Last week, it was reported that members of Congress are considering the sale of public lands to help pay for a budget reconciliation. In response, thousands of Trout Unlimited members and supporters spoke up to defend America’s outdoor heritage. But the threat is not over. Chris Wood, TU’s president, writes about the urgency and calls for more voices from public land supporters.
Public lands are the anvil upon which the character of our nation was hammered out as we made our way west.
Public lands are the backyard of the little guy. Places where families who can’t afford to fly to fancy resorts can be together and find solace in nature. If we sold our public lands to the highest bidder, they would become the playground of the wealthy.
Public lands demonstrate that we are not a desperate nation; having to scratch and claw every ounce of gold, suck every gallon of oil, turn every tree into a piece of lumber.
Public lands demonstrate the inherent optimism of America. They are an affirmation that we believe in caring for God‘s creation. They demonstrate our commitment to leaving the world, a better place for our children than the one we inherited from our parents.
Transferring, divesting or selling public lands would be the single greatest mistake that America could ever make short of starting a nuclear war. Europe has its museums and cathedrals. Africa its Serengeti. America has its public lands—lands that define the character and will of a great nation.
Protect America’s outdoor heritage from disposal and sell-offs