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Take Action: Votes Today on the Sale of Public Land

Friday, March 27, 2015 15:33

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(Before It's News)

Scotty and Julian Gonzalez working to protect public land in DC this week

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

Washington, DC -(Ammoland.com)- Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, a national organization representing more than 100,000 hunters and anglers around the country, is asking for your help to defend against attacks currently underway as senators in Washington, D.C., finalize their budget for Fiscal Year 2016.

A “vote-a-rama” is taking place today to consider numerous amendments that have poured in from both sides of the political aisle. Sportsmen have some urgent priorities to tackle together if we are to uphold our public lands hunting and fishing traditions. Before voting begins today, please take a moment to contact your senators’ offices to express your strong opposition to budget amendment 838.

Introduced just last night by Sen. Lisa Murkowski, the costly provision would enable the sale and/or transfer of federal public lands, including national forests, wilderness areas, national wildlife refuges, historical sites and other important conservation lands, for the purpose of balancing the budget. Sen. Mike Lee is levying a similar attack. His senate amendment 747 proposes selling federal public lands to reduce the federal deficit. If passed, these measures could permanently affect our ability to access and enjoy our public lands and waters. We need to stop them in their tracks.

Our national public lands support a thriving and sustainable $90 billion annual hunting and angling economy and a $646 billion annual outdoor recreation economy. To sell or transfer these lands would mean a profound loss of access and opportunity for America’s 40 million hunters and anglers, not to mention dire consequences for the fish and wildlife that depend on intact migratory corridors and healthy habitat.

We are not without allies and champions in the Senate, however. Following a robust fly-in earlier this week, which BHA orchestrated to bring sportsmen from around the country to Washington, D.C., Sen. Martin Heinrich introduced amendment 1024, which precludes the sale of any public lands to reduce the federal deficit and has bipartisan support. This amendment is just the kind of leadership we are looking for in Congress, and it’s important that we not only recognize Sen. Heinrich but also encourage other senators to vote in support of his amendment.

Few issues galvanize sportsmen like the issue of supporting public ownership of public lands, a sentiment that is reflected in this letter, signed by more than 100 national, regional, and state-based sportsmen’s organizations, opposing the transfer/sale of public lands. Our system of widely accessible multiple use public lands is the envy of the world and we need all of you to help us protect this legacy.