As American society becomes more and more polarized, it’s believed that there will need to be a large shift in social politics for anyone to be able to see eye to eye with a member of an opposing political party. The economy, identity politics, and foreign involvement are just a fraction of the issues whose partisan solutions seem to be mutually exclusive to one another. However, there seems to be an everlasting pillar of American society that retains support from both sides of the political spectrum, even when prominent and idolized figureheads try to wound it. This eternal tenet, one which seems to have nearly every American voicing their willingness to protect it, is public land. It’s for a good reason. Public land provides Americans with extensive benefits, and it is a perfect showcase of America’s natural beauty. Such a resource is important and cherished by the citizens of this country, and should continue to be protected as such.
Public land is something unique to America. Other countries have it, of course, but nothing compares to vast swaths of temperate forest in the Pacific Northwest or the Gila desert in New Mexico. Public land is just another thing America does well, with it encompassing 40% of U.S. land area. Perhaps that is why citizens are so intent on protecting it – they have a good ol’ case of the competitive American spirit. What would America be if it sold all of its land to foreign interests, and no longer had a claim to its own? The statistics show that support for public lands follows no partisan line. 75% of Americans are against the closure of public lands, and 71% stand against selling them to the highest bidder. In fact, The Big Beautiful Bill needed to drop the majority of its laws entailing the selling of public lands to pass the House, simply because of the sheer amount of citizen calls and signatures arguing in defense of their common land. I personally have signed petitions such as this. This resource is beautiful, beneficial, and sets America apart – and the majority of the American public acknowledges it as such and wishes to retain it.
The benefits that public lands pose to America are perhaps just as vast as their area. Public lands include national parks, national forests, national monuments, and other integral sources of American recreation. The opportunities are extensive, ranging from hiking and paddling to any other type of outdoor fun you can imagine. Exercise and the outdoors are integral for a healthy body, and public lands make it accessible to every American. This doesn’t only benefit the public health and morale – it also benefits the economy. As of 2024, the outdoor recreation economy generated 1.2 trillion dollars, and provided 5 million jobs to Americans. Where is most American recreation located? It’s found in public lands. I know my family has benefited greatly from this resource. It has provided us with places for fun camping trips, hikes, and other outdoor adventures – great ways to stay healthy as well!
Some other benefits of public lands aren’t as obvious, yet they infuse the air we breathe – literally. The millions of acres of forest within this resource are an important part of the carbon cycle, giving us fresh oxygen to breathe through photosynthesis. Additionally, these forests can be a helpful source of wood and fuel if managed in a renewable manner, presenting an economically and environmentally conscious alternative to the exploitative methods of today. Public land hosts biodiverse environments, and the government protection granted to it helps protect said environments from various threats. As mentioned before, I am a frequent visitor of public lands, and I know firsthand the beauty and biodiversity they hold.
However, some say that these benefits aren’t enough. Said people, who often follow the dogma of America First, hypocritically believe that closing public lands and delegating them to private interests in China would further the American cause. The most common reason given states that selling public lands would generate a great deal of revenue, and can be used to pay off the U.S. government’s debt and other costs. While a minority, people who hold such an opinion often have much say in U.S. politics, holding seats in Congress and having close ties with people in high positions of power. Additionally, some believe that the government can use public lands to solve the current housing crisis. However, this position disregards the many other solutions available and chooses to sacrifice a treasure for a temporary solution to a problem that results from issues within the structure of our society, not a lack of resources. Such opinions are out of touch with the wishes of the American people and ignore the benefits that public lands already bring to the American economy. Those in power who make this op-ed necessary should be ashamed of not representing their constituents.
Public land is important, and I, as well as the majority of other American citizens, am aware of that. It is beneficial to our bodies, our minds, and our country. It sets us apart – no other country gives its citizens a blessing in such abundance and natural beauty. Unfortunately, the fight isn’t over. Various politicians, at the time of writing, are fighting to sell our public lands for their own private interests. The constituents have spoken, and the government needs to heed its vow to represent them. Time has shown that your voice on this topic matters. Readers, sign those petitions, and call your representatives. The public has spoken, and the public loves its land.
