On Memorial Day Colorado’s hunters, anglers and many others remembered and gave thanks for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation and its great public lands heritage. But it’s important to keep in mind that the battles to protect and perpetuate our nation’s unequaled public lands legacy are still raging – in the halls of Congress, state legislatures, county commission board rooms and elsewhere in the public realm.
Recently, Colorado become the first state in the nation to officially celebrate its public lands. Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill that sets the third Saturday in May as Public Lands Day.
This bill came about, in part, due to efforts by the energy industry and political fringe groups to turn federal public lands over to the states and private interest. A recent survey by Colorado College showed approximately 60 percent of Colorado residents oppose state takeover of public lands and 77 percent say national lands are good for the state’s economy.
According to a 2014 report by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, outdoor recreation generates more than $34 billion in economic activity each year and creates more than 300,000 jobs. In addition, at least 12 of Colorado’s 64 counties have weighed in on whether the state should take over control of federal lands within its borders, with opponents of such a transfer outnumbering proponents 3 to 1.
It’s tempting to buy into the false optimism, the smoke and mirrors rhetoric and the claims that states could manage federal public lands without restricting access and eventually selling them off to the highest bidder, but when you turn over even a few rocks these proposals enter the realm of fantasy.
David Lien
Colorado Springs
