON
WYOMING
Mountain communities are vowing to continue fighting for public lands after continued efforts to try to force the sale of millions of acres of public lands to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy failed to be included in the House and Senate versions of the budget reconciliation process.
On June 28, Executive Director Anna Peterson said, “As millions of Americans and western communities have reminded people again and again over the past few weeks, public lands are bi-partisan, deeply revered, sustain our communities, power our economies, and serve as the cornerstone of our outdoor way of life. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to defending public lands, and continue to fight to make sure they remain where they belong forever: in public hands."
Senator Lee revised his legislative proposal(s) after the U.S. Senate parliamentarian ruled Lee’s scheme did not meet the criteria necessary to be included in the bill because it violates the Byrd Rule which prevents extraneous matters from being included in a reconciliation bill.
America’s cherished public lands are widely supported and create thousands of good-paying jobs while contributing billions of dollars to local rural economies. Anti-public lands Republicans’ cynical ploy would force the federal government to dispose of public lands by selling them off to wealthy individuals or developers who could lock up the land, depriving our communities of access to our favorite trails and recreation spots, wild places where we camp, hunt, fish, and enjoy nature and outdoors that belong to us all.
In the Spring of 2025, more than 315 current and former Western local elected officials, including mayors, county commissioners, and city council members, sent a letter to the Trump Administration and Congressional offices urgently calling for a more balanced approach to the management of our public lands and called on them to oppose the sale of public lands in the Budget Reconciliation Package.
In one month, many local governments across the West stood up for their public lands by passing resolutions or sending letters in support of public lands and against the sell-off language.
Polling has consistently shown public lands hold overwhelming support from both the public and local elected officials. According to the 2024 Conservation in the West Poll, 72 percent of Western voters oppose removing protections on existing national public lands, and 85 percent of voters in the West – including 74 percent of Republicans, 87 percent of Independents, and 96 percent of Democrats – say issues involving clean water, clean air, wildlife and public lands are important in deciding whether to support an elected official.
QUOTES ON SELL-OFF
ARIZONA
City of Flagstaff, Arizona Mayor Becky Daggett said, ”Public lands are integral to our identity and economy. Selling off these lands would demonstrate a marked lack of vision and a monumental misunderstanding about what the public values.”
Pima County, Arizona Supervisor Rex Scott said, “Public lands are the backbone of Arizona’s outdoor heritage, and the threat of selling these treasures off is simply unacceptable. America’s public lands support our outdoor recreation and tourism economies, and contribute to the health and well-being of our communities. They help shape the places we call home, while also ensuring a healthier, brighter future for generations to come, which is why we can’t afford to sell them off to the highest bidder.”
Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair, Patrice Horstman said, “I am deeply alarmed and profoundly disappointed by the Senate’s proposal to sell off public lands. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors recently signed a resolution in support of our public lands- These lands are not tradable assets—they are the bedrock of our communities, economy, and heritage. Here in Coconino County, our public lands—spanning nearly five million acres—are essential to our identity and prosperity. From the grandeur of the Grand Canyon to the rich forests surrounding Flagstaff, these landscapes are not only sacred to Indigenous Peoples and wildlife—they are a vital economic engine. Tourism here generates nearly a billion dollars annually. Selling off our public lands would devastate ecosystems, displace wildlife, threaten Indigenous stewardship, and undermine the rural economies that rely on recreation, tourism, grazing, hunting, fishing, and cultural heritage. Those lands belong to all of us—not to be bargained away for short‑term political gain.”
CALIFORNIA
Town of Truckee, California Council Member Courtney Henderson said, “Protecting our public lands is critical to our way of life in the Sierra Nevada. Our local economies rely on our public lands to generate outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities and our communities rely on them for a multitude of uses - hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, connecting with nature, family, friends, and so much more. As taxpayers, we are the ones who have funded the preservation of these lands for decades. They are not for sale."
Nevada County Commissioner Hardy Bullock said, “Communities like ours depend on easily accessible public lands as a major pillar of our economy, and are a reason so many of us call this place home. Selling them off to the highest bidder would see significant long-term negative consequences for conservation, diminished Native American rights and cultural heritage sites, and reduced or eliminated public access to our treasured outdoor resources.”
COLORADO
Chaffee County, Colorado Commissioner, Gina Lucrezi said, “In Chaffee County, we will do everything possible to keep public lands in public hands. We will utilize a variety of policy power and creative levers to discourage or prevent any land sales. Public lands make up 80% of Chaffee County and are absolutely essential to our community's livelihood, way of life, and overall well-being. They drive our outdoor recreation economy, support local agriculture through grazing and water access, and provide opportunities for the community to connect with the land. Our public lands define our way of life, and we will not allow short-sighted Senators with absolutely atrocious ideas, take it away.”
