New Map Reveals Millions of Public Land Acres at Risk of Sale
New Interactive Map Public Lands
A groundbreaking new tool released just a few weeks ago has put the ongoing threat to America's public lands into sharp focus for hunters and anglers nationwide. The interactive map, developed by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and onX, reveals for the first time exactly which public acres are available for potential sale, the results are staggering.
This first-of-its-kind mapping tool allows sportsmen to see precisely what's at stake in their home states and favorite hunting grounds, bringing the abstract threat of public land sales into crystal-clear reality.
The Map That Changes Everything
Released on August 5th, 2025, the TRCP and onX interactive map represents a watershed moment in the fight for public land protection. For the first time, hunters and anglers can visualize exactly which lands in their area could be sold off, transforming a complex policy debate into a personal call to action.
The timing couldn't be more critical. As the federal government proposals to sell millions of acres of public land continue to surface in Congress, this mapping tool provides the transparency that sportsmen need to understand what's truly at risk.
Recent Legislative Threats: The Numbers Are Staggering
The 3 Million Acre Proposal
Earlier this year, Senate Republicans proposed selling over 3 million acres of public land as part of broader legislative efforts. According to Senator Michael Bennet's office, this proposal was "out of touch with Colorado and the American West" and faced immediate bipartisan opposition.
The proposal was ultimately removed from the Senate Reconciliation Bill after Congressman Zinke and five House colleagues sent a letter expressing unequivocal opposition to the provision.
House Committee Actions
A US House committee hastily approved an amendment directing the federal government to sell off more than half a million acres of public land. These rushed legislative moves demonstrate how quickly public land protections can be eroded without proper oversight and public input.
The Broader Scope
Outdoor Alliance released analysis showing that nearly 300 million acres of public lands could be open for these proposed sales. Meanwhile, Newsweek reported that legislation mandates two government agencies sell more than 2 million acres over the next five years.
Why This Matters to Every Hunter and Angler
Statistics That Tell a Story
Public lands provide irreplaceable access for outdoor recreation:
640 million acres of federal public land across the United States
Over 50% of hunting and fishing opportunities occur on public lands in western states
$887 billion annually generated by outdoor recreation, much of it dependent on public land access
Millions of hunters and anglers rely on public lands where private access is unavailable or unaffordable
The Economic Reality
The Trust for Public Land reports that hunting and fishing are major drivers of the outdoor recreation industry. When public lands are sold to private interests, this economic engine loses critical infrastructure.
For many hunters and anglers, especially those without significant financial resources, public lands represent the only viable option for pursuing their passion. Private hunting leases and fishing access can cost thousands of dollars annually – pricing out the average sportsman.
Conservation Community Mobilizes Response
American Fisheries Society Takes Stand
The American Fisheries Society released a strong statement declaring that "the large-scale transfer or sale of public lands would directly undermine the future of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in America."
TRCP Opposition Continues
The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership has consistently opposed large-scale sale and transfer of federal public land, recognizing the irreplaceable value these lands provide to sportsmen. Their partnership with onX to create the interactive mapping tool represents a new level of advocacy transparency.
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Mobilization
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers continues mobilizing hunters and anglers to oppose these proposals, understanding that once public lands are sold, they're gone forever.
