Utah Senator Mike Lee has introduced an amendment to the Interior appropriations bill that would pave the way for the Trump administration to sell off national parks to the highest bidder.
The president’s 2026 budget proposal only contains funding for a fraction of the national park system and could lead to the elimination of more than 300 national park units, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. The Interior appropriations bill, as currently written, would prevent the Interior department from disposing of national park units—a provision that was introduced in response to President Trump’s proposed budget and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s suggestion that the Park Service does not need many smaller historic and cultural sites that belong to all Americans. Amendment #3972 would strike section 130 in S.2431, the Interior appropriations bill, the section that requires the Interior department to maintain ownership and operation of all existing National Park Service units, national historic trails, and wild and scenic rivers.
If passed, Lee’s amendment would send a message to the White House that downsizing America’s national park system is acceptable. “This is a blatant and tone-deaf attack on America’s public lands,” said Center for Western Priorities Deputy Director Aaron Weiss. “Sen. Lee’s amendment shows his complete disregard for the fact that national parks, trails, and recreation areas fuel local economies across the West.”
Quick hits
Mike Lee amendment would allow Trump to get rid of national parks
Flathead Beacon | E&E News | Wes Siler’s Substack | National Parks Conservation Association [blog] | Center for Western Priorities [statement]
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Quote of the day
Pearce’s views on public lands are completely out of touch with Colorado’s values. He will be the first to sell off our public lands, promote Trump’s misguided ‘drill baby drill’ policies, and demolish the protections that ensure our kids and grandkids will benefit from public lands as we do now.”
—Colorado Senator Michael Bennet opposing the nomination of Steve Pearce as BLM director
Picture This
On the 5th day of Public Lands, BLM brings you…a thirsty moose from Idaho! 🎶
Moose, mule deer, elk, and pronghorn are now settling into their lower-elevation winter ranges after fall migration. These seasonal movements are essential for the health of Idaho’s ecosystems and offer great opportunities for winter wildlife viewing.
This time of year, extra caution on the roads is key:
🫎Animals are active at dawn, dusk, and nighttime—slow down and stay alert.
🫎 Watch for movement along roadsides, especially in known migration corridors.
🫎 If wildlife is on the road, brake firmly and stay in your lane.
🫎Pay attention to wildlife-crossing signs and areas with overpasses or underpasses.
Let’s work together to keep Idaho’s wildlife and drivers safe throughout the winter season. 🦌❄️
📸 Bruce Hallman
Featured image: Wheeler Peak Summit in Great Basin National Park in Nevada. Source: NPS Flickr.