Public lands are valuable shared resources that provide a wide range of benefits for humans, plants, and animals alike. By providing clean air and water, along with safe habitat, they support wildlife within and far beyond their boundaries. Protecting them is critical to protecting biodiversity, our ecosystem, and our shared cultural heritage.

However, despite these universal benefits, these lands face growing pressures. Policy decisions determine how these lands are managed, including any allowances for development, including pipelines, and resource extraction, including logging. In order to combat powerful corporate and political interests, continuous public attention and engagement is required.

You can contribute to that effort by supporting organizations such as the National Parks Conservation Association and the Outdoor Alliance. Both of these organizations provide information on upcoming legislation, suggestions for contacting lawmakers, and many other ways to get involved. By supporting their campaigns, you’re encouraging increased funding and strong protections for our public lands.

In addition, whenever possible, take the time to responsibly visit your public lands. This shows policymakers that people value and utilize these spaces — not just in theory, but in practice, as well.