American Stewards of Liberty called on Congress to include reforms in the upcoming budget reconciliation package that would enhance coordination between federal land management agencies and state, local, and tribal governments. The organization said current practices often sideline communities most affected by federal land decisions.
At the core of American Stewards of Liberty’s recommendation is a requirement for all federal land management agencies to formally coordinate their land use plans and policies with state and local governments, as contemplated under existing law but inconsistently implemented. The group also urged Congress to provide dedicated funding to ensure these coordination requirements are meaningfully carried out.
"Federal law already recognizes the importance of coordination, but in practice it is too often treated as optional," Margaret Byfield, Executive Director of American Stewards of Liberty, said. "Reconciliation gives Congress the opportunity to make coordination real, consistent, and enforceable across agencies."
The organization argued that strengthening coordination would help ensure that federal policies do not inadvertently undermine local economies, public safety, or land use priorities. It also said such reforms would improve transparency and compliance with state open meeting laws. American Stewards of Liberty framed the reform as a structural fix for longstanding fragmentation across agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Forest Service.
"This is about aligning decision-making with the people who live with the consequences," Byfield said. "When federal agencies coordinate with local governments, outcomes are more durable, more transparent, and more reflective of real-world conditions."
The organization said that including these provisions in reconciliation would give Congress a direct mechanism to improve federal land management outcomes while reinforcing principles of local governance and accountability. More information can be found on the official roster page.
