Shortsighted policies would impact things we cherish most

Dear editor: 

As a Wyoming resident and advocate for our public lands, I am deeply concerned by recent state efforts to further reduce wilderness areas and transfer federal lands to state control. Bills like Sen. John Barasso’s Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act of 2023 (S. 1348) did not listen to the voice of the people and opened over 130,000 acres of designated wilderness to development and resource extraction and threaten the future of the pristine Wilderness Study Areas that remain. 

The loss of federal protections would have long-lasting effects on the environment and the economy. Public lands are critical to Wyoming’s tourism industry and provide endless recreational opportunities. Fragile ecosystems depend on the protection of these federal lands and hunters, trappers, and anglers also opposed the legislation to strip its protections. The state has also made it known that it would like to control what private land becomes public land, despite the wishes of the property owner, in bills like SF0105 and HB0118. 

This session, the proposed SJ0002 resolution from the state sought to transfer federal lands to state management. This raises the greatest concern. Although the resolution failed, its very introduction signals a troubling trend of undermining the public’s right to these lands. Such a move could privatize these treasures and restrict access.

Additionally, the voices of Indigenous tribes and local communities have largely been sidelined in these decisions, despite their deep historical and cultural connections to these lands. A balanced, inclusive approach is essential to ensure that Wyoming’s public lands remain protected and accessible for future generations.

I urge lawmakers to take a look at how these shortsighted policies would betray constituents and impact the things we cherish the most. I also urge the community to speak out against desecrating our public lands, as they are our future. 

Sincerely,

Hannah Stinson

Shell