Our Public Lands & Waters
@publiclandswaters.bsky.social
Independent publication about U.S. public lands and waters, wildlife, conservation, and sustainable outdoor recreation. Based in Portland, Oregon.
🏜️🏔️🏕️🥾🌲🌵🌴🦬🦅🐋🦫🦑🐊🫎🐢🐻
https://thenationalparksexperience.substack.com/
🏜️🏔️🏕️🥾🌲🌵🌴🦬🦅🐋🦫🦑🐊🫎🐢🐻
https://thenationalparksexperience.substack.com/
PSA: Working on a brand change!
Formerly known as "The National Parks Experience," this account (and related social media) will from now on be "Our Public Lands & Waters."
This is to keep the name relevant to what I post, which has become much broader than just parks and activities.
#publiclands
Formerly known as "The National Parks Experience," this account (and related social media) will from now on be "Our Public Lands & Waters."
This is to keep the name relevant to what I post, which has become much broader than just parks and activities.
#publiclands
November 26, 2025 at 11:01 PM
PSA: Working on a brand change!
Formerly known as "The National Parks Experience," this account (and related social media) will from now on be "Our Public Lands & Waters."
This is to keep the name relevant to what I post, which has become much broader than just parks and activities.
#publiclands
Formerly known as "The National Parks Experience," this account (and related social media) will from now on be "Our Public Lands & Waters."
This is to keep the name relevant to what I post, which has become much broader than just parks and activities.
#publiclands
Today, the Interior Department rolled out one of the biggest changes to national park access and fees in years, if not decades, and it will reshape how people—both U.S. residents and international visitors—get into places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon.
#nationalparks #parkchat
#nationalparks #parkchat
National Park Access and Fees Get Major Overhaul in 2026
Interior Department makes annual passes fully digital, increases fees for non-residents, and announces "patriotic fee-free days"
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Today, the Interior Department rolled out one of the biggest changes to national park access and fees in years, if not decades, and it will reshape how people—both U.S. residents and international visitors—get into places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon.
#nationalparks #parkchat
#nationalparks #parkchat
Let's turn off the news and remember why we care so much about our parks and public lands—remember how special it feels to actually experience those places.
First performed on November 22, 1931, the 'Grand Canyon Suite' evokes that "national park feeling" unlike any piece of music in U.S. history.
First performed on November 22, 1931, the 'Grand Canyon Suite' evokes that "national park feeling" unlike any piece of music in U.S. history.
Experience Grand Canyon National Park With the 'Grand Canyon Suite'
First performed on November 22, 1931, Ferde Grofé’s iconic 'Grand Canyon Suite' remains one of the most recognizable sonic portraits of the American West
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Let's turn off the news and remember why we care so much about our parks and public lands—remember how special it feels to actually experience those places.
First performed on November 22, 1931, the 'Grand Canyon Suite' evokes that "national park feeling" unlike any piece of music in U.S. history.
First performed on November 22, 1931, the 'Grand Canyon Suite' evokes that "national park feeling" unlike any piece of music in U.S. history.
While 78% of Americans support the Endangered Species Act, the Trump administration is actively attempting to gut it.
Meanwhile, a new report shows that fish and wildlife conservation generates $115.8 billion in economic activity and supports 575,000 jobs.
#conservation #wildlife #publiclands
Meanwhile, a new report shows that fish and wildlife conservation generates $115.8 billion in economic activity and supports 575,000 jobs.
#conservation #wildlife #publiclands
Endangered Species Act Changes by the Trump Administration Could Cause American Wildlife to Go Extinct
Meanwhile, a report shows the enormous economic value of fish and wildlife conservation
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:15 AM
While 78% of Americans support the Endangered Species Act, the Trump administration is actively attempting to gut it.
Meanwhile, a new report shows that fish and wildlife conservation generates $115.8 billion in economic activity and supports 575,000 jobs.
#conservation #wildlife #publiclands
Meanwhile, a new report shows that fish and wildlife conservation generates $115.8 billion in economic activity and supports 575,000 jobs.
