AP Photo/The Christian Science Monitor, Ann Hermes
March 20, 2025
The Trump administration is putting America’s most treasured public lands on the chopping block—handing them over to billionaires and corporate polluters while gutting protections for millions of acres of wildlife habitat, cultural sites, and outdoor recreation areas. Trump’s executive orders and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s policies are fast-tracking drilling, mining, and deforestation, wiping out hard-won conservation efforts and silencing local voices in the process.
What’s at Stake?
National Monuments & Public Lands Under Attack
Trump’s orders target over 160 national monuments, setting the stage for massive
rollbacks—just like when he slashed Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante by 85% and
47% in his first term.
Over 13.5 million acres of protected lands could be handed over to oil, gas, and mining
industries, including recently designated Sáttítla.
Water, Wildlife, and Outdoor Recreation in Danger
6.7 million acres of critical wildlife habitat for endangered and threatened species could be wiped out.
5,000 miles of rivers and streams—a lifeline for 2.4 million Americans’ drinking water—face pollution and destruction.
Auctioning off our public lands to billionaires would block regular Americans' access to hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing.
Trump’s sweeping hiring freeze is already shutting down trails and campgrounds at national parks and monuments, making it harder for all of us to visit these places.
Alaska’s Wildlands & Forests Up for Grabs
Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and other public lands in Alaska threatens Indigenous communities, migratory birds, and pristine wilderness.
Trump’s orders could remove roadless protections from the Tongass National Forest, one of the world’s last intact temperate rainforests.
A Corporate Giveaway Disguised as “Energy Dominance”
Trump’s plan isn’t about energy security—it’s a handout to the fossil fuel industry, prioritizing corporate profits over conservation and climate action.
Biden-era rules that protect public lands and hold polluters accountable could be scrapped entirely, allowing unchecked development with little oversight.
Rural Economies & Tribal Communities Betrayed
The $640-billion outdoor recreation industry—a lifeline for many small towns—is at risk, threatening millions of jobs.
Indigenous communities who fought for national monument protections are being ignored and disrespected as Trump pushes to shrink their lands for industry profits.
The Fight Isn’t Over - The last time Trump attacked public lands, nearly 3 million Americans spoke out. Now, he’s back with an even bigger land grab. We must rise up again to protect our parks, wildlife, and way of life. Public lands belong to all of us—not just the highest bidder. Will you stand up and fight? Tell your members of Congress to protect our national treasures and stop this land grab.
You can TAKE ACTION NOW by:
📞CALLING YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
☎️Dial 1-855-980-5638 to be connected to your Senators.
Tell them: "Hi, my name is [your name] and I live in [your city/state], my zip code is [your zip code]. I join the vast majority of Americans who love public lands and waters. I want Senator [your Senator’s name] to oppose Trump's oil industry lobbyist nominations to oversee our public lands and waters and to stand with the federal workers who were unjustly let go. I love visiting public lands because [your personal message] / Giving away public lands to corporate polluters concerns me because [your personal message] / Supporting federal public workers is important to me because [your personal message].
POST ON YOUR CONGRESS MEMBERS] SOCIAL MEDIA
Share a story or relevant experience—why these lands matter to you!
Ask questions, lead with curiosity, and engage with kindness and respect.
EMAIL YOUR CONGRESS MEMBERS
Use this quick tool to send a message: sc.org/LandAction
Then, share on social media to spread the word!
WRITE A LOVE LETTER TO PUBLIC LANDS
Public lands belong to all of us, and one of the most powerful ways to show support is by writing a
Letter to the Editor (LTE) to your local paper.