Press Release: UPLA Responds to Controversial Public Land Sale Proposal
ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) — The Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA) has voiced concerns regarding a significant budget bill introduced by Sen. Mike Lee, which proposes the sale of at least 2 million acres of public land over the next five years. The legislation could make over 258 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land across the Western U.S., including 18.7 acres in Utah, available for sale to fund federal initiatives and address housing shortages.
Loren Campbell, President of UPLA, expressed cautious optimism about the potential to protect off-highway vehicle access, although he anticipates challenges in achieving desired amendments. In a statement, Campbell emphasized the need for clarity amidst misinformation circulating on social media, asserting that the issue is complex and multifaceted.
While acknowledging that the bill could facilitate some housing development, Campbell cautioned that it still represents a relatively small land transfer in the context of Utah’s federally managed lands—approximately 64% statewide. Opposition from other organizations, including the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, has labeled the proposal as detrimental to public lands, accusing Sen. Lee of prioritizing wealthy interests over conservation.
UPLA remains focused on providing recommendations to enhance the bill without adopting a firm stance on its overall merit.
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