California, world's 4th-largest economy, in Trump's crosshairs as he plans to sell off land in mountain towns
California public lands
at risk: Could mountain towns really survive this proposed land sell-off?-
On the surface, it's just another hot summer day at Lake Tahoe, where families lounge along the 200-yard sandy stretch of Kiva Beach, swimmers float on Fallen Leaf Lake, and hikers make their way through alpine trails near Echo Lake. But beneath that peaceful scenery, a major storm is brewing — one that could put California's most iconic public lands and the mountain towns they support in serious jeopardy.
A controversial proposal moving through the U.S. Senate threatens to sell up to 3 million acres of public land across 11 western states. California is directly in the crosshairs, with many fearing devastating impacts on outdoor recreation, local economies, and the natural beauty that draws millions each year.
What does the Senate bill mean for California's public lands?
The legislation in question, part of the Senate's so-called "One Big, Beautiful Bill," includes language pushed by Utah Senator Mike Lee, a Republican, that would allow the sale or transfer of up to 3 million acres of public land managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
What's alarming? The bill does not specify exactly which lands would be sold — and even worse, it doesn't allow for public input. That means local leaders, residents, and conservationists would have no say in which lands are put on the auction block.
'This bypasses existing protections and opens the door for massive sell-offs without local voices being heard,' said Katie Hawkins, California Program Director at Outdoor Alliance.
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How could this bill affect tourism-based mountain towns like Mammoth Lakes?
Places like Mammoth Lakes, where 70% of the town's general fund relies on outdoor tourism, could be hit the hardest.
Mayor Chris Bubser warned, 'It threatens everything for us.' Surrounded by public lands, Mammoth is a summer hotspot for camping, hiking, and fishing, drawing millions of visitors annually. If those lands were sold to private owners — potentially for logging, development, or other resource extraction — it could mean restricted public access, lost jobs, and a collapsed economy.
'It would destroy our economy,' Bubser added. 'Our town could die.'
Are Lake Tahoe and the Lost Sierra in danger too?
Yes — and that's what's got locals and environmental groups so alarmed.
Lake Tahoe, protected for decades by Congressional acts like the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act, still has large areas managed by the Forest Service. According to maps from The Wilderness Society and Outdoor Alliance, several beloved spots in the Tahoe Basin could be eligible for sale under this bill.
'This bill could reverse 50 years of standing land policy at Tahoe,' said Julie Regan, Executive Director of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.
In the Lost Sierra, a growing mountain biking community is currently building the Connected Communities trail system, aimed at linking 15 rural towns through a network of public land trails. If public land is sold, that entire project — and the small towns depending on it — could be at risk.
'This land is what makes our trail network even possible,' said Michelle Abramson of Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship.
Who are the key political figures that can stop this land sell-off?
Public lands advocates are urging people to contact their representatives — especially in California's Sierra Nevada, where three Republicans could play a key role: Kevin Kiley, Doug LaMalfa, and Tom McClintock.
Representative Kevin Kiley, whose district includes Lake Tahoe, has already spoken against the bill. In a speech on the House floor, he said, 'The communities most affected by our decisions must be willing partners in any plans made by the federal government.'
Last month, a public outcry successfully removed a similar proposal from the House version of the bill, which aimed to sell over 500,000 acres in Nevada and Utah. Now, groups like Outdoor Alliance are pushing for the same to happen in the Senate.
'We need to keep the pressure up,' Hawkins said. Constituents are encouraged to email and call both senators and House members to demand the land stays public.
Why does this bill matter for the future of public lands and wildlife?
Beyond the outdoor fun and economic benefits, public lands are essential habitats for wildlife. Mono County Supervisor Paul McFarland, who lives in Lee Vining, worries not just for the people, but for the ecosystems that depend on this open land.
'It's the places that don't have someone to fight for them that I worry about,' McFarland said, citing species like pronghorn antelope and cutthroat trout, which need vast stretches of land to survive.
And while McFarland remains hopeful that Mono County will defend its lands, 94% of the county is federally managed public land — meaning nearly the entire area could be affected.
What can Californians do to protect public lands right now?
Right now, the most powerful tool is public pressure.
Groups like Friends of the Inyo and Outdoor Alliance are urging everyone who values public access to nature — whether for hiking, skiing, biking, or simply breathing fresh air — to contact their elected officials immediately.
'Public lands are what make Tahoe Tahoe,' said Noa Banayan from the League to Save Lake Tahoe. 'Without them, everything changes.'
Whether it's a snowy day on the slopes of Palisades Tahoe, a quiet moment at Mono Lake, or a rugged ride down Mount Hough, these lands belong to the public — and losing them could change California forever.
FAQs:
Q1. What is the California
public lands sell-off
proposal about?
It's a Senate bill that allows selling up to 3 million acres of California's public land without public input.
Q2. How could the California land sale affect towns like Mammoth Lakes and Tahoe?
It could harm tourism, limit public access, and damage local economies that depend on public lands.
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