Vigilance and Vocal Opposition

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We're less than a week in to 2017 and Congress is already positioning itself to strip America of its public lands. I'm no political whiz, so I'll let Field and Stream's Bob Marshall explain it more clearly:


"Yesterday, on its first day in session, the House amended a rule to make it easier to justify transfer of [public lands] ownership to states, by changing the way it calculates the financial cost of the move to the nation.

The change passed 233–190, largely on party lines, with the GOP overwhelmingly in favor." 1

If this does not raise red flags and set off alarm bells for hunters, anglers, campers and hikers across our great nation, it should. We are moving ever closer to a reality where our public lands become privatized, monetized and inaccessible to you and me. We should be outraged that this is happening, and we should let Congress know that they are not acting in the best interest of the public.

Remember, public lands are OUR lands. YOU own them, I own them, and if they think they can use political maneuvers to strip them from US, we have to let them know that they will be in for one hell of a fight. This is a fight far beyond political lines, this is a fight for a vision of America that includes the right for every citizen to enjoy the natural wonders of this great country.

So stand up, be vocal, and get mad. This action is intended to take land from YOU. Call your representatives and let them know that this is unacceptable. Don't know who your House representative is? They are listed, with phone numbers, here: http://www.house.gov/representatives/#state_a  You can also let your money speak for you. Donate to a Public Lands group like Backcountry Hunters and Anglers or the TRCP. The key here is for all of us to do something, together. We must show those who would steal our lands from us that we are united in our willingness to fight for our right to our public lands.


1. Marshall, Bob. "GOP House Moves Against Public Lands on Its Opening Day." Field & Stream. Field & Stream, 4 Jan. 2017. Web. 05 Jan. 2017.

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