America Needs More Public Lands, Not Less
The popularity and the value of public lands to the millions of Americans who treasure them is clear. Few issues enjoy such broad, bipartisan support across age groups, income levels, and regions as the protection of our national parks and public lands. The fact is we need more public land, not less.
America Needs More Public Lands, Not Less outlines the economic, health, and social benefits of parks and public spaces, highlights the rising public demand for these spaces, and warns of the consequences of disinvestment, including underfunding and attempts to privatize public land. While public lands can look very different across the country — from a green schoolyard in New York City to a magnificent vista in Yellowstone or Yosemite — the needs of the people who use these lands are the same. Public lands are enjoyed by many different groups of people for various purposes, including hikers, hunters, mountain bikers, anglers, foragers, snowmobilers, birders, and campers. And the demand for these spaces is only growing.
The report comes amid mass layoffs at land agencies and shifts in federal policy resulting in reduced access to public lands — measures that run counter to both the data and the demonstrated public will.
Few issues enjoy such broad, bipartisan support across age groups, income levels, and regions as the protection of our national parks and public lands. Using compelling stories, examples, and data, the report demonstrates that Americans across political, geographic, and demographic lines overwhelmingly support preserving public spaces.
Key findings and stats include:
Public lands are essential for our health, happiness, and connection—but right now, they’re under threat. Special interest groups are pushing to strip their protections, opening the door to development. That means fewer parks, trails, and natural spaces for all of us.
These spaces are our shared legacy. Take action now and urge Congress to keep public lands in public hands!
For more information about working with Trust for Public Land to grow your trail system, contact us here.
