Last week, eight of the ten CEOs and Executive Directors of Outdoor Alliance’s member organizations gathered in Washington, D.C. for strategic planning and meetings with lawmakers and key administration officials. Representing more than 250,000 members and millions more human-powered outdoor recreationists, this unified coalition brought the voice of the outdoor community directly to the nation’s capital.

The visit came at a critical moment. As we arrived, news was breaking that some lawmakers are considering selling off public lands to pay for tax cuts. It was a stark reminder of why our presence in D.C.—and continued advocacy for public lands and outdoor recreation—is so important.

Outdoor Alliance meeting with Rep. Ryan Zinke

“Public lands are deeply personal to the outdoor recreation community—they’re places of joy, challenge, and connection,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance. “Coming to D.C. with the leaders of ten national organizations reminded me just how powerful our shared voice can be. As a coalition, we represent people who care deeply about these places, and we’re here to make sure that lawmakers and agencies hear not just our policy priorities, but the passion and commitment behind them. Public lands must remain public, and they must be protected for the people who love and rely on them.”

We met with a range of Congressional offices, including:

Rep. Ryan Zinke, who firmly stated his opposition to any effort to sell public lands. He and Rep. Gabe Vasquez have introduced the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, which we support. Take action →
Sen. Heinrich’s office, where we discussed efforts to reform mining laws and safeguard public lands from potential sell offs.
Sen. Lee’s office, where we reiterated our coalition’s goal to support public lands and outdoor recreation access in the West.
Rep. Vasquez’s office, whom we thanked for his ongoing support of outdoor recreation access, public lands, functional land management agencies, and his work on the Public Lands in Public Hands Act.

We met also with Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and leadership at the U.S. Forest Service where our conversations focused on stewardship, agency capacity, and how Outdoor Alliance can serve as a conduit for on-the-ground insight. As the administration emphasizes efficiency and cost cutting, we stressed the need to fill critical agency positions and preserve recreation-focused resources. At Interior, we discussed implementation of the EXPLORE Act, including protections for climbing in Wilderness, and the importance of stewardship and balance on America’s public lands.

“Our organizations are out on these landscapes every day, connecting with local communities,” said Heather Thorne, Executive Director of Access Fund. “Being in Washington with our full coalition—climbers, paddlers, skiers, hikers, and more—showed how united we are in our priorities. We’re here to share what’s really happening on the ground, and to make sure lawmakers and agency leaders understand what’s needed to protect public lands and support recreation.”

Outdoor Alliance meeting with Secretary of Interior Doug Burgum

Outdoor Alliance continues to provide critical data to decision makers, such as GIS analysis and community feedback, to help lawmakers and land managers make informed, effective decisions. These relationships—and this kind of presence in D.C.—are how we ensure human-powered recreation has a seat at the table.

Together, our coalition will keep fighting to protect the places we all love—and to make sure those places stay public, accessible, and protected for generations to come.

United for Public Lands: Outdoor Alliance Leaders Visit Washington, D.C.