Defending Our Shared Public Lands: A Call to Action

As I sit here writing in the middle of October, many of you have had the opportunity to chase wild game across the public lands of this great nation. This unique privilege, afforded to us in the United States, is not lost on me or my fellow #conservationwarriors with the Armed Forces Initiative. Currently, I find myself in a hotel room on a Japanese island, longing for the days spent in Virginia’s public lands, pursuing whitetail deer. But today, my thoughts are directed elsewhere.

We are facing an existential threat to the public lands that we and those who came before us fought to protect. In late August, Utah officials launched a multi-million-dollar campaign to convince the American public that nearly 18.5 million acres of our shared public lands would be better managed in their hands. The simple truth is: This land is not theirs for the taking.

As members of the military community, we understand the cost and importance of protecting American freedoms. Through the Armed Forces Initiative, we’re answering the call to safeguard a freedom especially dear to us: our shared public lands. In Utah alone, there are 5,377 active-duty service members, over 14,000 National Guard and Reserve members, and an estimated 110,000 veterans who have served, or are currently serving, to protect this land.

Reflecting on my current location reminds me of how fortunate we are in the United States to have access to these public lands. Having traveled the world, I’ve seen the consequences of what Utah’s actions could bring if they succeed. America’s public lands provide solace for many of us, offering healing and quiet for minds, especially those scarred by years of combat; They are cherished spaces that we must protect—not only for ourselves but for future generations.

I’m reminded of a quote from Theodore Roosevelt that resonates deeply with me, especially as someone who dedicated nearly three decades to defending democracy:

"Defenders of the short-sighted men who in their greed and selfishness will, if permitted, rob our country of half its charm by their reckless extermination of all useful and beautiful wild things sometimes seek to champion them by saying the 'the game belongs to the people.' So it does; and not merely to the people now alive, but to the unborn people. The 'greatest good for the greatest number' applies to the number within the womb of time, compared to which those now alive form but an insignificant fraction. Our duty to the whole, including the unborn generations, bids us restrain an unprincipled present-day minority from wasting the heritage of these unborn generations. The movement for the conservation of wild life and the larger movement for the conservation of all our natural resources are essentially democratic in spirit, purpose, and method." – Theodore Roosevelt, 1910

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the Armed Forces Initiative strongly oppose Utah’s selfish attempt to seize millions of acres of cherished wild lands owned by all Americans. We urge you to join us in standing up against this injustice by signing BHA’s petition and supporting our opposition campaign. Together, we can show Utah officials that our shared public lands are not up for grabs.

If Utah prevails in this lawsuit, it could set a dangerous precedent, questioning the federal government’s ability to manage any public lands. This could lead to the disposal and privatization of public lands nationwide, with no assurance that they would be transferred to the state rather than immediately privatized.

To learn more and take action with us today, visit UtahIsNotForSale.org.

Let’s protect our heritage for the generations to come.

 

About Garrett Robinson

Born and raised in southern York County, Pennsylvania, I participated in hunting in fishing throughout the state with my family on both public and private land. To this day the memories of growing up in a family where everyone hunted are some of the best