This year, I'm dedicating my hikes to my sister, Leah Wilsey, and her daughters, Kaleigh and Paige. Last year, my sister passed away after a long battle with brain cancer leaving my two beautiful nieces in the care of our family. Through these times, my escape into the wild and the times I've spent with my nieces on public lands and waters has been the most helpful and therapeutic way to deal with our family's massive loss.
Our public lands and waterways are some of the greatest gifts bestowed upon us as Americans and we must continue to protect them for future generations of hunters, anglers, hikers and outdoor adventurers to come. As Doug Duren says, "It's not ours, it's just our turn." My hope is that these places remain for my nieces and their families and generations to come.
BHA has lead the way in the continuing fight to protect these treasures and has brought together people from all walks of life in a common goal: To keep public lands in public hands and the protect them in perpetuity.
I'm pledging to hike 200 miles with a $1,500 fundraising goal. I also challenge others to get out there and hike! Enjoy the lands and waterways and all of the amazing experiences they provide.
Take the time to explore our public lands. Keep it clean and keep it public.
- Dale Wilsey Jr.
Avid outdoorsman and bowhunter with a penchant for picking up heavy things and writing.