Senate Budget Reconciliation Proposal Includes Mandatory Federal Land Sales in Wyoming

posted in: General

What’s at stake for hunters and anglers?

The inclusion of mandatory public land sales in the proposed Senate budget reconciliation bill has Wyomingites on edge, and with good reason. At least 2 million acres, and up to 3 million acres, an area larger than Yellowstone National Park, would be mandated to be sold across the West within five years under this proposal—with the first nominations being made within 60 days of the bill’s passage. If you’re a fan of hunting mule deer in the Wyoming Range or enjoy wetting a line for native cutthroat trout along the North Fork Shoshone, take note, these special places, and many others, are at risk of being sold.

Below is a breakdown of select places we hunt and fish in Wyoming that are included in the land sale proposal.

Yellowstone Mule Deer and Elk Migrations in the North Fork Shoshone River

Visitors to Yellowstone National Park entering from Cody follow the winding North Fork of the Shoshone River as it cuts through the rugged Absaroka Mountains. This river valley is a critical migration route for thousands of elk and deer out of the Yellowstone high country as they move to winter range lower in the drainage. Grizzlies and bighorn sheep are frequently seen in the corridor, and its waters are popular for angling and whitewater rafting.

The North Fork’s stunning vistas and proximity to Yellowstone and Cody make it a desirable candidate for private developers. I’ve been fortunate to personally experience this incredible drainage, floating its waters in search of cutthroat trout, and hiking its steep ridges to glass for migrating mule deer bucks. We cannot lose this special place.

Elk Country in the Mount Leidy Highlands and Togwotee Pass near Jackson

Another iconic landscape that would be vulnerable for sale through this ill-advised proposal is the prime elk country just east of Grand Teton National Park. The Mount Leidy Highlands are an assortment of forested hillsides, wildflower-filled meadows, and mountain peaks where I found my first success hunting bull elk. This unbroken landscape also facilitates the seasonal movements of the Upper Wind River mule deer migration corridor which was recently identified by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission under the Migration Corridor Executive Order.

The Mount Leidy Highlands extend north towards Togwotee Pass, a popular area for snowmobiling and Nordic skiing in winter. These attributes, along with the area’s location close to Jackson and Dubois, make it highly likely to be nominated for sale and privatization, especially from out-of-state buyers who want their little slice of Jackson Hole.

Wyoming Range—The Mule Deer Factory

The Wyoming Range is well known to hunters for its fantastic mule deer hunting. The region’s snowy peaks and high alpine meadows support rich tall forb plant communities that grow big mule deer, along with robust elk herds that provide abundant antlered and late season cow elk hunting opportunities. Privatization of these landscapes could fragment the migrations and seasonal habitats of the Wyoming Range mule deer herd–hampering its ability to recover from harsh winters like the one we had in 2022-2023.

Crucial Mule Deer and Elk Range and Greater Sage-Grouse Core in the Bighorn Basin

Wyoming’s Bighorn basin is a rugged and beautiful landscape beloved by sportsmen and sportswomen. Much of the area provides core habitat for greater sage grouse, while the slopes at the base of the Bighorn Mountains are crucial winter range for mule deer and elk. These landscapes are particularly special to me as they’re where my dog Ollie learned to be a great bird hunting partner on chukar and Huns.

Wyoming’s public land is NOT FOR SALE—Take Action NOW!

Wyomingites are united in our support for keeping public lands, waters, and wildlife in public hands. This is not a political issue; it’s about ensuring that these wild and working lands remain intact for future generations. Please take action now and urge decision makers to oppose this misguided effort to sell our shared legacy through a budget reconciliation bill.

How you can help:

Contact Senators Lummis and Barrasso and urge them to oppose the sale of our public lands. You can use our easy tool, but we also encourage you to call them directly or make a visit to one of their regional offices!

Contact Representative Hageman. Should the sale of public lands remain in the Senate version of the Reconciliation bill, it will need to be considered again by the House of Representatives. Representative Hageman needs to know that Wyomingites overwhelmingly support public lands, and we oppose the mandated sale of our legacy through a budget reconciliation bill.

Contact local elected representatives, including the Governor, your county commissioners, and state legislators. Urge them to oppose the sale of public lands and contact our congressional delegation. Find your legislator here.

Spread the Word – We need to keep the pressure up. Please ask your friends and family to take action and contact their elected officials. Public lands belong to all Americans so it’s important that we all take action regardless of which state we live in. Share this blog post and elevate the action alerts of organizations you support who are working on this issue!

by: Noah Davis

posted in: General

June 18, 2025

TRCP Announces New Conservation Staff in Nevada

Nevada field representative will bolster organization’s expertise and capacity on key conservation issues

Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership announced the addition of Kris Coston who will fill the vital role of Nevada field representative to help the organization achieve its mission to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish.

A life-long hunter and angler, Coston is the founder of a mule deer conservation group that worked closely with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and helped implement the use of a solar GPS ear tag to track and compile data on mule deer migratory routes and key habitat. Additionally, Coston sits on the Board of Directors for the Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife, which is the policy and lobbying arm of Nevada’s sportsmen and women. Coston studied fire science at the University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College and worked as a wildland firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service for seven fire seasons.