#conservation #wildlife #publiclands
The bill prohibits the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from transferring publicly accessible federal land—or land directly contiguous to it—to any non-federal entity.
#publiclands #protectpubliclands #publiclandsinpublichands
#publiclands #protectpubliclands #publiclandsinpublichands
"Public Lands in Public Lands Act" Receives Formal Endorsement From the House Public Lands Caucus
The bill would prevent the Interior and Agriculture secretaries from selling or transferring federal public lands
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:33 AM
The bill prohibits the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from transferring publicly accessible federal land—or land directly contiguous to it—to any non-federal entity.
#publiclands #protectpubliclands #publiclandsinpublichands
#publiclands #protectpubliclands #publiclandsinpublichands
Now that the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has ended, and rangers will start assessing and addressing damage in our national parks, the Senate's FY 2026 budget bill is as relevant as ever.
It would fully fund the National Park Service, ensure adequate staffing levels, and more.
It would fully fund the National Park Service, ensure adequate staffing levels, and more.
Now Is the Time to Tell Congress to Approve the Senate's Bipartisan Budget Bill That Protects National Parks and Their Workforce
Urge lawmakers to fully fund the NPS
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Now that the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has ended, and rangers will start assessing and addressing damage in our national parks, the Senate's FY 2026 budget bill is as relevant as ever.
It would fully fund the National Park Service, ensure adequate staffing levels, and more.
It would fully fund the National Park Service, ensure adequate staffing levels, and more.
Nearly seventy percent of Americans—a strong bipartisan majority—oppose the administration's proposed $1 billion cut to the NPS budget. Those cuts would be so severe they could force the closure of up to 350 park sites.
See more fascinating poll results in this article!
#nationalparks #parkchat
See more fascinating poll results in this article!
#nationalparks #parkchat
Strong Bipartisan Majority of Americans Oppose National Park Service Cuts
A new poll by the NPCA shows overwhelming rejection of NPS staff and budget cuts
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Nearly seventy percent of Americans—a strong bipartisan majority—oppose the administration's proposed $1 billion cut to the NPS budget. Those cuts would be so severe they could force the closure of up to 350 park sites.
See more fascinating poll results in this article!
#nationalparks #parkchat
See more fascinating poll results in this article!
#nationalparks #parkchat
In a letter sent to Secretary Burgum yesterday, twelve GOP Senators called conservation on BLM lands "a glaring example of federal overreach."
Those Senators included Mike Lee (of course), but also Montana's Daines and Sheehy. Both are members of the recently created Senate Stewardship Caucus.
Those Senators included Mike Lee (of course), but also Montana's Daines and Sheehy. Both are members of the recently created Senate Stewardship Caucus.
12 GOP Senators Urge Interior Secretary Burgum to Rescind Public Lands Rule
Daines and Sheehy join Mike Lee in push to kill the "Conservation and Landscape Health Rule"
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 10:55 PM
In a letter sent to Secretary Burgum yesterday, twelve GOP Senators called conservation on BLM lands "a glaring example of federal overreach."
Those Senators included Mike Lee (of course), but also Montana's Daines and Sheehy. Both are members of the recently created Senate Stewardship Caucus.
Those Senators included Mike Lee (of course), but also Montana's Daines and Sheehy. Both are members of the recently created Senate Stewardship Caucus.
More than four out of every five Americans are concerned about the environment, wildlife, and conservation, a new poll shows.
Additionally, 72% of Americans say they'd rather vote for a political candidate who supports protecting wildlife.
Why are basically no politicians paying attention to this?
Additionally, 72% of Americans say they'd rather vote for a political candidate who supports protecting wildlife.
Why are basically no politicians paying attention to this?
Americans Overwhelmingly Support Conservation and Environmental Protection, New Poll Shows
81% of U.S. adults are concerned about the environment, wildlife, and conservation
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:20 PM
More than four out of every five Americans are concerned about the environment, wildlife, and conservation, a new poll shows.
