Public lands are a symbol of a functioning, authentic democracy. The preservation of vast landscapes for shared public enjoyment is unique to very few places in the world including the United States. 98 percent of 2.7 million people who submitted public comments on the Department of the Interior’s “review” of 27 national monuments agreed, urging Secretary Zinke to maintain the status of these places as national monuments.  Building on that, hundreds of people  showed up this past weekend to events across the country to stress protection of public lands for the sake wildlife watchers, veterans, youth, sportsmen, and so many others. The vast support from local businesses, tribal groups and allies surely sent Zinke a clear message: keep our lands open for the benefit of the public, not closed to all but a few fossil fuel industry insiders.
This weekend’s events mirrored the diversity and beauty of the country’s public lands and everything they have to offer. In Colorado, outdoor retail giant Patagonia hosted Our Wild America organizers and local allies in an event called “Public Lands Mean Business.” Speakers emphasized the essential income generated from outdoor recreation. In Virginia, hundreds joined hands across the Appalachian Trail to highlight opposition to the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines that would crisscross the AT and chop up forestlands. In Utah, an all-day jamboree featured tribal leaders and multiple ally organizations to showcase the cultural importance of these places for Native Americans and their vibrant history. Nearly 100 Arizonans gathered at a local REI, where teachers, youth and state representatives committed to writing letters to the editor, educating others on the issue and keeping up the noise in the fight for public lands. In Boston, residents gathered during the solar eclipse to urge preservation of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine Monument. New Mexicans phone banked, calling the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C. as a final push for natural monument preservation. In Seattle, business representatives, advocates and government staffers stood in solidarity with public lands supporters across the country even though Hanford Reach withstood Zinke’s review. Las Vegans came together with their city council officials and representatives from offices of Congress to fight for Gold Butte and Basin & Range National Monuments. All together, the events generated thousands of postcards to be delivered to Zinke this week and an inspiring display of all those who benefit from public lands.
From coast to coast, it’s clear that Americans want Trump and Zinke’s hands off their public lands. The system of land protection and collaborative conservation efforts is evolving and represents a step forward. Together, we can permanently protect these places in the wake of fossil fuel dependence and threats of climate change. Millions of Americans agree and spoke up this weekend-- it’s time for this administration to listen.
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