In the Nevada field representative position, Coston will work to strengthen TRCP’s partnerships in the Silver State to advance the organization’s conservation priorities, including conserving key big game migration corridors and winter range. Coston is based in northern Nevada.

“I’m excited to join the TRCP team and help strengthen policies, advocate for wildlife habitat conservation, and improve hunter access and experiences on public lands in Nevada,” said Coston.

Learn more about TRCP’s leadership HERE.

by: Dan Morgan

posted in: General

June 4, 2025

TRCP Promotes Zach Bodhane to Vice President of Government Affairs

Bodhane to lead TRCP’s government affairs team as the organization deepens its commitment to bipartisan conservation policy

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) is pleased to announce the promotion of Zach Bodhane to Vice President of Government Affairs. Since joining TRCP in July 2023 as Director of Government Relations, Bodhane has played a critical role in advancing durable, common sense conservation policy and strengthening relationships on Capitol Hill.

“Zach brings a deep understanding of the intersection between natural resource management and effective public policy,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of TRCP. “His experience and thoughtful leadership will be instrumental as TRCP continues to build on our past successes. I look forward to working with him in this new role.”

Prior to joining TRCP, Bodhane served as Policy Director for the Western Landowners Alliance, where he led government relations, policy development, and advocacy across a wide range of public and working lands conservation issues. He also spent six years as Policy Advisor for Conservation and Wildlife at the Western Governors’ Association, where he facilitated collaborative, bipartisan solutions through initiatives such as the WGA Species Conservation and ESA Initiative and the WGA Working Lands Roundtable.

Bodhane holds a B.S. in Natural Resources Management with minors in Fishery Biology and Watershed Science from Colorado State University. Originally from Colorado, he now lives in Washington, D.C. with his wife, son, and dog. Outside of work, he enjoys escaping the city to mountain bike, hike, and fish.

In his new role, Bodhane will lead TRCP’s government affairs team and policy strategy, working to build bipartisan support for conservation priorities at the federal level.

Learn more about TRCP’s leadership HERE. 

The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.

by: Dan Morgan

posted in: General

May 30, 2025

Hispanic Leaders Bring the Southwest to Washington, D.C.

The TRCP organized a spring advocacy trip to demonstrate the power of unity, outdoor traditions, and a bipartisan approach to conservation.

This spring, the heart of the Southwest made its way to the halls of power in Washington, D.C., as Hispanic leaders united to speak up for the lands and waters that shape their culture, outdoor traditions, and futures. As part of HECHO’s (Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors) 2025 spring advocacy trip, members of the Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council (HCLC) brought their voices and stories directly to lawmakers, urging protection and conservation of public lands.

From the vibrant canyons of Arizona to the sacred rivers of New Mexico, the Southwest is home to some of the nation’s most treasured public lands. For the Hispanic leaders who made the journey to D.C., these lands are more than scenic beauty—they’re economic drivers and places of personal and communal connection. Hunting and fishing on these lands not only sustains time-honored traditions but also supports local economies and fosters the next generation of conservation and stewardship.

The advocacy trip amplified these outdoor traditions, with participants ranging from business owners and elected officials to conservationists and community advocates. Their unified message? Public lands must remain public, accessible, and protected.

In conversations with members of Congress and key decision-makers, the HCLC emphasized the importance of protecting areas like the Grand Canyon watershed, addressing forest health and catastrophic wildfire, funding for proactive management of federal lands, and protecting critical water resources in the region. In addition, both TRCP and HCLC members also touched on the importance of maintaining robust federal funding to address ongoing drought conditions in the Colorado River Basin, including investments in fish and wildlife habitat restoration efforts that build resilience to shrinking water supplies.

The TRCP and HCLC highlighted support for the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act and the need to increase the pace and scale of active forest management approaches that also benefit fish and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. These issues are not partisan—they are universal, touching on clean water, natural disaster mitigation, recreation, cultural preservation, and economic sustainability.

One recurring theme throughout the trip was the need for balance—between use and conservation, between progress and preservation. As one participant shared, “I’m not against using our public lands… but we have to monitor that to where we don’t deplete our resources.” The goal isn’t to halt development, but to ensure it doesn’t come at the cost of future generations.

From forest management and fire prevention to watershed protection and outdoor recreation, the issues discussed were grounded in the everyday realities of communities that rely on these lands.

Perhaps the most powerful element of the trip was the unity among the participants. Despite different roles, regions, and backgrounds, the group stood together with a shared sense of purpose and pride. As one leader expressed, “We need to stand up proud as Hispanos… This is part of us. It’s querencia, a deep love and connection to the land.”

The HECHO 2025 spring advocacy trip was a testament to the power of representation and grass tops leadership. These leaders shared their personal stories, cultural ties, and community priorities directly with policymakers—demonstrating the power of unity, outdoor traditions, and bipartisan approach to conservation. 

Learn more about TRCP’s commitment to habitat and clean water here

The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.