Additionally, 72% of Americans say they'd rather vote for a political candidate who supports protecting wildlife.
Why are basically no politicians paying attention to this?
Additionally, 72% of Americans say they'd rather vote for a political candidate who supports protecting wildlife.
Why are basically no politicians paying attention to this?
“Secretary Burgum’s ongoing cuts to the National Park Service are a recipe for disaster. Our national parks are the pride and joy of America—why would the administration threaten what the American public loves so much by cutting NPS funding and staffing?”
#nationalparks #protectourparks #nps
#nationalparks #protectourparks #nps
Bold New Ad Campaign Calls Out Cuts to the National Park Service
The Association of National Park Rangers slams Doug Burgum's management of national parks
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:56 PM
“Secretary Burgum’s ongoing cuts to the National Park Service are a recipe for disaster. Our national parks are the pride and joy of America—why would the administration threaten what the American public loves so much by cutting NPS funding and staffing?”
#nationalparks #protectourparks #nps
#nationalparks #protectourparks #nps
"When properly managed, our federal public lands can support outdoor recreation and the associated economic activity for generations with little environmental impact."
#publiclands #nationalparks #conservation
#publiclands #nationalparks #conservation
Recreation on Public Lands Contributes $14.6 Million to the Economy Every Single Hour
New report shows the incredible economic value of recreation in national parks, monuments, and forests
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:36 PM
"When properly managed, our federal public lands can support outdoor recreation and the associated economic activity for generations with little environmental impact."
#publiclands #nationalparks #conservation
#publiclands #nationalparks #conservation
While the government remains shut down and NPS staff either furloughed or working without pay, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum spent this week in Abu Dhabi, speaking about AI and selling American oil and gas.
#publiclands #nationalparks #nationalparkservice #climatechange
#publiclands #nationalparks #nationalparkservice #climatechange
Doug Burgum Is the Interior Secretary, Not a Diplomat. So Why Is He Selling Oil and Gas in Abu Dhabi?
The secretary responsible for managing our national parks is currently selling fossil fuels in the Middle East
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:35 PM
While the government remains shut down and NPS staff either furloughed or working without pay, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum spent this week in Abu Dhabi, speaking about AI and selling American oil and gas.
#publiclands #nationalparks #nationalparkservice #climatechange
#publiclands #nationalparks #nationalparkservice #climatechange
The idea of national parks connected by bike corridors redefines what it means to explore public lands, turning the journey itself into part of the adventure rather than simply a drive between destinations.
#nationalparks #publiclands #environment #utah
#nationalparks #publiclands #environment #utah
Utah Paves a New Path: Connecting National Parks with a 3,100-Mile Paved Trail Network
The massive Utah Trail Network will link over 300 towns, cities, colleges, and transit centers, and 30 state and national parks
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:30 PM
The idea of national parks connected by bike corridors redefines what it means to explore public lands, turning the journey itself into part of the adventure rather than simply a drive between destinations.
#nationalparks #publiclands #environment #utah
#nationalparks #publiclands #environment #utah
Every year, a different national forest provides the majestic Christmas tree that's installed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, also known as "The People's Tree."
This year, that tree is a 53-foot red fir from Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
#publiclands #nationalforests #christmas
This year, that tree is a 53-foot red fir from Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
#publiclands #nationalforests #christmas
Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Provides This Year's Capitol Christmas Tree
Red fir's 3,000-mile journey "represents a nationwide celebration of community, public lands, and holiday spirit"
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Every year, a different national forest provides the majestic Christmas tree that's installed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, also known as "The People's Tree."
This year, that tree is a 53-foot red fir from Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
#publiclands #nationalforests #christmas
This year, that tree is a 53-foot red fir from Nevada's Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
#publiclands #nationalforests #christmas
Yesterday, Senators Heinrich and Sheehy, alongside six other Senators, launched the bipartisan Senate Stewardship Caucus “to advance bipartisan efforts aimed at protecting and expanding access to public lands and waters, recovering wildlife, and restoring habitat.”
