Details
The US Senate’s proposed amendment to the budget bill, which will be voted on very soon, mandates the sale of 3.3 million acres of public land and opens the door to sales of 258 million acres more--that's 40% of public land in America!
This includes the vast majority of trails COTA stewards and that YOU ride, hike, and run. These trails are key to our community's economy and quality of life.
If you're like us and you don't want to risk losing access to these trails, please consider taking action NOW.
HOW TO TAKE ACTION:
- If you live in or know folks that live in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming, contact your Senators NOW to say you don't support this!
- JOIN OUR FRIENDS AT TREAD LIGHTLY! AT A PEACEFUL PROTEST ON SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 10:00AM IN DRAKE PARK. Bring your friends, use your voice.
LEARN MORE:
MORE ABOUT CONTACTING YOUR SENATORS:
Both Oregon senators (Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden) have said they are opposed to this. Contact them anyway and voice support for their opposition so they know we're with them and can spread that message.
If you have friends, family, or residences in other states - especially those in the list of affected states or those with Senators who support this measure - reach out and ask them to contact their Senators as well. States affected: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Utah.
The Outdoor Alliance has a very good form you can use to contact your representatives. Please read their page, and follow the instructions. Note: it is really important to customize your message - share a personal story and explain why the trails matter to you.
MORE ABOUT THE BILL:
The proposal (you can see the full text of the bill here) would require the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management to sell off at least 3.3 million acres of land across 11 western states. Included in this are vast swaths of the land in the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forest. It is highly likely that land where our trails exist would be affected.
What is also extremely worrying is that the bill would bypass public input on what land would be sold, with no safeguards or consideration for existing trails. This could mean permanent, lasting consequences for our trail network.
This is a fast moving issue and details on the bill might change. However, what is true today is that the threat is real and we encourage you to take action.
ADVOCACY ALERT: Public Lands are NOT for Sale!!!