IMBA’s Roxanne Marianito Selected for Outdoor Alliance’s Third Cohort of Grasstops Collective Advocates
On May 7, House Republicans on the Natural Resources Committee advanced a bill that could open more than 500,000 acres of public land for sale in Nevada and Utah. It was introduced quietly after midnight, thereby bypassing public review and debate during a committee markup as part of a sweeping budget reconciliation package. The package also includes provisions to scale back conservation initiatives and limit public input. The amendment, sponsored by Representatives Mark Amodei (R-NV) and Celeste Maloy (R-UT), permits the sale of lands managed by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. It does not clarify why the proposed parcels were selected or what the lands might be used for.
An initial review of the proposed land sales raised concerns for mountain bikers, with land parcels close to southwest Utah’s Hurricane Cliffs Trail System (home to the Hurricane Cliffs IMBA EPIC) and the Plateau Passage bikepacking route. Hiking trails, climbing crags and whitewater runs were also potentially threatened. Recreation organizations worked hard to obtain more thorough mapping data. As of late Monday night, additional data showed proposed sales overlap with several mountain bike trails including portions of Cactus Hugger, Goosebump, Deadringer and JEM Trail in the Hurricane Cliffs Trail System. The entire Boy Scout Trail System surrounding Quail Creek Reservoir adjacent to Quail Creek State Park was threatened, as were sections of the Plateau Passage bikepacking route. As of Wednesday morning, further data obtained shows the Boy Scout Trail System is not at risk. (EDIT, 3:00 p.m. eastern time: additional analysis shows the Boy Scout Trail System is at risk.) Data to verify recreation conflicts in parts of Nevada remains less clear.
That’s all to say: these proposed sales lack transparency.
“IMBA is concerned that proposed public land disposal sales have not allowed for proper public review to assess the value of recreation against the intended goal of the sale. IMBA discourages large-scale public land sales. Public lands are essential for trails, outdoor recreation and healthy communities. Any proposed sale should carefully consider impacts to recreation and overall landscape health, and should include the opportunity for public review and public comment.” – Todd Keller, Director of Government Affairs, International Mountain Bicycling Association
Why does this matter to mountain bikers?
We care about proper public process.
If passed, this bill could set a dangerous precedent for privatizing public lands without proper public process. Each federal land agency has slightly different processes for land sales, but all must follow a set of guidelines. First, agency-led Land Use Planning identifies lands that may be appropriate for sale. That is followed by environmental review, public input, and congressional authorization or notification. If lands are sold the proceeds go into the Federal Land Disposal Account to fund new land acquisition. In Southern Nevada specifically, funds are held in a special account that can support recreation projects. This amendment bypassed an agency-led process and would redirect sale proceeds away from these accounts.
We care about the land.
Not only do public lands offer recreation opportunities and the health benefits that come with them, but they’re the background of conservation and preservation. Lands at risk of being sold are popular recreation areas frequented by mountain bikers, climbers, paddlers, campers, and all types of outdoor recreationists. The potential transfer of these lands to private ownership raises concerns about preserving public access as well as the integrity of natural landscapes.
IMBA stands for protecting access to trails which are a proven tool for land protection and conservation outcomes. By expanding–not eliminating–public lands and trails, we protect access to nature, preserve historical and archaeological sites, and safeguard the environment. Few issues draw such broad support and agreement across generations, income brackets, political parties, geographies and demographics. Selling public lands this way contradicts hard data and public opinion.
Public lands are more than just open space. They provide access to nature and landscapes that inspire. They protect and conserve the amazing wealth of flora and fauna across diverse ecosystems. They preserve our histories and cultures. They provide room for human connection across generations, cultures and political lines. Lines in the sand fade in the breeze when you’re riding together in the desert.
We care about communities and economies.
Public lands and trails provide growing, sustainable economic opportunities to neighboring local communities. Now more than ever, communities adjacent to public lands rely on the outdoor recreation economy, which generates $1.2 trillion in spending and five million American jobs each year. Public land sales put communities at risk of losing major sources of economic stability. By expanding–not eliminating–public lands, we deliver opportunity and resilience to urban and rural communities, and access to healthy places to play for community members.
We care about access to trails.
IMBA continues to work with recreation organizations, lawmakers and agency partners for a clearer understanding of the maps and parcels of land proposed for sale. Based on the information we have now (May 21st, 1 p.m. eastern time), if this bill passes, mountain biking trails and bikepacking routes could be impacted. Confirmed places at risk include the Hurricane Cliffs Trail System and the Plateau Passage. (EDIT, 3:00 p.m. eastern time: additional analysis shows the Boy Scout Trail System is also at risk.)
The Hurricane Cliffs Trail System near the destination riding triangle of Hurricane, Virgin and La Verkin, Utah, was designed with mountain bikers in mind. It offers nearly 40 miles of beginner and intermediate mountain biking trails that set flowing singletrack against iconic desert scenery. It is bordered by the world-renowned Gooseberry Mesa trails to the east and the Guacamole trails are nearby to the north. The region annually hosts the iconic Red Bull Rampage—a world-famous freeride mountain bike competition that draws visitors from around the world. Visit any southeast Utah trailhead in spring or fall and you will find it packed with license plates from across the country.
The Plateau Passage is a demanding and remote bikepacking route stretching from Las Vegas through Utah’s High Plateaus and across the vast Colorado Plateau formation, ending in Durango, Colorado. Traversing desert peaks, winding canyons, and the iconic trails near Moab, Utah, it climbs over 12,000-foot passes in the San Juan Mountains. Designed for adventurous mountain bikers, the route features a mix of singletrack, rugged 4×4 roads, gravel, and some pavement. It offers a solitary journey through stunning and ecologically diverse public lands, celebrating one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the American West.
The Green Valley race loop is stewarded by IMBA local member organization the Trail Alliance of Southern Utah. Accessible year-round and with sweeping vistas of the surrounding desert near St. George, this 6.5 mile loop is strenuous with intermediate technical to advanced technical riding. It’s site of a popular Intermountain Cup spring race, the Huntsman World Senior Games mountain bike race, and well-used by local youth mountain bike teams.
What happens next?
The full reconciliation bill is expected to be voted on by the full House before Memorial Day, May 26. It would then go to the full Senate for a vote. If passed it would go to the President for signing into law. There’s still time. If lawmakers hear loud and clear that their constituents oppose public land sales as part of reconciliation, there’s a real chance to strip the most damaging provisions from the bill.
Take action now.
IMBA joins our allies and partner organizations including Outdoor Alliance, Bikepacking Roots, Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, PeopleforBikes, Trust for Public Lands and dozens of other outdoor recreation groups, and urges the mountain biking community to take immediate action.
Mountain bike advocates: now is the time to speak up.
