Public lands aren't a left-versus-right issue. They're defended by people from across the political spectrum — hunters and poets, ranchers and scientists, Republicans and Tribal leaders.
These are the voices you'll hear across the series: people who agree on almost nothing else, and agree completely on this. The land we hold in common is worth keeping. What follows is a small sample of what they told us — in their own words.
See for yourself.
"A poor kid from Philadelphia and a wealthy person from Santa Monica can visit the same spectacular place. It's one of the great equalizers of the United States."
Rep. Gabe Vasquez — U.S. House, New Mexico
"I never thought I'd see a national monument around the Grand Canyon — introduced by the nine-year-old I filmed protesting. That's earned hope."
Pete McBride — National Geographic photographer
"No other country has set aside five or six hundred million acres and said we'll hold them in public trust, owned by everyone, for the good of all. Why would you tear that apart?"
Walt Dabney — former chief ranger, National Park Service
"Should people lose hope? No. Once you lose hope, you give up. You have to keep hope alive."
Fran Ulmer — former Lieutenant Governor of Alaska
"People love their public lands — and you don't have to be registered in any party to prove that."
Scott Fitzwilliams — former Supervisor, White River National Forest
"I probably won't get an inheritance. What I have is the relationship to the landscapes I grew up on — and hopefully I get to share that with future generations."
Teal Lehto — founder, Western Water Girl
"Land is not asking us to be romantic. Land is asking us to be responsible."
Jim Enote — Zuni farmer; chair, Grand Canyon Trust
"It doesn't matter what political stripe you identify with, how much money your parents made, or where you were born. This belongs to all of us."
Land Tawney — hunter and angler; conservation advocate
"So much of our society is profoundly unfair. This part is fair. Whoever you are, whatever your bank account looks like, you can still go to a national park."
Adam Cramer — CEO, Outdoor Alliance