Public Lands Belong in Public Hands
Our public lands are priceless. They offer more than economic returns — they ground us, restore us, and connect us to something bigger than ourselves. They are where we hike to clear our minds and fish to feed our families.
In the middle of the night, the House snuck an amendment into the budget: Sell 500,000 acres of Utah and Nevada public lands.
While these lands may feel far away, this move sets a precedent — one that could lead to the widespread sale of West Virginia’s lands and waters under so-called budget ‘savings.’
This amendment sidesteps the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act — a bipartisan act that requires proceeds from agency-driven sales to be used for public land infill purchases and other conservation purposes, not to balance a budget.
Public lands are essential to West Virginia’s outdoor recreation economy, supporting over 6,400 jobs across the state. For every $1 spent on public lands, local economies see a return of $4 to $11 — a direct investment in rural businesses, tourism, and jobs.
These aren’t partisan issues — they’re West Virginia issues. Selling off public lands may offer short-term savings, but at a long-term cost that our communities and our grandchildren cannot afford.
You can’t hunt or fish in a subdivision — once public lands are gone, they’re gone for good.
Please encourage your two West Virginia senators and your representative in the House to oppose the sale of public lands in the budget process and tell them public lands should remain in public hands. Take these actions with the West Virginia Rivers Coalition today:
First, call your members of Congress:
– Senator Capito (202) 224 6472
– Senator Justice (202) 224-3954
– Representative Miller (202) 225-3452
– Representative Moore (202) 225-2711
Here’s what you can say: “I am calling as your constituent to urge you to oppose the sale of public lands in the budget process. West Virginia depends on the public lands-based recreation economy. Keep public lands in public hands!”
Thank you for standing with us to protect the places we love and the communities that depend on them.
More soon,
West Virginia Rivers Coalition
