For Immediate Release June 17, 2025
Contact: Eden Taylor etaylor@refugeassociation.org
National Wildlife Refuge Association Warns Senate Proposal Threatens Public Lands Legacy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Wildlife Refuge Association is calling on Senators to remove a controversial provision in their FY 2026 budget reconciliation bill that would mandate the sale of up to 3 million acres of public lands, but more than 250 million acres would be available for sale. The proposal, advanced by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, would direct the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service to identify and dispose of millions of acres within just five years.
While national wildlife refuges, national parks, wilderness and national monuments are excluded from the proposal, the Refuge Association warns that the move sets a dangerous precedent that opens the door to future sell-offs that would impact critical conservation lands.
“These public lands are for you and me and our kids and our grandkids,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President & CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “It doesn’t matter that refuges and national parks are excluded. It doesn’t matter at all. Public lands and public lands - they’re for every American, not the highest bidder.”
Under the committee’s language, land sales would begin just 60 days after the bill’s passage, with 90 percent of the proceeds going to the U.S. Treasury. The plan has drawn strong opposition from conservation groups, sportsmen, and outdoor business leaders across the country.
A similar proposal was recently dropped from the House bill following public backlash and an effort by members of Congress like Representative Ryan Zinke (R-MT). Critics say the Senate version is even more expansive and could result in the largest public land divestiture in U.S. history.
“Public lands are not currency,” said Sorenson-Groves. “We can’t trade away our natural legacy. We need leaders in Congress willing to say no! We are especially grateful to House leaders Rep. Ryan Zinke, Rep. Gabe Vasquez and the Public Lands in Public Hands Caucus for standing up for America’s public lands. Their leadership was instrumental in removing this dangerous language from the House bill, and now we need the Senate to follow suit.”
The Refuge Association is urging its supporters and all public lands advocates to contact their U.S. Senators and demand the land sell-off provision be stripped from the final budget reconciliation bill.
The Senate is expected to vote on the budget package before the July 4th recess.
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As the only nonprofit solely dedicated to advocating on behalf of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs that serve the System and wildlife beyond its boundaries. The organization addresses Refuge System funding, management, and strategic growth, while also promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.
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