Defend our public lands | The Hill

America’s 640 million acres of public lands embody a heritage that spans generations. Public lands are more than just geographic lines on a map. These are the beating heart of our national identity, the places where we work, play, connect with our past and dream of our future.

Public lands provide clean drinking water for tens of millions of Americans and provide the water needed to grow 90 percent of our nation’s winter vegetables. They contribute significantly to the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy by providing some of the most iconic landscapes on earth for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and photography.

It has the longest migration route in the country and is home to an abundance of wildlife. They also provide many of the raw materials that our society needs to thrive.

Managing public lands always requires balancing conservation with other multi-purpose uses. This balancing act includes recognizing that some places should never be developed. And where development occurs, it must be done in a way that minimizes ecological impacts and maximizes public economic benefit.

But as we speak, Congress is considering a number of bills that, if passed, could shift the balance of public land management decisively away from responsible management and the wishes of American taxpayers.

Recent survey results University of Colorado Western Conservation Poll It reveals overwhelming support for the conservation and responsible management of our public lands. The poll found that an astonishing 90 percent of Westerners support the principle that oil and gas companies, rather than taxpayers, should be financially responsible for the cleanup and restoration of well sites on public land. It became clear that This is a common sense concept that ensures corporate accountability in protecting the environment.

Unfortunately, a bill introduced by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) would prevent these practical ideas from becoming a reality.

The poll also highlights that 85 percent of Westerners support the creation of new national parks, monuments, and refuges. These areas serve not only as havens for biodiversity, but also sanctuaries for recreation, education, and spiritual rejuvenation. Sadly, a bill introduced by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa) would extend the use of the Antiquities Act, championed by President Theodore Roosevelt, to cultural, ecological, and historical protection of public lands. or other areas of scientific interest.

Additionally, the poll found that 78% of voters prioritize preserving migration routes and building wildlife crossings over economic use of land. This highlights the importance people place on protecting wildlife resources and the critical importance of maintaining wildlife migration routes, which are the basis of healthy and functioning ecosystems.

Despite overwhelming support for conservation efforts, there remains a discordant minority in Congress pushing policies that prioritize short-term economic gain over long-term sustainability. Not surprisingly, most Westerners, whether Democrats, Republicans, or independents, prefer to prioritize conservation over expanding energy production on public lands. This highlights the bipartisan agreement to preserve our natural heritage for future generations. This is a testament to America’s core values ​​of environmental stewardship and responsibility.

Our public lands are more than just a commodity. They are valuable assets that define our national identity and maintain our collective well-being. As stewards of this land, it is our moral obligation to resist short-sighted policies that endanger these places.

We must come together across party lines to protect our public lands and advocate for policies that prioritize conservation, responsible management, and appropriate multi-use. Let us forge a path forward that meets society’s material needs while respecting our common values ​​and protecting public lands, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for future generations. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to the responsible stewardship and enduring legacy of our nation’s public lands.

David Wilms is vice president of public lands for the National Wildlife Federation.