#publiclands
#publiclands
Senators Heinrich and Sheehy Launch New Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus
The Senate Stewardship Caucus is a bipartisan effort to protect public lands and waters, wildlife, and habitat
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Yesterday, Senators Heinrich and Sheehy, alongside six other Senators, launched the bipartisan Senate Stewardship Caucus “to advance bipartisan efforts aimed at protecting and expanding access to public lands and waters, recovering wildlife, and restoring habitat.”
#publiclands
#publiclands
Reposted by Our Public Lands & Waters
"The time has come for a change."
-- TR's "Conservation as a National Duty" speech, The White House, May 13, 1908
@protectparks.bsky.social @altfws.altgov.info @altdoi.altgov.info @resistancerangers.bsky.social @westernpriorities.org @radiofreeflorida.bsky.social @lincolnproject.us
-- TR's "Conservation as a National Duty" speech, The White House, May 13, 1908
@protectparks.bsky.social @altfws.altgov.info @altdoi.altgov.info @resistancerangers.bsky.social @westernpriorities.org @radiofreeflorida.bsky.social @lincolnproject.us
October 27, 2025 at 10:10 PM
"The time has come for a change."
-- TR's "Conservation as a National Duty" speech, The White House, May 13, 1908
@protectparks.bsky.social @altfws.altgov.info @altdoi.altgov.info @resistancerangers.bsky.social @westernpriorities.org @radiofreeflorida.bsky.social @lincolnproject.us
-- TR's "Conservation as a National Duty" speech, The White House, May 13, 1908
@protectparks.bsky.social @altfws.altgov.info @altdoi.altgov.info @resistancerangers.bsky.social @westernpriorities.org @radiofreeflorida.bsky.social @lincolnproject.us
A century ago, the Interior Secretary was at the center of the "greatest and most sensational scandal in the history of American politics" until Watergate fifty years later.
The Teapot Dome scandal involved a womanizing president, corrupt cabinet member, oil bribes, and public lands.
#publiclands
The Teapot Dome scandal involved a womanizing president, corrupt cabinet member, oil bribes, and public lands.
#publiclands
The Teapot Dome Scandal: How Oil Bribes and Public Lands Misuse Sent a Presidential Cabinet Member to Prison
Until Watergate, Teapot Dome was the "greatest and most sensational scandal in the history of American politics"
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 7:40 PM
A century ago, the Interior Secretary was at the center of the "greatest and most sensational scandal in the history of American politics" until Watergate fifty years later.
The Teapot Dome scandal involved a womanizing president, corrupt cabinet member, oil bribes, and public lands.
#publiclands
The Teapot Dome scandal involved a womanizing president, corrupt cabinet member, oil bribes, and public lands.
#publiclands
According to a new study, a severe marine heatwave in 2023 has killed 98-100% of staghorn and elkhorn corals in Dry Tortugas National Park and the Florida Keys.
The species are now "functionally extinct," which means that they no longer play any ecological role.
#climatechange #nationalparks
The species are now "functionally extinct," which means that they no longer play any ecological role.
#climatechange #nationalparks
Dry Tortugas National Park's Corals "Functionally Extinct" Due to Marine Heatwave
Up to 98-100% of staghorn and elkhorn corals are gone from South Florida's reefs
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 11:03 PM
According to a new study, a severe marine heatwave in 2023 has killed 98-100% of staghorn and elkhorn corals in Dry Tortugas National Park and the Florida Keys.
The species are now "functionally extinct," which means that they no longer play any ecological role.
#climatechange #nationalparks
The species are now "functionally extinct," which means that they no longer play any ecological role.
#climatechange #nationalparks
Today, the Interior Department approved right-of-way permits for the construction of the Ambler Road and transferred almost 24,000 acres of public lands to the state of Alaska.
#nationalparks #publiclands #conservation #wildlife
#nationalparks #publiclands #conservation #wildlife
Interior Department Transfers 23,600 Acres of Public Lands to Alaska for the Industrial Ambler Road
The DOI also approved new right-of-way permits to build industrial road through Gates of the Arctic
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Today, the Interior Department approved right-of-way permits for the construction of the Ambler Road and transferred almost 24,000 acres of public lands to the state of Alaska.