Boulder County, Colorado Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann said, “From the tremendous environmental benefits to the economic and recreational opportunities, every person in the country benefits directly or indirectly from our collective public lands. Protecting natural resources and promoting healthy biodiversity is critical to intergenerational stewardship of our country and our individual communities. By protecting our public lands, we build a stronger America.”
Routt County, Colorado Chair, Board of County Commissioners Sonja Macys said, “We are proud to re-affirm Routt County’s longstanding commitment to keeping public lands in public hands. These lands support our agricultural producers and provide critical ecosystems services while simultaneously allowing for the numerous and varied recreational opportunities that our constituents value and that are integral to the quality of life we enjoy in Routt County.”
Chair of the Gunnison, Colorado County Board of County Commissioners Laura Puckett Daniels said, “Public Lands are critical for Gunnison’s economy, environment, and culture. From grazing, to recreation, to hunting and fishing, they are the backbone of what makes Gunnison and Colorado special. People flock here from all over the world for the beauty and opportunities afforded by public lands. In Gunnison, we’ve found a balance for timber production and energy development that keeps the lands in the public trust and continues to allow multiple uses to coexist. Public lands enjoy widespread, bipartisan support. They are one of our country’s greatest treasure and should be stewarded for future generations, not sold off for private profit.”
Town of Frisco, Colorado Mayor Rick Ihnken said, “No action is Approval.”
Superior, Colorado Councilmember Jenn Kaaoush said, “Our public lands are not for sale to the highest bidder. They are a legacy we hold in trust for future generations. You can’t put a price tag on clean air, wild spaces, and the soul of Colorado—this land belongs to the people, not profiteers.”
La Plata County, Colorado County Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton said, "La Plata thrives on its public lands for everything — iconic views, water, recreation, economic opportunities for all, wildlife habitats, and so much more. The fact the current administration desires to put over 14M acres of these lands in Colorado on the chopping block is horrible. It's just plain wrong. Elected officials across the West are speaking out about this self-interested idea that is in direct contrast to sustaining healthy landscapes and economies that serve everyone, not just those who can afford to do real estate developments."
IDAHO
Blaine County, Idaho County Commissioner Angenie McCleary said, "Protected public lands and national monuments support our local economies, tourism, and outdoor recreation while providing certainty for our rural and gateway communities. Idahoans cherish and depend on our public lands but recent proposals in Congress threaten to sell off these irreplaceable treasures to the highest bidder. Blaine County strongly opposes any attempt to curtail protecting our nation’s most treasured landscapes which is why we recently passed a resolution supporting the protection of our public lands. We hope our leaders in Congress will vote to keep these lands where they belong: in public hands.”
City of Ketchum, Idaho Council Member Tripp Hutchinson said, “In other countries, hunting is an activity reserved for only the rich on privately-owned land - but here in America, we’re lucky that public lands belong to all of us, and are available for everyone to use and enjoy. But it takes care and resources to keep our public lands safe and accessible. I am urging Senators Crapo and Risch to treat America’s public lands as the important assets they are and to keep our Western hunting heritage alive and well by opposing any bill that would sell off our nation’s most precious resources.”
MONTANA
City of Missoula, Montana City Council Member Eric Melson said, "Missoula’s transformation from an industry town with smoke-choked skies to a thriving outdoor recreation hub is a testament to our community's commitment to conservation and smart growth. Today, our economy is driven by outdoor recreation; healthy rivers, clean air, and accessible public lands that define our identity and quality of life - but a few Republicans’ proposal to sell off those lands to pay for tax cuts for the rich puts all of that in danger. That's why the City of Missoula recently signed a resolution in support of our public lands. Protecting these assets isn’t just an environmental obligation—it’s an investment in our resident's future, and I urge Senators Daines and Sheehy to stand up and ensure public lands remain well-funded, well-managed, and open to all.”
City of Helena, Montana City Commissioner Andy Shirtliff said, “In Helena, our trails, rivers, and open spaces are part of what makes this community so special. They draw visitors from around the world and enrich the lives of everyone who calls Helena home. I am urging Senator Daines and Senator Sheehy to continue to oppose any proposal that would sell off public lands, and instead protect them through balanced, thoughtful solutions that keep public lands public not only today but for the generations to come.”
