THE FIGHT FOR PUBLIC LANDS
Public lands are more than just spots on a map. They afford us the freedom to do things we love—hike, camp, hunt and fish, breathe in clean air, swim in pristine waters and find peaceful escapes from a busy and complicated world. They are a refuge, for both wildlife and people, regardless of the size of our bank accounts.
To many, these lands are sacred, holding deep meaning now and for generations well before us.
But right now, officials in Washington, D.C. are working to eliminate protections for millions of acres and limit our access to public lands by letting oil, gas and mining companies exploit and damage them without safeguards.
This report highlights 10 American landscapes threatened by a short-sighted energy agenda fueled by greed. They are lands and waters beloved by communities and people who continue to speak out and defend them.
Your tremendous generosity enables us to be innovative and resilient for these fights—many of which can stretch on for decades. You are building America’s enduring public lands legacy with your gifts and steady belief in our work.
Because our public lands are simply not for sale.
Thank you for standing with us, in the battles big and small, that keep our public lands in public hands.
Tracy Stone-Manning
President, The Wilderness Society
Tracy Stone-Manning
President, The Wilderness Society
How We Work
The Wilderness Society is uniquely equipped with the depth of expertise, relationships and tools to defend America’s public lands and waters so they may be handed down to the next generation.
From Capitol Hill to the courtroom, from field research to grassroots coalitions, we bring everything it takes—and we don’t stop until the places you love are protected.
In every landscape, we deploy a mix of the following tools:
Science that wins
Cutting-edge mapping, field research and ecological analysis that builds the record
Relationships that move policy
Deep, trusted ties with communities, lawmakers and agencies built over decades
Legal firepower
Comprehensive record-building and litigation defense that holds the line
People and purpose aligned
Coalition leadership and grassroots partnerships that make the political possible
Stories that matter
Media coverage and advocacy communications that shift public will
America’s public lands are worth the fight.
Clean Water
Public lands are main sources of clean water on which communities and wildlife across the country depend. For example, 20% of the fresh water in the National Forest System lies within the Superior National Forest, which encompasses the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota.
Recreation
Public lands are renowned for hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation they provide, all of which drive local economies. Outdoor recreation is a $1.3-trillion-dollar industry, supporting 5.2 million jobs. These jobs depend on protected public lands.
Economic Value
Public lands are key economic drivers. Research shows that counties in the Western U.S. with more protected public lands experience significantly faster growth in population, employment and per capita income compared to similar counties with less protected lands.
Wildlife and Plants
Public lands provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife species, like the caribou of the Arctic and the eastern collared lizards of the Southwest. They also offer refuge for wildlife listed as threatened or endangered, like the California condor and desert tortoise. Threatened by a warming climate and fossil fuel development, America’s wildlife and plants’ survival depends on healthy habitats.
Indigenous Sovereignty
In recent years, landmark agreements between Tribal Nations and federal agencies have been put in place at some national monuments, reflecting a commitment to conservation and Indigenous knowledge. These agreements represent a holistic approach to land management, uphold Indigenous sovereignty and are widely supported by voters in the West.
Cultural Resources
Public lands are living landscapes, replete with invaluable cultural resources integral to the connections and practices of Indigenous Peoples, the original and longest-serving stewards of these lands.
Safe Migration for Wildlife
Wildlife need room to roam. Whether large herds of animals, like pronghorn and elk, that migrate to spend their winter in Wyoming’s Red Desert, or the millions of migratory birds that rely on the Western Arctic as a place to breed, wildlife depend on protected public lands for safe stopovers, shelter and breeding grounds to thrive.
Wildlife and Plants
Public lands provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife species, like the caribou of the Arctic and the eastern collared lizards of the Southwest. They also offer refuge for wildlife listed as threatened or endangered, like the California condor and desert tortoise. Threatened by a warming climate and fossil fuel development, America’s wildlife and plants’ survival depends on healthy habitats.
Indigenous Sovereignty
In recent years, landmark agreements between Tribal Nations and federal agencies have been put in place at some national monuments, reflecting a commitment to conservation and Indigenous knowledge. These agreements represent a holistic approach to land management, uphold Indigenous sovereignty and are widely supported by voters in the West.
Cultural Resources
Public lands are living landscapes, replete with invaluable cultural resources integral to the connections and practices of Indigenous Peoples, the original and longest-serving stewards of these lands.
Safe Migration for Wildlife
Wildlife need room to roam. Whether large herds of animals, like pronghorn and elk, that migrate to spend their winter in Wyoming’s Red Desert, or the millions of migratory birds that rely on the Western Arctic as a place to breed, wildlife depend on protected public lands for safe stopovers, shelter and breeding grounds to thrive.
These stories represent the fight to keep public lands protected from a dangerous agenda to expand oil, gas and mining development.
Together, we send a clear message:
Our public lands are not for sale.
Help us hand them down to the next generation.
To make a gift that supports our work, contact:
Mary O’Connor
Vice President, Strategic Relationships
mary.m.oconnor@tws.org
This report would not be possible without the guidance and support of the staff and partners of The Wilderness Society and the 11 incredible spokespeople featured who graciously shared their stories and perspectives. Thank you.
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