UPDATE AT 313 P.M. Utah senator announces adjustments to his public land sell-off proposal

Senator Mike Lee has modified his plan to sell public land for housing, removing Forest Service land from eligibility and limiting Bureau of Land Management parcels to those within five miles of existing communities. He proposed “FREEDOM ZONES” to ensure the land benefits families but did not define this term. Opposition persists, with critics, including industry leaders from the hunting sector, arguing that his changes do not alleviate concerns about public land access. A letter signed by key figures in the outdoor recreation industry highlights that public lands contribute $1. 2 trillion to the economy and are vital for hunting and fishing.

Lee asserts that most federal land offers little recreational or conservation value and claims his proposal represents only 0. 5% of federal holdings. He argues that selling these lands could double the housing supply in several western states. Critics counter that existing authorities already manage land use effectively and urge Congress to refrain from selling public lands. The ongoing backlash suggests significant public concern over the preservation of federal land access.