This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The phone calls and emails started immediately after Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz announced HR 621, Disposal of Excess Federal Lands Act. Sportsmen and women across the West were alarmed the bill could sell off some of our most treasured places on public lands.

I was among those who made the call.

Then Chaffetz used social media to announce he was dropping HR621, writing, "I am withdrawing HR 621. I'm a proud gun owner, hunter and love our public lands. The bill would have disposed of small parcels of lands Pres. Clinton identified as serving no public purpose but groups I support and care about fear it sends the wrong message. The bill was originally introduced several years ago. I look forward to working with you. I hear you and HR 621 dies tomorrow. #keepitpublic."

Trout Unlimited wishes to thank Chaffetz for his willingness to listen to sportsmen and women and respond pragmatically even in times dominated by rigid ideology. It is noteworthy when a congressman will acknowledge public input and change course accordingly. This example makes it clear that responsive collaboration with the public is the key to minimizing conflict and resolving fractious issues.

This is the Utah way. We have a long tradition in this state of making policy decisions based on open representation of the people, honest dialogue and collaborative processes. On contentious public lands issues, we need to work together on real solutions such as Rep. Lee Perry's (R-Brigham City) fire borrowing resolution (HCR 14), currently before the state Legislature, which looks to help ensure our management agencies have the resources to be good land stewards. These are the kinds of proposals that will lead to better public land management.

While these are positive steps in the right direction to protect our public land traditions, we have more work to do. Chaffetz has also proposed HR 622, legislation that could limit the ability of the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to enforce laws that protect public lands. Hunters and anglers must continue to make our voices heard on these proposals, just as we did on HR 621.

Trout Unlimited and sportsmen and women of Utah support public lands and know that access to public land is the backbone of our self-reliant, outdoors-centric culture. Eighty-four percent of Utah's sportsmen rely on public lands for hunting. And nearly 70 percent of the best remaining native trout habitat is on public lands. Public lands provide access to many of our blue ribbon fisheries, and places like the Green River, Monroe Mountain and Henry Mountains provide public hunting and fishing opportunities that are the envy of the nation.

Management of our country's public lands can always be improved; but these lands and waters are invaluable to our citizens and our state and we must keep public lands in public hands. We look forward to working constructively with all Utah elected officials to address 21st century land management challenges through sound and equitable policy.

Public land users, state and federal agencies, and lawmakers must work together to craft collaborative management solutions and ensure that we pass our public lands on to our children even better than we received them. These lands are part of Utah's way of life, and we appreciate Chaffetz's willingness to withdraw his bill and protect our public lands sporting heritage. With the congressman, we say #keepitpublic.

Andy Rasmussen is the public lands coordinator for Trout Unlimited.