I don’t usually weigh in on politics on YGR, especially National politics, but this is a significant win for those of us who recreate in or near our National Forests and BLM properties.
A proposal in the U.S. Senate that could have authorized the sale of millions of acres of federal public lands has been blocked following a ruling by the Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough.
The measure, which was tied to a $4.2 trillion tax cut and spending package backed by the Trump administration, would have forced the sale of up to 3 million acres of federal land as part of broader budget reconciliation efforts. Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough on Monday night ruled the land sale provision violated Senate rules that limit what can be included in fast-track budget legislation.
If it had moved forward, the proposal could have affected up to 250 million acres of public land nationwide, including approximately 14 million acres in Colorado—9.38 million acres of U.S. Forest Service land and 4.97 million acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
Some of the areas under potential review for sale include well-known riding and recreation destinations such as, Hewlett Gulch, Red Feather Lakes, Happy Jack, 18 Road, Poudre Canyon, and sections of long-distance routes like the Colorado Trail and Tour Divide.
“This is a victory for the American public, who were loud and clear: Public lands belong in public hands,” said Tracy Stone-Manning, president of The Wilderness Society, in a statement following the ruling.
While this specific proposal has been blocked, Senator Mike Lee of Utah—who led the push—has indicated he intends to revise and reintroduce the legislation with a narrower focus that could remove Forest Service land from consideration.
For now, no land sales related to this proposal will proceed under the current budget bill, and access to BLM and Forest Service lands remains unchanged.
Your Group Ride will continue tracking any developments that could impact local and regional public land use, trail access, and recreation opportunities.
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