WASHINGTON – Today the Department of the Interior announced the largest expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities in recent history by allocating 2.1 million acres of public lands for hunting, sport fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities such as nature watching and environmental education.
The expansion aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative to restore and conserve 30 percent of America’s lands and waters by 2030.
Read MoreThe following is a statement from Camilla Simon, Director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), on the 1st anniversary of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s announcement that the greater sage-grouse no longer needed to be considered as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Read MoreAn example of good planning and incorporating diverse voices in the management of public lands can be seen in the Heritage Area in Yuma, Arizona on the border with the state of California. In this area, adjacent to the Colorado River, wetlands have been restored and space has been created for family life and contact with nature. Development and management of the project has had major participation from Latino communities who have lived in the area for generations and know, inhabit, and have close links with the region. Today, we are proud of this space where natural beauty, conservation, cultural traditions and recreational spaces are merged.
Read MoreHECHO Board Member Juan Palma speaks to the Salt Lake Tribune about the today’s challenges on public lands and incorporating more diverse stakeholders in management decisions. As we celebrate the National Park Service’s 100-year anniversary, we have a chance to reflect on the 84 million acres of cultural and historic landscapes that have been protected, as well as the future of the Park Service. Today’s and future generations look much different than those of 100 years ago, and all federal land management agencies need to make significant changes to reflect the changing American cultural landscape.
Read MoreDevelopment in western grasslands has fragmented so much habitat of this iconic game bird, that it can no longer be hunted in New Mexico.
Listing any species is serious business and should only be done when the science supports such action. The administration made today’s listing decision based on sound science.
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