Map Shows Federal Lands Potentially Eligible for Sale Under Proposed Legislation
A new provision introduced in the U.S. Senate outlines the potential sale of up to 3.3 million acres of federal public land over the next five years. These lands are primarily managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service, spanning 11 Western states.
The map below, published by The Wildlife Society, highlights areas that could become eligible under the proposal. These lands vary widely in character and use, ranging from open rangelands and forests to areas near national parks, recreation zones, and wildlife habitats.
Supporters of the proposal cite goals such as addressing land management needs and increasing access to land for development or local economic use. Others have raised questions about how the sales would be managed, what oversight mechanisms would be in place, and how the change might affect wildlife habitat, public access, and conservation priorities.
The current version of the proposal is still being debated and would need to pass both chambers of Congress before becoming law.
Key Points:
- Up to 3.3 million acres could be sold over five years.
- Lands affected are managed by federal agencies, primarily in the western U.S.
- The proposal allows for a broad interpretation of which lands qualify, with potential implications for land use, conservation, and access
The Wildlife Society’s map provides a visual overview of the lands potentially affected by this proposal. It offers a useful reference point for understanding the scale and location of the areas in question.
