Virginia Cramer, virginia.cramer@sierraclub.org, 804-519-8449
In the latest move to keep the public out of public lands, E&E News is reporting that the Trump administration is planning to permanently end recreational use on the National Mall. The proposal looks at closing 28 athletic fields on the National Mall and at Rock Creek Park.
Mirroring efforts at major national parks across the country, the administration is also proposing significant rate hikes-- raising the $7 per season reservation fee to $30 per hour (plus an additional $10 administrative fee). Users can get a deal if they reserve for two hours: a mere $70.
“It didn’t take long for the true intention of the Trump administration to show itself--close our public lands to recreation, open them to drilling and fracking, and price them so that only the wealthy can enjoy what’s left. Our public lands, whether urban green space or wild park lands, should be open and accessible for everyone,” said Jackie Ostfeld, associate director for Sierra Club’s outdoors campaign.
Perhaps Trump still has sour grapes about crowd estimates for the inauguration?
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.