Across the United States, thousands of acres of public lands are landlocked and inaccessible to the public due to corner crossing restrictions. These are public lands, meant for common use and enjoyment such as hiking, hunting, and recreational activities. Yet, they remain cut off from public use because they are surrounded by private properties and current laws do not allow for legal access via corner crossing. This is not just a matter of inconvenience—it's a missed opportunity for recreation, conservation, and economic benefit to local communities.

Corner crossing refers to the act of stepping from one corner of a public land parcel to another, bypassing the corners of intervening private properties. While seemingly minor, this technical obstruction often leads to significant swathes of public land being inaccessible. In states with a high percentage of public lands, such as Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, this issue is acutely felt, depriving the public of their right to these lands.

Statistics from organizations like the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership show that over 9.5 million acres of federal public land are currently inaccessible due to these restrictions. This not only limits public access but also hinders conservation efforts and economic opportunities related to outdoor recreation.

Thus, we are urging lawmakers and stakeholders to establish and enforce public rights-of-way that will allow legal corner crossing to these landlocked public lands. By modifying current legislation and coordinating with private landowners, we can develop a system that respects private property rights while ensuring public access.

Creating defined rights-of-way will require collaboration between state and federal agencies, private landowners, and advocacy groups. However, successful examples already exist wherein agreements have been made for shared access or easements, balancing both public interests and private rights.

We call upon the responsible authorities to prioritize this issue and take actionable steps toward policy changes that legitimize and facilitate the establishment of public rights-of-way through corner crossings. Opening these lands to the public will enhance outdoor recreational experiences, contribute to economic growth, and support vital conservation efforts.

Sign this petition to demand change and ensure that public lands are accessible to all citizens, not just a privileged few.