The idea is , and always has been, that our Federal land is held for the use and benefit for all citizens, that does not mean the constant restriction of use, or in the non-use of these public lands that are owned and funded by us.
A good example of this is our national forest lands. They were initially managed for the sustained yield of our renewable resources, and the multiple use of the public for recreation, timber, water, and such. They were not acquired for the total preservation and none use of these resources. Every time a special interest group wants to save a tree, animal, or scenic vista....Which ever administration in control designates new restrictions on our resoures that become non productive and economically dead. If we continued to subscribe to the management doctrines og Gifford Pinchot, founder of the U.S. forest service we could supply the materials for our housing needs without having to import a large majority . The more land that is preserved,( meaning non-use), vs. conserved( wise-use), the more our natural resources just go to waste.
These public lands are bought and managed with the tax dollars of the citizens, and the Gov't needs to listen and act in the wisest capacity for all, not a few.