Our Public Lands in Peril: What You Can Do
Sunday with Herb
If you are an avid trail runner, hiker or camper, no doubt you have experienced our incredible public lands through access provided by the Forest Service and our National Parks.
But our public lands are now in peril.
Due to the heinous firing of Forest Service and National Park employees by the Trump administration, access and safety for users is in question.
Trail maintenance workers, park rangers, fire fighters and support workers are being fired.
What this means is that we may have issues accessing some areas and parks, and when we do, we may find that restrooms and garbage bins are not maintained due to lack of staff. When we do get on the trails, we may encounter trash, limbs and debris and erosion problems.
So, what can we do?
Leave no trace. When out on public lands, make sure you are not part of the problem
Pick up litter and trash at the trailheads and on the trail. We can all help the staff keeping the land clean.
Throw limbs and debris off the trails. If there is debris on the trails as a result of a recent storm, do your part by tossing it off the trail rather than just stepping over it. I often carry a small saw with me to cut limbs that are in the way.
Clear jammed up erosion control measures. If a ditch is clogged, allowing flooding and erosion of the trail, clear it out.
Notify the local staff of issues on the trail that need expertise and manpower to resolve. The sooner they are aware of a problem, the quicker they can gather resources to fix it.
Join a local trail maintenance organization. There are many community groups who “adopt” a trail or area to help government staff with trail maintenance.
Be a voice for public lands. Contact your representative and let them know the importance of funding our public lands. Spread the word!
I’ve enjoyed the benefits of our public lands for years. The Federal employees that protect our lands are invaluable. Please do your part to help us through this.
-Herb