The land belongs to the people of the United States. I see a lot of opinions expressed here that show a total ignorance of the history of lands in the western US. The land was purchased from France by Thomas Jefferson, on behalf of the nation. Lewis and Clark came west to find out exactly what he had bought. Big hint here on the constitutionality of the Federal Government owning the land: The guys who wrote the constitution and Bill of Rights were for the most part still in Congress and authorized the purchase. If they thought it was a violation of the constitution they wouldn't have authorized the purchase. Second point, right now the lands are managed for long term benefit of the public, which includes multiple uses including recreation. If you give it to the states it won't be, and will most likely be sold off into private hands within twenty years, and closed to the public. If you think the State governments are less corrupt than the federal government you are either an idiot, or part of the corruption. The Idaho legislature is currently pushing to sell hunting tags to the highest bidder, and to allow those with money to buy extra draws in the trophy hunt drawings. Serve the rich, not your constituents is a constant theme with our elitist legislature.