In a bold response to President Donald Trump’s unprecedented reduction of protected federal lands, outdoor retailers like Patagonia and REI are mobilizing their customers to take action. Trump’s recent decision to shrink the size of two national monuments in Utah, Bear Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, by a staggering two million acres, represents the largest rollback of federal land protections in U.S. history. This significant reduction opens up previously safeguarded lands to private interests, including oil drilling, mining, and logging.
These areas, known for their breathtaking landscapes and rich natural resources, were preserved under the leadership of previous Democratic administrations. The implications of this decision are profound, as Patagonia emphasizes that when state control is granted over public lands, a significant portion—around 70 percent—often ends up in private hands, diminishing public access. “Shutting down a national monument, or even a substantial portion of it, could severely affect local economies and the multi-billion dollar outdoor recreation sector that thrives on America’s public lands and waterways,” Patagonia’s website states. The company highlights that public lands are vital to outdoor enthusiasts; they host 71 percent of climbers, 70 percent of hunters, and 43 percent of paddlers, alongside nearly 200,000 miles of hiking trails and 13,000 miles of mountain biking paths.
REI also voiced its discontent, pointing out that the administration’s swift review of 27 national monuments, which lasted just four months, ignored the overwhelming feedback from the public—more than 2.8 million comments, with over 99 percent advocating for increased protection of these lands. “These voices have fallen on deaf ears,” the statement lamented.
In addition to corporate pushback, representatives from five Native American tribes, including the Navajo and Hopi, have threatened legal action against the Trump administration, making it clear that the battle over public lands is far from over. With such strong opposition and a wealth of public support for land preservation, it’s evident that this fight is only beginning.
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In summary, the recent land reduction by the Trump administration has sparked significant backlash from outdoor retailers and Native American tribes alike. As they rally to protect these vital natural resources, the public’s voice remains crucial in the battle for preservation.