Presidential Candidates Urged to Keep Public Lands Affordable
Friday, September 9, 2016
INDIANAPOLIS – The presidential contenders are being asked to take a stand on public lands. Members of 40 environmental and sportsman groups just sent a letter to the candidates for the White House. Wildlife biologist Eric Orff, with the National Wildlife Federation, said Hoosiers need to know if those running for the highest office in the land intend to keep public lands public.
"Keep them in the public hands, so that hunters and fishermen and outdoor enthusiasts like myself on modest incomes have a place to go; and for children and grandchildren to enjoy the vastness and wonders of this country," he said.
Indiana has three sites administered by the National Park Service, one national forest, 40 national historic landmarks and five threatened or endangered species on national public land. There are close to 2 million visitors each year to Indiana's national parks. The state manages 28 parks and 15 forests along with fish hatcheries and wildlife refuges.
President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation Collin O'Mara, said public lands always have received support from both major political parties.
"We're asking candidates across America to affirm their commitment to keeping these public lands in public hands for the good of everyone that loves the outdoors, everyone likes to hunt or fish, or camp or hike or bird, and for the nation's wildlife and water supplies and our natural resources," he said.
Supporters say public lands also support the nation's growing outdoor recreation industry, which generates more than $646 billion a year.
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