Utah Seeks to Transfer Million Acres of BLM Land into State Control

A new lawsuit filed by Utah officials seeks to transfer 18.5 million acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) into state control. This land includes sections of  prized fisheries such as the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam, the Provo River and the Weber River.

Under state management, there could be increased pressure for development, resource extraction, and restricted access, which could negatively impact these important waters, limiting both the quality and accessibility of the fishing in Utah.

BLM managers have long been focused on balancing the needs of wildlife habitat preservation, recreational use, and resource management. By shifting land management to the state level, the fear is that these balanced approaches could be sacrificed in favor of maximizing profits.

Utah’s government has a history of favoring the interests of extractive industries, such as mining, oil and gas drilling, and logging. If these lands fall under state jurisdiction, there is a high probability that commercial activities would take precedence over maintaining the health of ecosystems or ensuring public access.

Although the lawsuit is focused on BLM lands within Utah, its impact could inspire similar lawsuits across the country, which could be especially devastating in nearby states like Oregon and Wyoming that have many important fisheries on BLM land.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is urging citizens to stay informed and get involved, contacting policymakers and voicing opposition to the lawsuit. They stress that it’s not just anglers that should be concerned–all outdoor enthusiasts, from hunters to backpackers, have a shared interest in protecting these lands.

“Let’s be very clear: these are not Utah’s lands,” BHA President and CEO Patrick Berry said on the group’s website. “They belong to every American. And we ALL have a stake in how these lands are managed. And let’s not forget, this is a retread of past efforts by the State of Utah. Following a failed state legislative effort in 2012 to seize control of federal lands by 2014, former Representative Jason Chaffetz (UT) introduced federal legislation in 2017 to sell off more than 3 million acres of public lands. With a resounding backlash from hunters and anglers, Chaffetz withdrew the bill and back-pedaled at break-neck speed.”

For more information on the issue and how to take action, visit www.backcountryhunters.org.

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