Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus

From the deserts of New Mexico to the mountains of Montana, America’s public lands are central to our way of life, offering space to hike, hunt, pray, fish, gather, and connect with our natural heritage. But today, these shared lands are under threat—from chronic underfunding and staffing shortages to worsening wildfires and a maintenance backlog across our national parks and forests.

In response, Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) and Representative Ryan Zinke (MT-01) came together to found the Public Lands Caucus—a bipartisan group of members committed to protecting access to public lands, expanding recreation opportunities, and ensuring these spaces are preserved for future generations.

As Co-Chairs, Vasquez and Zinke bring a shared passion for public lands from two very different parts of the country—Vasquez, a first-generation conservationist from the borderlands of New Mexico, and Zinke, a Navy SEAL and former Secretary of the Interior from Big Sky Country. Alongside Vice-Chairs Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Chairman Mike Simpson (ID-02), the Caucus bridges rural and urban, East and West, conservationists and sportsmen alike.

The Caucus works closely with local communities, outdoor recreation leaders, and conservation organizations to ensure public lands remain a unifying force in American life. Click here to see statements of support for the Public Lands Caucus.

Drawing on inspiration from the Roosevelt Arch welcoming visitors to Yellowstone National Park to the vast open spaces of New Mexico, public lands are “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.”  The Public Lands Caucus will work across the aisle to advance policies for the conservation of and public access to public lands. It’s up to us to pass down this quintessentially American experience to the next generation.

Founders:

Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) - Founding Member, Co-Chair

Rep. Ryan Zinke (MT-01) - Founding Member, Co-Chair

Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06) - Founding Member, Vice Chair

Chairman Mike Simpson (ID-02) - Founding Member, Vice Chair

Public Lands Caucus Membership List:

^{The caucus currently has 20 members from both sides of the aisle.} 

• Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) - Founding Member, Co-Chair
• Rep. Ryan Zinke (MT-01) - Founding Member, Co-Chair
• Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06) - Founding Member, Vice Chair
• Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-02) - Founding Member, Vice-Chair
• Rep. Raul Ruiz (CA-25)
• Rep. Chuck Edwards (NC-11)
• Rep. Joe Neguse (CO-02)
• Rep. Jen Kiggans (VA-02)
• Rep. Emily Randall (WA-06)
• Rep. Troy Downing (MT-02)
• Rep. Steven Horsford (NV-04)
• Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA-04)
• Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03)
• Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06)
• Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01)
• Rep. David Valadao (CA-22)
• Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04)
• Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX-23)
• Rep. Tim Kennedy (NY-26)
• Rep. Kevin Kiley (CA-03)