Taking Action: How We Can Support Our Public Lands

Conservation & Advocacy
1

1. Contact Your Elected Officials – Make Your Voice Heard!

Your voice matters. Contacting elected officials is one of the most powerful ways to support our public lands. Lawmakers need to hear directly from constituents about the importance of funding and staffing our parks and forests.

Prioritize Your Outreach:

  • Target Representatives & Senators with National Parks in Their Districts/States. These officials have a direct vested interest in park funding. Highlight the economic impact of park tourism, especially if you’re canceling travel plans due to the current situation. Mention specific hotels, tours, or businesses affected by your decision.
  • Contact Your Own Representatives & Senators. Even if they don’t have a park in their district, they still vote on federal budgets.

Craft an Effective Message:

  • Be Specific. Mention recent staff cuts and their potential consequences (reduced services, maintenance backlogs, increased risk of damage, etc.).
  • Be Personal. Share your connection to national parks and forests. Explain why these places matter to you as a photographer and a citizen. A personal story makes your message more impactful.
  • Be Respectful, but Firm. Clearly state your opposition to staff reductions and urge them to restore funding.
  • Use Multiple Channels. Contact them through phone calls, emails, faxes, and physical letters. Phone calls are often the most effective, but emails and letters create a written record.
  • Thank Supportive Officials. If your representatives already advocate for park funding, thank them and encourage continued efforts.

Helpful Resources:

Phone Script Strategy:

Instead of reading a script verbatim, use bullet points to guide your call:

  • Introduce Yourself as a Constituent. (“I’m a nature photographer and frequent visitor to [Park Name].”)
  • Make It Personal. (“I’m deeply concerned about safety risks with reduced ranger presence.” Or, “I’m canceling a trip, which impacts local businesses.”)
  • Connect to Their Values. Emphasize economic impact, environmental responsibility, or public land stewardship based on their political stance.
  • Mention Specific Legislation. If a relevant bill is up for vote, reference it.
  • Keep It Concise. Calls should last 1-2 minutes.

Example Call:

“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [Your City/Town]. I’m calling to express my deep concern about the recent staff reductions at the National Park Service and US Forest Service. These cuts will have a devastating impact on [Specific Park/Forest you care about] and other public lands. As a nature photographer, I rely on these places for my work. I’m also canceling my trip to [Park Name], which affects local businesses. I urge [Representative/Senator’s Name] to restore funding and staffing. Thank you for your time.”

2. Support Conservation Organizations

Protecting public lands requires ongoing advocacy. Consider donating to or volunteering with:

3. Visit the Parks – Responsibly

Your continued visitation shows the importance of these lands. However, it’s crucial to recreate responsibly:

  • Leave No Trace. Pack out what you pack in. Stay on designated trails.
  • Respect Closures. Do not enter restricted areas.
  • Follow Park Regulations. Observe fire restrictions and be mindful of wildlife.
  • Document & Share. Photograph and post about your experience, highlighting both the beauty of the parks and any visible impacts from reduced funding. Use hashtags like #ProtectOurParks, #FundOurParks, #NPS, #USFS.
  • Pick Up Trash. Even small acts of stewardship help.

4. Volunteer Your Time

Parks offer volunteer programs that provide essential support. Explore opportunities through:

5. Educate Yourself & Others

Stay informed and spread awareness. The more people understand the threats to public lands, the stronger our collective voice becomes.

6. Be a Long-Term Advocate

Protecting public lands isn’t a one-time action. Stay engaged by:

  • Contacting your representatives regularly
  • Supporting conservation groups
  • Practicing responsible outdoor ethics year-round

7. Support Park Employees

Park staff work hard under challenging conditions. While direct financial assistance isn’t feasible, small gestures matter:

  • A simple “thank you” can go a long way.
  • Follow their guidance and respect regulations to make their jobs easier.

8. Report Issues

If you witness vandalism, illegal activity, or unsafe conditions, report it:

  • Look up the park’s ranger dispatch or law enforcement contact before visiting.
  • For serious incidents, contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB) Tip Line:
  • Be Prepared to Provide:
    • Your name and contact info (anonymous reports are allowed but follow-ups help).
    • Specific location of the incident (GPS coordinates if possible).
    • Description of what you observed.
    • Date, time, and any supporting photos/videos.
  • Do Not Intervene. Report incidents, but never put yourself at risk.

By working together, we can protect the places that inspire us. As nature photographers, we don’t just capture landscapes—we advocate for them. Let’s use our collective passion to ensure these wild spaces remain protected for generations to come.

4 Likes
3

This is fantastic David! Great information. I’ve written a few in my district already, but it’s time for another email campaign! :blush:

1 Like
4

A post was split to a new topic: Support Florida Parks