NEVADA
City of Reno, Nevada Council Member Devon Reese said, "Protected public lands, like national monuments, are hugely important to Nevadans and Renoites. Places like Avi Kwa Ame, Tule Springs Fossil Beds, Gold Butte, and Basin & Range national monuments bring us peace of mind, protect important cultural resources, and generate economic revenue. Protected places like these help sustain our state’s vital outdoor recreation economy, which is why and how so many of our small towns and businesses thrive. The vitality of our communities is linked to the health of our public lands, which is why I am so concerned about Congressional Republicans’ plans to sell off millions of acres of our public land to the highest bidder. We need our leaders to oppose this harebrained scheme and instead work to ensure more lands can be protected and more communities can benefit from the places they call home.”
Washoe County, Nevada Commissioner Alexis Hill said, “In Washoe County public lands are a key driver of our economy, and the backbone of our outdoor way of life. They provide our communities with clean air and water, create and support good-paying jobs, and give people space to be with nature. We should be doing more to protect and support our public lands, instead of selling them off to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy.”
OREGON
City of Bend, Oregon Mayor Mayor Melanie Kebler said, “While the proposal is framed as a housing initiative, it’s clear the primary goal is revenue generation—not solving our housing crisis. Selling off acres of public land, including areas near Bend, threatens the natural spaces that define our community and support our local economy through recreation and tourism. Our residents are not interested in sprawling into our beautiful surrounding area —they want affordable housing in places where jobs, schools, and amenities already exist. What cities like Bend need is not the loss of public lands, but direct federal support—funding for infrastructure and affordable housing programs that help us prioritize smart growth over land consumption.”
UTAH
Grand County Utah Commissioner Trish Hedin said, “Grand County is home to such national treasures as Arches and Canyonlands National Parks which are crucial to our economy, our recreational opportunities, and our physical and psychological well-being. I am deeply concerned that Republicans’ attempts to sell off protected public lands puts these irreplaceable places, and countless others like it across the West, at risk. We must ensure public lands remain open and accessible to the public, so these critical landscapes can continue benefiting communities like ours for years to come. "I am deeply discouraged as a citizen and representative of Utah that our own Mike Lee is at the root of these amendments."
Summit County, Utah County Councilor Megan McKenna said, “As Utahns, we love our public lands and in Summit County, we showed our support for keeping public lands in public hands by unanimously passing a public lands resolution. In the aftermath of political gun violence in Minnesota, Mike Lee demonstrated, once again, the kind of man he is. On the issue of public lands, he too fails to represent Utah values. Most Utahns want to see our public lands protected for future generations to enjoy. Our five national parks anchor our state’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy and bring millions of visitors each year to our state. Our public lands connect us with one another and with nature and provide critical water resources while supporting small businesses and creating good-paying jobs. It is not a partisan issue and is time we put people over party politics. We need to take the care and protection of our public lands seriously, which is why I am calling on Senator Lee and his supporters to abandon their scheme to sell of millions of acres of public land to pay for tax cuts for the rich, and instead give these critical landscapes the support they need to remain healthy and accessible for all Utahns to enjoy.”
WYOMING
Teton County, Wyoming, County Commissioner Len Carlman said, “The element of this scandal that would give local governments a right of first refusal to match a private party’s high bid to purchase public land that we already own is outrageous. In my county, which includes Jackson Hole, our local government would never have enough money to buy back the tracts of Snake River riparian land in the heart of our valley that are currently owned and managed by the BLM. Those lovely cottonwood gallery forest areas would make very attractive pretend cowboy properties for the billionaire class. Imagine how many pretty feathers they could stuff in their new cowboy hats. Senator Lee’s attack on our national heritage of public lands is disgraceful. It would be correct for the two US Senators from Wyoming and the US Representative to do what they have been saying for years and show respect for local communities and their elected officials. If we’ve been too subtle in our communication with them on this to date, (don’t worry, we haven’t been), here’s my version of our message: ‘We oppose this brainless sledgehammer approach to the sale of public lands in Teton County, Wyoming.’”
The Mountain Pact and more than 300 current and former Western local elected officials, including mayors, county commissioners, and city council members, sent a letter to the Trump Administration and Congressional offices on March 26, 2025 urgently calling for a more balanced approach to the management of our public lands; calling on them to oppose the sale of public lands in the Budget Reconciliation Package; and asking them to reject any attempts to change the Antiquities Act or reduce the size of our national monuments.
LETTER MEDIA COVERAGE
