Conservation has many definitions. The use of the word protection, within many definitions of conservation, stands out. Protection is inherently a term of defense. Defending an object from a harmful external force that wishes to eliminate and/or deteriorate the object. Protection is stronger when connection.

For years, we have been fortunate enough to follow in the footsteps of governmental officials that used delegated power to conserve our natural spaces and protect our public lands. Additionally, nongovernment organizations implement conservation efforts and act as protectors of our natural spaces and public lands. We have not seen a pointed attack on our natural environment quite like the current. In recent months, we have seen a relentless threat to our natural environment, our health, and our public lands.

As citizens, it is now our time to stand up. It is time for us to protect the lands that we value. It is time for us to act in the role of protectors. The citizens have a voice that can be heard throughout our country.

To conserve we must protect. In order to protect, we must relish in the beauty of our natural environment. We have a duty and a right to experience the lands that we wish to protect. This is not saying, “if you do not visit the lands or experience what it truly means to be surrounded by the wild then you have no duty or right to protect it.” However, it is saying, “by putting yourself out there and truly inserting yourself into a landscape of natural beauty then you will develop a deeper understanding for protecting the threatened lands, wildlife, and environment.”

By exploring these places, or simply even getting outside in your local parks, you are better equipped to understand the magnitude and need for protecting (and conserving) our natural spaces. This is going to be a tough task, as raising the next generation of stewards will be faced with the harmful impacts of technology. However, there is faith that this external threat to the beauty and spirit of our country, its natural spaces and public lands, will spur movement and change to protect and conserve.

As the environmental movement of the 1970s was a catalyst for national reform, we must look to do the same now. The environmental movement was spurred by egregious carelessness for the environment in the backyards of millions. A citizen spurred conservation movement is bubbling, and just like the 1970s there are egregious threats to our natural spaces and public lands in the backyards of millions.

The citizen plays an integral role in pushing back against external threats to our conserved lands. Actions and voices of the masses have far greater impacts than one might think. The few in power that are making these decisions, answer to us. We are the voice to spur the protection and in turn the conservation of our public lands and natural spaces. Get in contact with your elected officials, hold a rally, support a conservation organization, but most importantly visit these outdoor treasures!

- CW