Washington Residents Respond to Zinke’s Public Lands Recommendations

SEATTLE, WA--Last night, Washington Post revealed Sec.Ryan Zinke’s recommendations to alter national monuments around the country-- risking the value and preserved nature of public lands. Despite maintaining Hanford Reach National Monument, Zinke ignored 98% of the 2.8 million Americans who submitted public comments urging the preservation of public lands nationwide. Stripping safeguards for these places is an unprecedented act in American history. The decision puts public lands in key states up-for-grabs for potential drilling, mining and clear-cutting.

In response, Sierra Club Public Lands Organizer Alex Craven released the following statement:

"This administration continually puts profits over people and the environment. It’s a true shame Trump’s team would rather benefit a few fossil fuel industry-insiders than valuing years of history of diverse cultures, recreation spaces that bring billions of dollars to the American economy and the opportunity for future generations to enjoy places that actually help make America great.

“This recommendation is a direct attack on decades of work invested by local communities. Like Hanford Reach, national monuments elsewhere underwent a thoughtful and inclusive designation process despite false narratives spewed by the administration.”

"Our public lands are the embodiment of our democracy. We have these incomparable gems in the United States where everyone has a duty to protect these landscapes. We should be continuing those conservation efforts for decades to come not dismantling protections. We will stand up for these places-- for Americans today and future generations.""