Vasquez Introduces the Bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Act to Protect Outdoor Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 28, 2024, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM-02) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Actwhich would protect hunting and fishing access by requiring congressional approval for the sale or transfer of public land. Vasquez introduced this legislation with U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT-01). 

“Like many New Mexicans, I’ve spent countless hours hunting, fishing and camping on public lands, it’s part of what makes our state so special,” said Vasquez. “I’m proud to work with Representative Zinke to ensure public lands are not sold off to the highest bidder and privatized for the privilege of a few. Communities across the West with public lands thrive, and now more than ever, I’m proud to help stop the misguided attempt of federal land transfer. We owe it to future generations to safeguard them for decades to come.”

The Public Lands in Public Hands Act follows Vasquez’s commitment to maintaining public access to public land by banning the sale or transfer of most public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and U.S. Forest service except under specific conditions and where required under previous laws. The bill also requires Congressional approval for disposals of publicly accessible federal land tracts over 300 acres and for public land tracts over five acres if accessible via a public waterway. 

In New Mexico, and across the West, public lands are an integral piece of our way of life. Both the Forest Service (USFS) and the Department of the Interior (DOI) have the power to sell or transfer public land, with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) handling most of these sales. While many of the lands put up for sale are small and hard to access, some are open to the public and important for outdoor recreation. The Public Lands in Public Hands Act aims to give Congress more oversight over land sales and protect smaller pieces of land that help expand public access.

“New Mexicans treasure public lands and rely on them to support healthy communities, our traditional way of life and our outdoor recreation economy. We thank Rep. Vasquez for confirming that bond and upholding New Mexicans’ access to the beloved places where they hunt, hike and find refuge,” saidMichael Casaus, New Mexico State Director for The Wilderness Society.

Joel Webster, Chief Conservation Officer with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership said, “Millions of American sportsmen and sportswomen depend on public lands for their hunting and fishing access. TRCP appreciates the leadership of Representatives Vasquez and Zinke to prevent the sale or transfer of our valued public lands by introducing the Public Lands in Public Hands Act.”

“Our nation’s public lands are an irreplaceable asset for hunters and anglers who rely on them for access as well as the intact habitat they provide fish and wildlife,” said Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “We thank Reps. Vasquez and Zinke for their leadership introducing the bipartisan Public Lands in Public Hands Act. By making it more difficult to sell or transfer public lands, this legislation would strengthen the integrity of our public lands heritage at a time when many unsavory interests seek to privatize one of our most American ideals.” 

Leading outdoor recreation, sportsmen and conservation organizations collaborated on and support the legislation including: Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, The Wilderness Society, Boone & Crockett Club, Congressional Sportsmen Foundation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Wild Sheep Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Montana Guides and Outfitters Association, Revelyst (VISTA Outdoor), Backcountry Horsemen’s Association and others. 

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