Your Voice Matters: Why Are Public Lands Worth Protecting.

Your Voice Matters: Why Are Public Lands Worth Protecting?

Patrick Hendry

Our public lands are at risk. President Trump and Interior Secretary Zinke have already acted to shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments and plans are moving forward to re-designate those public lands, possibly opening it up to mining and drilling. Other monuments are under review and on the chopping block as well.

This is just the beginning, there is also a proposal to raise the entrance fee at National Parks by 133 percent per vehicle and doubling the price for a hiker entering the park on foot. These increases will have a detrimental impact on the ability of millions of Americans, especially those with a limited income to enjoy these public lands.

Congress is also seeking to open our wilderness areas, the most sacred public lands, to bikes and other mechanized forms of transportation that could impact the tranquility and safety of hikers enjoying these pristine areas.

American Hiking Society is fighting to oppose these efforts and safeguard our public lands for generations to come.

We need you to lend your voice to this fight and share with us why public lands are important to you and worth protecting. Share your perspective by Tuesday, February 13 for a chance to be featured in our upcoming edition of American Hiker, our members-only publication.