Speak Up for Public Lands: Protect Our Playgrounds from Privatization
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Business operations heavily depend on openly accessible public territories, currently facing threats.
I founded Wild Rye in 2016 with a passion: to design outdoor gear specifically tailored to women's bodies and lifestyles. But more than just gear, Wild Rye was born out of love for the great outdoors. Our home lies in Idaho and the vast, breathtaking Western United States, where we ride, hike, ski, camp, and connect with nature.
From the towering mountains to the painted deserts, public lands are our lifeblood, our inspiration, and the foundation of our brand. They are what attract millions of Americans to engaging in outdoor activities each year, driving an annual $1.2 trillion contribution to the U.S. economy and supporting over 5 million American jobs[1][5].
But right now, these lands are under attack. They are threatened by short-sighted oil and gas leasing, political maneuvers, and budget reconciliation schemes that prioritize corporate profits over the wellbeing of our communities and the planet.
The Western U.S. is a treasure trove of natural resources, with states like Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming holding significant reserves. However, the region's public lands extend far beyond oil and gas reserves; they encompass vital watersheds, wildlife habitats, areas of unparalleled biodiversity, and landscapes of profound cultural significance[2][3][5].
As lawmakers debate the future of public lands, we can't stay quiet. That's why we're urging U.S. senators, particularly those from the Western states, to protect public lands from being auctioned off to private industries for short-term gains.
Outdoor recreation is more than just a tourist industry; it's a cornerstone of rural communities. Gone are the days when public lands merely serve as a backdrop to our everyday lives. These lands have become the very essence of our existence, the threads that bind us together, the streams we fish, the mountains we climb, and the trails we ride[1].
If public lands are handed over to corporations, their primary concern will be profit, at the expense of everything we treasure in these regions: our watersheds, wildlife, clean air, rural economies, and our ability to freely roam and play[1].
But the threat to our public lands doesn't end there. The move to sell or lease these lands would devastate the outdoor recreation industry and the rural communities that rely on it, effectively tearing apart the social and economic fabric of these areas[1][5].
At Wild Rye, we aim to foster an inclusive outdoor community, particularly to those who have traditionally been excluded, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported as they reconnect with nature[2]. But these gains are meaningless if access to the outdoors is compromised, seized, or chained off from public eyes.
Public lands are more than just a picturesque backdrop; they are a launchpad for personal growth, community, and joy. They are the catalysts for life-changing moments, from conquering the slopes to the thrill of summiting a mountain. Time and again, we've witnessed the power of these moments, fueling our growth, shaping our company's missions, and inspiring us to push the boundaries of what's possible[2].
Public lands unite Americans of all backgrounds, irrespective of political affiliation. From conservative ranchers and sportsmen to urban environmentalists, all share a common belief: public lands are worth fighting for[4].
So, let's not stand idly by and watch as our beloved public lands are ceded to private interests. Here's what we must do:
- Oppose any new oil and gas leasing and land sales in areas vital to public recreation and conservation efforts.
- Demand that rural and community voices are heard in the legislative process, and that economic development remains balanced with conservation efforts.
- Support our representatives who prioritize the preservation of public lands and champion the needs of rural communities that depend on these lands for their survival.
Together, we can foster a future in which our children and grandchildren will still be able to bike, hike, ski, and ride through the same wild and beautiful lands that shaped our own lives[4].
Cassie Abel is the founder and CEO of Wild Rye, an outdoor apparel company based in Sun Valley, Idaho, dedicated to empowering and celebrating women in the great outdoors[2].
[1] Government Accountability Office. (2020). Outdoor recreation: Constraints faced by three land management agencies in efficiently managing recreation activities on public lands.[2] The Idaho Statesman. (2021). Outdoor recreation tourism: Dispelling misconceptions about recreation’s impact on public lands(Opinion).[3] High Country News. (2021). Biden's public lands budget can’t fix our parks, but it could help prevent disasters.[4] Christiansen, M., Kreit, A., Miller, J. B., Serrano, L., & Newton-Downs, S. (2020). Hunting, Fishing, and Recreational Lands: How do Americans use public lands? Lessons from the Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (SFHAR). Bushland Alliance.[5] Outdoor Industry Association. (2021). Report: Outdoor Recreation Economy 'Resilient During Pandemic' but Faces Uncertain Future, Lacks Federal Investment.
- The threats to public lands, such as oil and gas leasing and commercialization, could potentially disrupt not only environmental science and wildlife habitats but also the business sector, as the outdoor recreation industry contributes significantly to the U.S. economy.
- The protection of public lands from private ownership is crucial not only for the preservation of wildlife habitats and the environment but also for the sports community, as these lands provide spaces for hiking, skiing, biking, and fishing, which are vital to the overall health and well-being of Americans.
- As the economic benefits of the outdoor recreation industry, notably its contribution to rural communities and support of over 5 million American jobs, become increasingly evident, it's essential to prioritize finance and sustainable development strategies that support both economic growth and the conservation of public lands in the Western United States.
