The U.S. Senate’s proposed spending bill, released last week, includes a provision that could allow the sale of up to 3.3 million acres of public lands across the American West—including lands that surround or intersect the Pacific Crest Trail.
It seems improbable, if not impossible, that the government would sell public lands that include a National Scenic Trail. But the language in this bill is so loosely written that many vital public lands along the PCT are not specifically excluded. That means special places that PCT lovers enjoy could, in fact, be considered for sale.
Even more concerning, this process would bypass traditional safeguards: no public hearings, no environmental review, and no comment periods. Final decisions would rest solely with the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior—not with Congress.
We cannot sit by while Congress moves to sell off cherished hiking, mountain biking, climbing, hunting, and fishing destinations. These places are not only treasured for their recreation value. They provide clean air and water to nearby communities. They support rural gateway towns that depend on public lands for tourism and local jobs. They allow wildlife to thrive and keep ecosystems healthy.
As written, the bill would require the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to sell at least 0.5% and up to 0.75% of all the lands they manage in 10 Western states.
That might sound like a small number—but it adds up to millions of acres. While National Parks, wilderness areas, monuments, and other designated areas are excluded, many multi-use public lands are not.
Caption: This interactive map of the PCT states shows the areas in question and was developed by the Outdoor Alliance and the PCTA.
Just last month, we alerted you to a similar proposal in the House that would have sold off 500,000 acres in Utah and Nevada. That idea was stripped from the bill after a massive outcry from the recreation and conservation community. Your voices made a difference.
Now, the stakes are even higher.
This process is moving fast, but there’s still time to influence the outcome. Please contact your Senators and ask them to oppose this provision in the Senate bill. Tell them that public lands are not a bargaining chip.
The PCT and the lands it passes through are part of our national heritage—places that connect us to nature, to each other, and to something bigger than ourselves. Let’s stand together to protect them.