A Trump administration proposal seeks to open 2.3 million acres of wildlife refuge to the public for recreational hunting and fishing.
According to the Associated Press, the proposal would impact more than 100 national wildlife refuge areas and fish hatcheries across the country. Notably, the plan would allow alligator hunting in designated areas in Georgia, Texas and South Carolina, mountain lions in Arizona, and migratory birds in parts of Oregon where they refuel.
Supporters say the plan gives Americans something to look forward to after the coronavirus outbreak has ended. Some conservation organizations argue that the proposal would likely result in damage to public lands and say the announcement on Wednesday during a pandemic was tone deaf.
The AP says the public will have 60 days to comment on the proposal.
Additional reporting by Brady McCombs of the Associated Press
