December 18, 2025 Public lands face major threats as outdoor advocates mobilize in 2025

In 2025 and looking ahead to 2026, Outdoor Alliance reports increased public engagement as major policy threats keep the protection of public lands and waters in the national spotlight.

Large-scale threats to conservation and outdoor recreation use of public lands and waters over the past year played a major role in mobilizing public engagement, according to 2025 data from Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of outdoor recreation groups working to protect public lands.

Despite what the organization described as unprecedented headwinds, human-powered recreation communities represented by Outdoor Alliance — including hikers, bikers, climbers, paddlers, surfers, and skiers — increased their participation in public lands advocacy throughout 2025.

Public engagement in 2025

According to Outdoor Alliance, its constituency delivered more than 25 million messages directly to decision makers during the year. Maps showing proposed threats to public lands were re-shared more than 4 million times, and members held more than 307 meetings with lawmakers, averaging more than one meeting per working day.

The organization said these efforts contributed to policy outcomes, including the rejection of potential large-scale public land sales earlier in the year. Outdoor Alliance also reported the formation of new bipartisan caucuses focused on conservation and public land stewardship in both the House and Senate.

Outdoor Alliance noted that significant threats to public lands and waters remain. Among them is a proposal introduced by Utah Sen. Mike Lee as part of an Interior appropriations bill moving through the Senate, which would allow for the sale or transfer of national parks and other public lands.

Other challenges cited by the organization include large-scale layoffs at federal land-management agencies such as the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, efforts to roll back the Roadless Rule, and continued interest in selling millions of acres of public land.

Outdoor Allies and advocacy

Outdoor Alliance described its supporters as “Outdoor Allies,” defined as individuals with a vested interest in the management and protection of public lands who are taking action through advocacy.

“In 2025, public lands have been at constant risk of being sold off, developed, and underfunded,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance.

“It has been incredible to see the dedication and commitment of the outdoor community in advocating for the places people love to get outside. The fight isn’t over. At Outdoor Alliance, we are committed to staying on top of the world of outdoor policy in D.C. and will continue to make it easy for you to take action when it matters most.”

Looking ahead to 2026

Outdoor Alliance said advocacy challenges will continue into 2026. The organization plans to maintain its focus on tracking public land policy, mapping threats to outdoor access, and facilitating engagement between outdoor advocates and policymakers.

Among its ongoing initiatives are programs such as the Grasstops Collective, as well as efforts to identify current issues where the public can take action.

Lead photo: Kathrine Coonjohn