Highlighting Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: Champions of Public Land Access
Non-profit organizations play a vital role in advocating for public land access, ensuring these spaces remain available for recreation, conservation, and sustainable use. One such group, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), focuses on securing opportunities for hunters and anglers while promoting ethical stewardship. Founded on principles of fair chase and habitat protection, BHA works at federal and state levels to address access challenges. This post provides an objective overview of their efforts, based on their recent initiatives and policy engagements.
BHA's Core Work on Public Land Access
BHA prioritizes enhancing public access through targeted campaigns and policy advocacy. Key areas include defending stream access laws, expanding opportunities to landlocked public lands, and collaborating on solutions for stewardship.
- Stream Access Now Campaign: BHA's initiative raises awareness of stream access rights, opposes restrictions, and pushes for expansions to ensure anglers can navigate public waters without undue barriers.
- Landlocked Public Lands Advocacy: The organization supports administrative and legislative measures to open inaccessible federal lands, fostering collaboration among stakeholders for better access and management.
- Federal Policy Engagement: In December 2025, BHA endorsed the Public Lands in Public Hands Act (H.R. 718), which requires congressional approval for large federal land sales or transfers, aiming to preserve wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
- State-Level Monitoring: Through tools like the State Policy Spotter for January 2026, BHA tracks legislation impacting public lands, waters, and wildlife, providing members with action alerts.
These efforts emphasize science-based management and community involvement to sustain hunting and fishing traditions on public lands.
Recent Contributions and Impact
In response to challenges like the 2025 federal shutdown, BHA highlighted risks to conservation projects and advocated for stable funding to prevent disruptions in habitat restoration and access maintenance. Their work also includes opposing large-scale land privatizations, ensuring lands remain in public hands for future generations. By engaging in policy roundups and supporting bills like those conserving critical habitats, BHA contributes to broader public lands discussions.
Ways to Support BHA
Individuals can contribute to BHA's mission through membership, donations, or participation in events:
- Join BHA – Become a member to support advocacy and receive updates.
- Donate to BHA – Funds aid policy work and conservation projects.
- Take Action – Participate in campaigns and send messages to decision-makers.
Useful Resources from BHA
For more on their initiatives:
- Access and Opportunity Issues – Details on stream access and landlocked lands.
- Federal Policy Roundup: December 2025 – Recent endorsements and updates.
- State Policy Spotter: Jan. '26 – State-level legislation tracking.
- Shutdown Impacts Statement – Response to 2025 challenges.
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