Supreme Court Decision Protects Public Lands and Outdoor Heritage
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court made a pivotal decision by declining to hear the lawsuit filed by the State of Utah, which posed a significant threat to America’s cherished public lands legacy. In August, the state filed a lawsuit asking the court to declare the Bureau of Land Management’s ownership of 18.5 million acres of land in Utah unconstitutional.
This dismissal of Utah v. United States marks a resounding victory for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and all who cherish access to our nation’s public lands.
“NWTF commends the Supreme Court's decision in refusing to hear Utah’s public land grab lawsuit, a choice that ensures our nation’s public lands remain accessible to all Americans,” said Chuck Carpenter, NWTF district biologist for Utah. “This is a significant victory for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists who rely on these lands for recreation, tradition and conserving wildlife habitat.”
Had this lawsuit progressed, it could have established a dangerous precedent. The potential transfer of federal lands to state control threatened to limit access, foster mismanagement and even lead to privatization. Such outcomes would jeopardize hunting opportunities, outdoor recreation and the important ecosystems that these lands support. Public lands are not just open spaces — they are part of our national identity, meant to be enjoyed and cared for by everyone.
Throughout this challenge, Patt Dorsey, NWTF’s director of conservation operations for the West, and Carpenter have been at the forefront. Working alongside a coalition of conservation groups, Dorsey and Carpenter’s efforts highlight the strength of unity in conserving these treasured landscapes.
Public lands are the backbone of our outdoor heritage, offering the freedom to hunt, fish and explore. These cherished spaces must remain open and safeguarded for future generations. While the Supreme Court’s decision reinforces this legacy, it’s important to remain vigilant to address any future challenges that threaten our shared values and priorities.
The NWTF remains steadfast in its mission to preserve our hunting heritage and champion sound conservation policies to ensure our natural resources remain accessible to everyone. Together, we can protect the landscapes that shape our identity and the traditions we hold close.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.