November 19, 2025, with the release of H.R. 718, “Public Lands in Public Hands Act”, the Sierra Club’s support for this bill is clear. H.R. 718 is the result of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus, which is co-chaired by U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez, Democrat, from New Mexico, and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke, Republican, from Montana.

The purpose of H.R. 718 is to protect our federal public lands so that they remain open and accessible to all of us.  This bill was written because of an attempt by the Trump Administration and certain U.S. Senators and Representatives to sell-off several million acres of public lands in the Summer of 2025 as well as more current budgetary attempts.

The Public Lands Caucus played a key role in stopping this privatization attempt to sell-off our public lands.  Public resistance to this idea has been strong as polls show that over 70% of the public oppose getting rid of our public lands.  Public lands support rural economies, cultural traditions, and make for stronger American communities.

H.R. 718 would ban the sale or transfer of almost all public lands managed by the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture (U.S. Forest Service) except under certain conditions under current law.

In addition, H.R. 718 requires Congressional approval for disposal of accessible federal land over 300 acres and public land over 5 acres if accessible to a public waterway.  This provision protects hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor recreation access on our federal public lands.

The Sierra Club urges its members and the public to contact their U.S. Representatives and Senators via their websites and push them to co-sponsor and fully support the passage of H.R. 718 as soon as possible.

For more information contact:  Brandt Mannchen at 281-570-7212 brandt_mannchen@comcast.net.