This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Major environmental organizations have been almost unanimous in opposing the transfer of federal lands to state governments.
There is concern that states could either sell off large swaths of property used for activities such as hiking, four-wheeling, hunting and camping to meet deficits.
Some worry that federal environmental protections such as impact statements and mitigation might also go by the wayside should states or private interests take over.
The latest group to come out telling elected officials that public lands should remain in public hands are more than 100 companies in the Outdoor Industry Association.
According to OIA executive director, more than 100 manufacturers of outdoor gear came together at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market in Salt Lake City last week to sign a letter calling on elected officials to "strongly oppose any proposal, current or future, that devalues or compromises the integrity of our national public lands."
More companies continue to sign the letter.
The group, which is supporting Rep. Ryan Zinke as Secretary of the Interior who opposes transferring public lands to the state, took out a full page ad in the Washington Post stating its views.