Utah Senator Mike Lee withdrew his proposal to sell millions of acres of public land due to insurmountable opposition. The provision, a part of the federal budget bill, would have facilitated the sale of BLM land in 11 Western states to offset tax cuts and royalty rebates. Widespread criticism from conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and even members of his own party, along with concerns about foreign interests potentially acquiring the land, led to the bill’s demise. Senate leadership removed the land-sale language to ensure the budget bill’s passage, which included tax cuts and cuts to social programs.
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Senator Mike Lee’s proposed bill, part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” would mandate the sale of 2.2 to 3.3 million acres of public land in the American West to supposedly fund affordable housing. The proposal has faced significant bipartisan opposition, with critics questioning its effectiveness in addressing the housing crisis and expressing concerns about the loss of public access to these lands. A map released by The Wilderness Society highlighted the potential scope of land sales, prompting Lee to label it misleading, while the Society defended its accuracy. This plan has drawn widespread condemnation from lawmakers, environmental groups, and the public.
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Goliath, Zoo Miami’s 135-year-old Galapagos tortoise, celebrated his first Father’s Day after his first offspring successfully hatched on June 4th. This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a Galapagos tortoise has hatched at the zoo. The hatchling, from a clutch laid in January, is thriving in a separate enclosure while his parents, Goliath and Sweet Pea, remain in their public habitat. The event is particularly noteworthy given the endangered status of Galapagos tortoises, threatened by historical exploitation and modern climate change.
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The Trump administration’s first 100 days have seen relentless attacks on America’s 640 million acres of federal public lands, jeopardizing a unique national asset. Efforts to boost resource extraction, sell off lands for housing, and purge land management agency staff threaten decades of conservation efforts and bipartisan public support for protecting these lands. This assault utilizes manufactured “emergencies” to justify weakening environmental protections and circumventing public input. The current campaign surpasses previous attempts at privatization in its speed, scope, and disregard for public opinion.
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A population of 18 captive-bred Mexican axolotls, fitted with radio trackers, was successfully released into restored and artificial wetlands near Mexico City. The axolotls thrived in their new environment, demonstrating successful foraging and weight gain at both sites. This positive outcome offers significant hope for the long-term conservation of this critically endangered amphibian. The research suggests artificial wetland creation may be a viable strategy for axolotl recovery. This “amazing result,” as described by lead researcher Dr. Alejandra Ramos, provides a crucial step forward in axolotl conservation efforts.
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John Q. Hosedrinker