America’s Public Lands Are Under Threat: Budget Cuts, Privatization, and What We Can Do

Intro: Threat to America's Public Lands

For more than a century, America’s public lands have been a defining part of our national identity. From towering peaks in our national parks to the rugged backcountry of our national forests, these lands belong to all of us. But today, they are facing an unprecedented crisis.

Budget cuts, staffing shortages, and even the looming threat of privatization are putting our public lands at risk. The National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management are struggling to keep up with maintenance, access, and preservation. If we don’t act, we could lose access to some of our most treasured places.

A System in Crisis: The Current State of Public Lands Employment

The agencies responsible for maintaining and protecting our public lands are critically understaffed. The National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) are all facing steep budget cuts that have led to hiring freezes, rescinded job offers, and understaffed parks and forests.

• National Park Service: In 2023, the NPS operated with roughly 3,000 fewer employees than it had in 2010, despite increased visitation. Parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Great Smoky Mountains are struggling to handle record-breaking numbers of visitors with fewer rangers, maintenance workers, and emergency responders.

• U.S. Forest Service: The USFS, which manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands, is seeing more than 60% of its budget diverted to wildfire suppression rather than conservation, trail maintenance, or recreation services.

• Bureau of Land Management: The BLM, which oversees 245 million acres, has been stretched thin by political pressures to expand mining, drilling, and grazing leases. Many field offices are critically understaffed, leading to delays in land management decisions and conservation efforts.

  
  

These staffing shortages have real-world consequences. Fewer rangers mean slower emergency response times, deteriorating trails, and an increased risk of illegal activity like poaching, illegal dumping, and vandalism in protected areas.

Could Public Lands Be Sold to Private Interests?

A looming threat to America’s public lands is the possibility of privatization. While no major national parks have been sold, there have been increasing calls from certain political groups and private industry advocates to sell off federal lands to states or private companies.

Historically, this has happened before:

• In the early 1900s, large tracts of public land were transferred to private logging, mining, and railroad companies.

• More recently, in 2017, lawmakers proposed bills to transfer millions of acres of federal land to state control, a move conservationists warned could lead to private sales and development.

  
  

Why does this matter? States lack the resources to maintain public lands the way federal agencies do. If states take control, they are more likely to sell the land to energy companies, developers, or private owners. That could mean more drilling, logging, and restricted access to places where the public currently enjoys free entry.

One of the most significant threats is the potential sale of BLM lands, particularly in the West. These lands are often rich in minerals, oil, and timber—making them attractive to corporate buyers. If privatization efforts gain traction, Americans could lose access to millions of acres of hiking trails, hunting grounds, and pristine wilderness.

What’s at Stake? Understanding the Scale of America’s Public Lands

Public lands make up about 28% of the United States, totaling over 640 million acres. These lands include:

• National Parks: 84 million acres

• National Forests: 193 million acres

• BLM Lands: 245 million acres

• National Wildlife Refuges: 95 million acres

  
  

These spaces are more than just pretty landscapes. They provide:

• Recreational access for millions of Americans (hiking, fishing, hunting, camping)

• Clean air and water by preserving natural ecosystems

• Carbon sequestration to fight climate change

• Habitat for thousands of species, some of which are endangered

• Billions in economic revenue, supporting local businesses, tourism, and outdoor industries

  
  

If these lands are sold, developed, or left to deteriorate, we don’t just lose beautiful scenery, we lose biodiversity, recreation opportunities, and a critical defense against climate change.

What Can We Do to Protect Public Lands?

Despite the challenges, there are ways we can fight back against budget cuts, privatization, and mismanagement of public lands.

1. Advocate for Better Funding

Congress controls the budget for public land agencies. Calling, emailing, and writing to representatives to demand full funding for the NPS, USFS, and BLM can make a difference. Organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and the The Wilderness Society actively lobby for increased funding—supporting them amplifies the message.

2. Oppose Efforts to Sell Public Lands

Any legislation proposing the sale or transfer of public lands should be met with public opposition. Groups like Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Protect Our Public Land track these proposals and provide ways to get involved.

3. Volunteer & Support Conservation Organizations

If government funding falls short, non-profits and volunteer groups help pick up the slack. Groups like the National Forest Foundation, Sierra Club, and local conservation corps run trail maintenance projects, reforestation efforts, and cleanup initiatives.

4. Visit Public Lands Responsibly

Overuse and poor visitor behavior can contribute to damage. Following Leave No Trace principles, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife help keep these lands pristine for future generations.

5. Vote for Leaders Who Prioritize Public Lands

Politicians at the local, state, and federal levels influence public land policy. Supporting candidates who advocate for conservation and responsible land management is one of the most effective ways to protect these places.

The Fight for Public Lands Isn’t Over

America’s public lands are more than just vacation destinations. They are a shared inheritance, a cornerstone of our country’s identity, and a vital part of our environmental health. The challenges are real—budget cuts, privatization threats, and resource exploitation—but they are not insurmountable.

If we value these lands, we have to fight for them. That means demanding better funding, rejecting privatization efforts, and taking responsibility for their preservation. The future of our national parks, forests, and wildlands depends on what we do now. Let’s make sure they remain protected for generations to come.