Feb 2, 2020
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Increasing fossil fuel production on public lands. Gutting federal agencies that oversee national parks and forests. Removing protections for Alaska’s lands and waters. Limiting environmental reviews and undermining the Endangered Species Act. These are just a few of the extremely unpopular actions called for in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 “Mandate for Leadership” report. They are […]
Learn MoreAmerica’s loudest conservation opponents are anti-government extremists and conspiracy theorists Anti-public lands advocates have always relied on disinformation and fearmongering, and the National Monuments Disinformation Brigade identified in this report is no different. Opinion polls have shown over and over again that the majority of Americans living in the West support conservation and want new […]
Learn MoreShortly after the Biden Administration announced its “America the Beautiful” initiative to protect 30% of America’s lands and waters by 2030 (aka “30×30”), a band of anti-government extremists launched an organized campaign of lies, speculation, and half-truths to undermine the effort.
Learn MoreThe Biden administration has established a goal to conserve 30% of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030 for the benefit of all Americans. This goal, known as “30×30,” has been recommended by scientists in order to prevent the collapse of the planet’s natural systems while supporting communities across the country. Although the 30×30 initiative has widespread support from elected leaders, scientists, and the public, a number of bad actors have worked to spread misinformation on the topic. It’s time to set the record straight. Let’s take a look at the established facts.
Learn MoreWildfire is an ever-present reality for many communities in the Western United States. Now, a first-of-its-kind analysis of wildfire data compares the risk of wildfire on U.S. public lands versus state-owned lands. Data show that the percent of U.S. public lands and state-owned lands at a high risk of wildfire are approximately equal, a finding in keeping with consensus among forestry experts that Western wildfires are driven primarily by natural factors and exacerbated by a warming climate.
Learn MoreUniversity of Colorado law professor Mark Squillace gives a succinct but comprehensive smackdown to a string of arguments that public lands extremists have espoused for years.
Learn MoreAt the beginning of 2017 as state legislative sessions got underway, the Center for Western Priorities published a set of policy proposals concerning public lands and our region’s growing outdoor economy.
Learn MoreThe Bundys have continued spouting nonsensical theories about American public lands, reminding us just how out of step they are from the millions upon millions of Westerners who support parks and public lands, and the public servants who are committed to managing lands for the American people. As you read news coverage of the Bundy family and their small cohort of vocal followers, it is important to keep in mind that they reflect neither a mainstream or majority opinion among Americans who make their homes in Western states.
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