Today marks a new day—and a new direction—for our country, for our region’s public lands, and for all of us who have worked so hard to defend these treasured landscapes from the most anti-environmental administration in history.
It’s a new day and our work is just beginning.
We must make sure that strong leaders are appointed to our public land management agencies. We must reverse all of the harmful environmental policies that were put in place. We must push for stronger laws to protect our national forests and parks. And we must continue to address inequities and fight for justice.
Our excitement flows deep, but it’s tempered by a healthy dose of reality. We know we won’t agree with every decision this new administration makes. We will need to remind our new leaders about how much we value wild places, wildlife, and access to our public lands. We’ll need to guide them on the right path to making sound decisions, and we’ll need to hold them accountable when they veer off course.
But for now, we’re breathing a collective sigh of relief. We’ve worked hard over the last four years, pouring everything we have into protecting and defending our region’s outdoor spaces. We filed twelve legal actions, dozens of public records requests, and more than two hundred letters opposing bad proposals that would directly impact public lands right here in our own backyard. And you—our allies and supporters—sent more than 50,000 emails and letters to decision-makers, making your voice heard loud and clear.
These campaigns have all taken place against a backdrop of racial injustice, a global pandemic, far-flung conspiracy theories, attempts to overturn a free and fair election, and the violent siege of our nation’s capitol.
Yet throughout all of this, we have grown. We have a deeper understanding of the importance of our outdoor spaces and strengthened our relationships with our friends and families. We have remained laser-focused on our mission. And we have emerged stronger, with a renewed sense of hope and an unwitting desire to make this world a better place.
As we reflect on this long journey we’ve taken together, we’re mindful of what’s ultimately at stake—mountains, canyons, rivers, plants and wildlife, and trails and campsites. Our communities. Our climate. Justice. Democracy. Our planet.
We’re grateful to have you with us as we enter this new era, surrounded by new opportunities to make a difference and create a more sustainable and just future for all of us.
Let’s get to work.
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