Conservatives have long understood that conservation is not about locking away America's natural treasures, but stewarding them through responsible use so future generations can enjoy the same public lands that earlier generations worked hard to secure.Just six years ago, President Donald Trump paid tribute to that legacy when he signed the original "Great American Outdoors Act" into law.That bill established the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF), which budgeted for countless infrastructure projects within our most precious landscapes.
But that program expired last year, threatening the future of America’s natural inheritance.As our country celebrates its 250th birthday, Congress should reauthorize the LRF, one of the most successful conservation achievements of Trump's first term, by passing the Great American Outdoors Act 250 (GAOA 250).At a time when Americans are visiting their national parks in record numbers and the deferred maintenance backlog has grown to more than $40 billion, renewing the fund is an essential component of responsible stewardship.WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER STAYS ICE-COLD AS MASSIVE BROWN BEAR WALKS RIGHT UP TO HIS CAMERASetting an important precedent, President Theodore Roosevelt was vocal about this kind of stewardship of public lands and conserving what he called America’s "glorious heritage." His legacy, including the dramatic expansion of national parks and creation of dozens of monuments and wildlife refuges, shines as a guiding example of conservative tradition.Theodore Roosevelt National Park, left; Theodore Roosevelt, right.
(Hulton Archive/Getty Images; Bernard Friel/Getty Images)The future of that tradition stands at a crossroads.A failing sewage system at Yellowstone or Yosemite threatens wildlife and ranchers alike.Washed-out trails in the Sierras mean fewer opportunities to connect with family in the great outdoors.
And lack of maintenance leaves our beloved forests vulnerable to devastating wildfir...