Letter: Public Lands are on the ballot

If you value public lands, vote for them on Tuesday. Over Trump’s final years, there will be Congressional hearings, policies, and bills that affect the management and future existence of public lands. We use them to hunt, fish, birdwatch, camp, hike, bike, ride, picnic, see wildflowers, and seek out the inspiration and peace of nature. These lands clean our water and air, and nurture our wildlife. Under Trump, agencies that steward public lands—BLM, USFS, and NPS—have lost 20-30% of their staff. Republican majorities (and Ciscomani) voted for those cuts. By design, disrepair and loss of services will mount, justifying proposals to sell public land. Trump decimated Bears Ears and Grand Staircase National Monuments. He is looking at Ironwood and others. Public lands are ours, yours and mine, our children’s legacy. Eight of 10 Arizonans, support public lands. Once gone, we will not get them back. Your vote matters.