Keep public lands in public hands
America is home to 640 million acres of public land, including some of the best habitat for trout and salmon in the world. These valuable places where we fish, hunt, and recreate – are under threat.
Efforts to sell off or otherwise dispose of these public lands are gaining momentum around the country. Tell our leaders to do the right thing to protect public lands. Sign our petition.
Public lands provide access and opportunity to 70 million American hunters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts and their families.
They are places where friends and families hike, float and camp; where hunters stalk big game and anglers pursue wild trout; where veterans can find solace in the outdoors.
They also provide clean drinking water for communities, forests that store carbon, grazing pasture for ranchers, and raw materials—timber, oil and gas, and minerals—that help fuel the nation’s economy.
Outdoor recreation continues to be a major economic force for the United States, generating $1.2 trillion in economic output and supporting five million jobs in 2023.
72% of sportsmen and sportswomen in the West rely on public lands for hunting.
70% of the remaining habitat for native trout in the West is found on public land.
50% of Blue Ribbon Trout Streams are found within public lands.
80% of critical habitat for elk and other ungulates is found on public lands.
Public lands are an essential part of our nation’s identity, economy, and outdoor traditions.
Keeping public lands in public hands ensures future generations can experience the same outdoor opportunities we cherish today. That’s why defending them, and the places Americans fish and hunt is a priority for Trout Unlimited. Join us and sign the petition, today.
Trout Unlimited is the nation’s leading conservation organization working to care for and recover rivers and streams and their trout and salmon populations. We bring people together across the country to be champions for their rivers and help make our water cleaner and our communities healthier.
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