Sunrise On McGown Peak over Stanley Lake.

Say hello to summer. I wish I could wax poetic about the warm summer days and the endless trails to hike on, but our Public Lands are in danger. Underfunding for years has weakened the infrastructure of our parks and forests. Recent cuts in staffing reduces the amount of public safety officers and maintenance workers in our parks and forests. And now there is a provision in the Big Betrayal Budget Bill that will sell off 250 million acres of your public lands. Make no mistake, these lands are yours not the government’s. They belong to you - the government only manages them. We should demand better of our elected officials. Tell you elected officials you will not stand for this kind of betrayal.

Your favorite hunting locations will be sold. Your favorite fishing holes will no longer be accessible. The roads to your favorite ATV spots will be blocked off. That perfect little campsite next to a rollicking stream will be gone. Your hiking trails will be auctioned off. The places you grew up loving and have vacationed in will no longer be yours.

I recently spent some time in Central Idaho scouting out locations for a photography workshop. That is where the above photo was created, on the shores of Stanley Lake I watched the sunrise glow against McGown Peak. Bird song floated through the crisp morning air as I waited for the light. Months of stress melted from my psyche in the pre-dawn air. I watched the world slowly wake up around me on this simple morning and I felt at home.
Our natural places bring more than money to our economy (outdoor recreation is a 1 trillion dollar industry). We find respite here, fresh air, and recreation. For this to even be considered is disastrous.

I encourage you to write to your lawmakers and tell them they can not betray us in such a manner. You can find your representatives here.