President Theodore Roosevelt, perhaps the most influential conservationist in American history, argued equally that "attention must be directed to the preservation of the forests" and that our forests should be "the means of preserving and increasing the prosperity of the nation."
As the early Americans journeyed beyond the Eastern forests of Massachusetts and the agricultural haven of the Midwest, they quickly became enamored of the vast wildness of the Rocky Mountain West. And though the idea of widespread conservation of public land was still a long time coming, the forward-thinking conservationists rejoiced when
2 million acres were designated and protected as Yellowstone National Park on March 1, 1872. So was born a new way of thinking: the conservation of land for the greater benefit of the American public.
Roosevelt's vision of America's vast forest was one of preservation and prosperity, a view that many Montanans share, and a view that we should celebrate this Sept. 26 - National Public Lands Day. This day offers Montana an opportunity to recognize and cheer the many tangible and intangible values of the millions of acres of land designated for use by us, the public.
Montanans get outside to fish, hunt and play far more than the average American and for many that is the primary reason we live in this beautiful state. Montana's economy benefits immensely from our vast public lands, as well. Public lands are a source of income for Montana families, including outfitters, millworkers and main street business owners. Equally as important, they are sources of clean and healthy watersheds for our cities and towns.
One of the ways we can celebrate National Public Lands Day is by learning more about the many uses of public lands and working together to make sure Montana's public lands benefit everyone. The new Forest Jobs and Recreation Act, recently introduced by Sen. Jon Tester, is the latest and largest example of cooperative legislation aimed at ensuring that we all share in the future of Montana's forests.
Among its many aims, this comprehensive bill mandates active forestry practices on Forest Service land to ensure sustainable timber management and habitat restoration, which will create new forestry jobs for Montana. The forest bill also creates new recreation areas for motorized, mechanized and nonmechanized travelers to enjoy, while designating new wilderness areas for horsemen, hikers, anglers and hunters alike - ensuring our backcountry traditions can be passed down to those who will come after us. Learn more about the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act at www.montanaforests.org.
Montana boasts vast forest resources, and the more we learn about these resources, the better equipped we'll be to manage our forests in the future. In honor of National Public Lands Day, the Montana Wilderness Association is proud to sponsor a series of field trips. Each field trip will offer opportunities to explore Montana's public lands and meet people who make our forests work.
On Oct. 10-11, for example, come explore the beauty of the Stony Peak Area in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest on an overnight backpacking trip. On Oct. 24, join fellow Montanans on a site visit to successful restoration projects on the Seeley Lake District Ranger District. On November 7 and 8, take advantage of a "Leave No Trace" trainer course to hone your backcountry low-impact skills. Please visit www.wildmontana.org for more details or to sign up for a trip.
In recognition of the multitude of opportunities we have as a result of our public lands, take some time - whether it's 10 minutes, an hour, or the entire day - to use and enjoy the land that you own, along with every other Montanan. Consider taking National Public Lands Day a step further, by helping to secure the health and longevity of our public lands. And of course, come explore the lands we love and see for yourself why public lands are so important to our state.
Heather Day is an environmental studies graduate student at the University of Montana and an intern with the Montana Wilderness Association in Missoula.
