Giving Away Wyoming’s Great Outdoors?

Public lands are not for sale. That's the message from sportsmen and conservation groups about what they're calling the, "Great Outdoors Giveaway," legislation to remove federal environmental protections from 60 million acres of public land...more than three-and-a-half million in Wyoming.

The land is now Forest Service roadless areas, and B-L-M wilderness study areas, and it would be open to development and off-road vehicle use.

It doesn't sit well with sportsmen in Wyoming, according to Frank Hugelmeyer, CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association. He testified against the bill at a hearing Tuesday.

"It’s harmful legislation that makes a sweeping decision on all wilderness study areas and roadless areas without a full understanding of the consequences on communities and industries, like the outdoor industry."

Hugelmeyer says every member of the U-S House needs a reminder that those protected lands are in full use already and are directly connected to jobs.

"A wide array of recreational zones, from multi-use high access trails to roadless and wilderness areas - preserving this diverse public infrastructure enables the American public to choose from the widest selection of experiences and adventures. And this is good for business."

Those in favor of the 'Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act' say the government has tied up land that could otherwise be used to create jobs. Hugelmeyer points out that if the bill passes, only 12 percent of Forest Service and B-L-M lands would be off-limits to developers. It would also prohibit the B-L-M from identifying any new areas as potential wilderness.

Wyoming News Service