#nationalparks #publiclands #conservation #wildlife
#nationalparks #publiclands #conservation #wildlife
The razing of the East Wing is a telltale sign of the current administration’s goals: it shows that even our most visible public place can be treated as private property.
It could not be more symbolic in showcasing how the administration thinks about our national parks and shared spaces.
It could not be more symbolic in showcasing how the administration thinks about our national parks and shared spaces.
Treating Publicly Owned Places as Private Property: What the White House's East Wing's Demolition Tells Us About the Threats to Our National Parks
By any reasonable measure, the White House is more than an address, more than a backdrop for power, more than a president’s temporary home.
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 23, 2025 at 8:55 PM
The razing of the East Wing is a telltale sign of the current administration’s goals: it shows that even our most visible public place can be treated as private property.
It could not be more symbolic in showcasing how the administration thinks about our national parks and shared spaces.
It could not be more symbolic in showcasing how the administration thinks about our national parks and shared spaces.
Saratoga’s importance wasn’t only what it meant for the Revolution’s future, but what it symbolized: that authoritarian power could be checked, that legitimacy could come from the masses, and that even the most fragile of democratic movements could alter the balance of global power.
#nokings
#nokings
From Saratoga's Redcoats to Rising Autocrats: Fighting for Freedom Against Authoritarian Power
On October 17, 1777, the Continental Army defeated the British king's forces for the first time
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 17, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Saratoga’s importance wasn’t only what it meant for the Revolution’s future, but what it symbolized: that authoritarian power could be checked, that legitimacy could come from the masses, and that even the most fragile of democratic movements could alter the balance of global power.
#nokings
#nokings
After President Teddy Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington had dinner at the White House on October 16, 1901, the backlash from Southern racists was so severe no Black person would be invited for dinner at the White House again for almost 30 years.
#nationalparks #nationalparkservice #whitehouse
#nationalparks #nationalparkservice #whitehouse
Booker T. Washington and Teddy Roosevelt Had Dinner at the White House—Southern Racists Were Beyond Furious
Both men's life and legacies are now preserved by several National Park Service sites
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 10:49 PM
After President Teddy Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington had dinner at the White House on October 16, 1901, the backlash from Southern racists was so severe no Black person would be invited for dinner at the White House again for almost 30 years.
#nationalparks #nationalparkservice #whitehouse
#nationalparks #nationalparkservice #whitehouse
The arrival of OHVs isn’t just a bit louder traffic—it transforms the auditory environment and experience, scaring wildlife, disrupting visitor enjoyment, and eroding the intangible qualities (quiet, peace, remoteness) that many people seek in national parks.
#nationalparks #parkchat
#nationalparks #parkchat
Mike Lee Wants to Allow Off-Road Vehicles in All National Parks, Adding Noise Pollution to the Parks' Running List of Problems
New bills would open up national park roads to ATVs and dirt bikes
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:13 AM
The arrival of OHVs isn’t just a bit louder traffic—it transforms the auditory environment and experience, scaring wildlife, disrupting visitor enjoyment, and eroding the intangible qualities (quiet, peace, remoteness) that many people seek in national parks.
#nationalparks #parkchat
#nationalparks #parkchat
In a video promoting its newest model, DJI (one of the world's biggest drone manufacturers) used lots of drone footage taken in national parks and on Tribal lands, where recreational drone use is illegal.
#nationalparks #dronevideo #drone
#nationalparks #dronevideo #drone
New Drone Promo Video Features Footage of National Parks and Tribal Lands, Where Drones Are Illegal
Recreational drones have been banned from national park lands for more than a decade
thenationalparksexperience.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 11:23 PM
In a video promoting its newest model, DJI (one of the world's biggest drone manufacturers) used lots of drone footage taken in national parks and on Tribal lands, where recreational drone use is illegal.
#nationalparks #dronevideo #drone
#nationalparks #dronevideo #drone