Likely you have heard the phrase, “Death by a thousand cuts.” And just as likely you have heard that phrase coined in direct relation to the effort of transferring federal public lands into state control. One proposed budget cut, one sale of “disposable land,” or one movement to eliminate “non essential” forms of government, has become one cut at a time.

As outdoorsman, not just hunters, anglers, and conservationists, but hikers, campers, kayakers, and anyone who enjoys the the freedom of public lands, have continually defended the idea of public lands by opposing legislation that tries to take those rights from us. But just as a boxer who might be constantly defending against jabs and hooks, its time to take a swing of our own. Its time to play offense in the battle for our public lands.

In early February, House Representative Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), released a bill (HR 621) that would sell off over 3 million acres of “disposable” federal land. In an interview with industry leader Cameron Hanes, on his podcast Keep Hammering, Chaffetz claimed the lands were located next to gas stations and along highways. Claiming they were lands that no one wanted to use as recreation. The outdoor community fought back, defending those lands that they cherish. Taking to social media to express to Chaffetz their disdain for his bill. Others showed up at his town hall meeting and viciously attacked him for his views that did not represent those he was elected to represent. A week later he caved and pulled the bill before it ever reached the house floor.

Later in February, the Outdoor Retailer Show, demanded that Utah Governor Gary Herbert change his views on dismantling the public lands system. When he balked at the idea, the largest outdoor recreational show in the country, announced they would take their show, the 1,200 members of the outdoor industry association, the tens of thousands of visitors, as well as their estimated $45 million brought into the state annually, out of Utah and to a state that has a positive view of public lands and outdoor recreation.

While both are are great examples of successfully deterring the opposition from transferring public lands, and we should celebrate them, they are not exactly victories. They will not stop the swings from coming. As our opponent steps back and clears their head to calculate the next move, we should take a swing of our own.

Politicians from both sides of the aisle have taken notice on the backlash that Chaffetz and Herbert have received. It has become apparent that attacking public lands has become political poison to anyone who tries. So, why not capitalize on our voice, and put pressure on our representatives to fix small problems with access, budgeting, or even management of lands?

Finally creating an easement for landlocked public lands, or designating wild fire control as part of the natural disaster relief fund, assuring the forestry service is not draining their management budget on fighting wild fires, would all be small victories to the public land cause.

Call your senator, write emails to your congress representative and express to them your concerns. These would be small victories for sure, but its hard to win by knock out. But we can win with “Death by a thousand cuts.”