INFORMATION

Public lands have been a hallmark of America and the American experience. Dating back to1872, when Congress established Yellowstone as a public park to be a space that people canenjoy and benefit from. In 1916, the National Park Service was created as a bureau responsiblefor the management and protection of the many national parks to come. On a state level, thedevelopment of public lands was happening on a smaller scale. In Colorado, the ColoradoState Forest was established through an exchange between the US Forest Service and theColorado State Board of Land Commissioners. Later, the land was redistributed throughColorado State Parks for recreational purposes. Boulder has taken this land protection a stepfurther with Open Space and Mountain Parks. Working under the City Council, this trustensures the preservation of trails, geological features, and wildlife habitats in the Boulder area.

 

Through federal, state, and local governments, America is home to a variety of public landswith many uses. These spaces offer citizens areas to learn, connect, and relax, all whileadvocating for their protection. Public lands offer a unique combination of encouraging peopleto enjoy the space but also protecting it to ensure their and others’ future enjoyment.

 

Unfortunately, public lands are under threat at all government levels. Congress has attemptedto pass laws to sell public lands many times, most recently in the 2025 Big Beautiful Bill, whichsought to sell two to three million acres across the country. The sale of public lands wasultimately removed from the bill, but its prominence shows the willingness of the government toabandon public lands. Additionally, with the recent government shutdown, public lands havebeen under threat due to a lack of staffing. Without staff, there is no oversight on the misuse oflands, leaving them permanently damaged. Staff perform many small, invisible tasks that makea big impact on conservation. The government is attempting to prove that the lands do notneed staff, but if these small daily efforts are abandoned, the land will be affected long term.

 

Public lands carry a rich history of conservation, public enjoyment, and collaboration betweengovernment entities. These lands are a symbol of America at its best and Public by Nature.