[HairOfTheDog]

OK so you see issues that are really different than a tax break. Lets tackle the "land trusts are merely a vehicle for the government to acquire even more land". I live in the west too, where there are huge blocks of public land, mostly in the mountains and rural areas where it is owned out of default by the government, but some also no doubt purchased.

Define "way too much land". I don't automatically see "too much". I am a big user of public land. The trails I ride in are all public lands. People hunt, hike and camp in public lands. The private forests here are closed to me. That is their right, but that makes me appreciate lands set aside for public enjoyment as well as natural benefits. I don't see it as intrinsically wrong.

[Teacher317]

A problem arises as the government buys more and more land (with our money), making less and less land available to an ever-expanding population. The government, predictably, responds with legislation (against 'sprawl', restrictive zoning, etc) that makes America more urban than rural, at an ever-increasing rate... and urban areas are not exactly known as bastions of freedom (gotta restrict that freedom "for the good of the community" you see).

[B Knotts]

When the federal government owns 70-90% of many western states, yes, I'd say that's too much. Especially considering they don't really have any constitutional authority to permanently own any land, aside from government buildings.

[B Knotts]

People hunt, hike and camp in public lands

Believe me, I know that. I see the garbage and dog feces they leave behind near the public lands.

[knuthom]

The trails I ride in are all public lands. People hunt, hike and camp in public lands.

If the Nature Conservancy owns it you will not be able to ride, hunt, or camp there.