Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
I'm sure most of you are finishing up your early morning fishing trips and getting ready for a fun night filled with food, a good brew, and camaraderie with your favorite people. I've got my beer on ice, all my kale chopped up and veggie burgers ready to hit the grill!
But, I took a few minutes out of my day to speak up for the most American resource our country has, wild places.
I urge you to do the same. Here are a few things you can do on this holiday (and every other day) to help our greatest treasures.
Public Lands.
This week, Senator Mike Lee of Utah proposed to sell off all Public Lands in the West and abolish the Antiquities Act. Remember last year when we made such a stink that Chaffetz withdrew a similar bill? Remember how he stepped down soon after that? Yeah, me too! Let's be even louder this time around. Head over to Outdoor Alliance's petition and add your name, it literally takes 30 seconds (I even linked it for you, one click). Want to be even louder? Make a phone call {(202) 224- 5444}, tweet, use social media, send a good, ole' fashioned letter. The outdoor industry is booming and getting larger by the day, make our representatives see us for the force we are. Tell them to keep off our Public Lands.
Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Enjoy beaches, state parks, historical sites, clean water, or recreational complexes? Chances are they were fully or partially funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. In 88 days the LWCF expires. Take some time to tell Congress it's a program we need and one that makes sense. This program gives back to our communities not through tax-payer funds, but royalties from gas and oil companies. Visit the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition, find your state at the bottom of the page, and find out what the LWCF has done in your backyard.
Join a conservation group.
Trout Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers
Outdoor Alliance
Patagonia Action Works
The Sierra Club
The Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
American Rivers
Here's to getting outside this Fourth of July and adventuring on our Public Lands!