Dear editor:
Access to public lands is a major reason I love living in Wyoming. Public lands provide us with clean air and water, benefits to our local economy, habitat for our state’s iconic wildlife, and opportunities to learn about connections to the land and past.
And I am not alone. Open spaces are valued by everyone that lives here, regardless of political affiliation.
That is why I am incredibly disheartened that instead of celebrating our nation’s great mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, and forests, Wyoming legislators are leading the charge to sell off public lands to drill and mine beloved lands; this would inevitably happen because our state budget is tied extraction.
Though the feds do not manage land perfectly, they are not actively selling it off like the State of Wyoming wants to.
This giveaway to industrial billionaire corporate polluters will lead to more extractive industrial development, resulting in “No Trespassing" signs and blocked access to regular Americans like me.
Everyone should be able to experience the benefits of the outdoors because access to nature is a human right. Spending time in nature can lower stress, strengthen health, build self-esteem, improve academic performance, and build community ties.
However, right now elected officials are trying to take that right away by proposing to open up our public lands to the highest bidder. We can’t let them.
Our parks, public lands, waters, and wildlife are public assets.They are not a luxury but are vital to our individual and collective well-being.
This Valentine’s Day, I urge Wyomingites to stand strong and fight against threats to these lands because I, and the majority of Americans, love them.
Remember that state management will mean privitization.
This Valentine’s Day, I ask you to join me in sharing your love for public lands and waters - and contact our state leaders to urge them to stop attacking the places so many of us cherish.
Sincerely,
Kaycee Prevedel, Laramie
