January has come and gone, and with it came some major conservation news that every outdoor enthusiast should be paying attention to. From Utah’s failed land grab to the ongoing controversy over wolf reintroduction in Colorado, this month’s headlines could have long-term impacts on hunting, fishing, and public land access across the country.
I break down the biggest conservation stories of the month, what they mean for you, and why you should care. Let’s dive in.
Utah’s Land Grab Attempt Fails
One of the biggest conservation battles of January was Utah’s attempt to reclaim 18.5 million acres of public land from the federal government. Utah’s governor argued that the federal government had no right to hold unappropriated lands, but the Supreme Court refused to hear the case.
Why It Matters
Had the lawsuit been successful, it could have set a dangerous precedent for other states to follow suit, leading to massive losses of public land.
13 other states supported Utah’s stance, meaning this fight isn’t over yet. Public land users need to stay vigilant.
Public land provides essential resources beyond recreation—freshwater sources, grazing land, and habitat for countless wildlife species.
Trump’s Executive Orders on Alaska Public Lands
Another major headline was the suite of executive orders issued by Trump, particularly the one focused on expanding energy development in Alaska. This order reverses protections on over 28 million acres of public land, including:
Opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas drilling.
Stripping protections from 9 million acres of the Tongass National Forest.
Revoking conservation designations on previously protected lands.
What’s at Stake?
The loss of these protections could impact crucial wildlife habitats, freshwater sources, and some of the last truly wild landscapes in the U.S.
Balancing resource development with conservation is a complex issue, but completely removing protections without stakeholder input is concerning.
Colorado’s Wolf Reintroduction Controversy
The controversy surrounding Colorado’s wolf reintroduction continues to escalate. Since the plan was voted in back in 2020, costs have skyrocketed, with $4.8 million spent so far and another $2.1 million budgeted for 2025.
The Key Issues
Rancher Pushback: Livestock owners claim they weren’t adequately consulted and are bearing the financial burden.
Neighboring States Refusing to Help: Wyoming and Idaho, which have dealt with wolf reintroductions for years, refuse to supply wolves to Colorado, citing mismanagement and broken promises from federal agencies.
New Plans to Release Wolves in Ski Resort Areas: In an attempt to limit conflicts with ranchers, Colorado is considering releasing wolves in areas like Aspen and Vail instead.
The success or failure of Colorado’s wolf reintroduction plan could have major implications for other states considering similar measures.
Wyoming Corner Crossing Case
One of the most impactful legal decisions of the month was the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on Wyoming’s corner crossing case. For those unfamiliar, corner crossing refers to stepping from one piece of public land to another at the intersection of a private property boundary—without setting foot on private land.
What the Court Ruled
The court ruled in favor of public land users, affirming that corner crossing does not constitute trespassing.
This ruling could unlock access to 8.3 million acres of landlocked public lands.
Private landowners, who have long used corner crossing laws to keep public land inaccessible, are likely to continue fighting this decision.
This ruling is a huge win for hunters, anglers, and anyone who values public land access.
Final Thoughts: What You Can Do
These conservation battles will shape the future of hunting, fishing, and public land access for years to come. If you care about these issues, here’s what you can do:
Stay Informed – Read up on these issues and share them with your community.
Make Your Voice Heard – Contact your representatives, join conservation organizations, and participate in public comment periods.
Support Conservation Efforts – Organizations like Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, TRCP, and local wildlife groups are fighting for these causes.
Public lands belong to all of us, and it’s up to us to protect them. Thanks for tuning into this month’s conservation debrief, and as always, keep it wild.
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