Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Resolution in Support of Public Lands Day

Rep. Dina Titus Introduces Resolution in Support of Public Lands Day

Congresswoman Dina Titus introduced a resolution today recognizing the cultural, spiritual, and economic value of the 618 million acres of public lands in the United States and encouraging people to visit those lands on fee-free Public Lands Day. Representatives Vasquez and Ciscomani joined the Congresswoman in leading this bipartisan resolution.

"Public lands are central to our national heritage," Congresswoman Titus said. "They are our common ground as Americans, owned by the people and preserved for generations. They include places that represent our culture and history, are engines for rural and national economies, and are hallowed ground for tribes. It is my hope that people will take this day to visit our forests, our wild and scenic rivers, our national monuments and conservation areas. It is a day to recognize the beauty of this nation."

Congresswoman Titus has been a long-time champion of preserving public lands. From leading the charge to protect Gold Butte and Basin & Range to conserving Tule Springs, she believes that everyone has a responsibility to be good stewards of our nation's unique landscapes. In 2023, she also worked to secure a National Monument designation for Avi Kwa Ame, permanently protecting this sacred land in Southern Nevada.

Under the Trump Administration, there have been unprecedented attacks on public lands in Nevada. Congresswoman Titus worked across the aisle to defeat efforts to sell off these treasured lands in Nevada to pay for tax cuts for billionaires earlier this year during the reconciliation process. Now, more than ever, it is critical to celebrate these special places and underscore their cultural and spiritual significance, as well as their contribution to our economy.

"New Mexico's public lands are irreplaceable - they drive rural economies, preserve our history, and provide us with water, wildlife and so many cherished memories and experiences for all our families," said Congressman Vasquez. "That's why I founded the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus and why I'm encouraging every New Mexican to get outside today and enjoy the beauty of everything our state has to offer on National Public Lands Day."

"I'm proud to co-lead this resolution recognizing National Public Lands Day. Arizona's 6th congressional district is home to some of the most iconic and breathtaking public lands in the nation. From Sabino Canyon to Mount Lemmon to Mount Graham to Saguaro National Park and beyond, they each play a vital role in our heritage, economy, and way of life," Congressman Ciscomani said. "By coming together to celebrate and protect these lands, we honor the natural treasures that unite us as Americans and ensure they remain for future generations."

In addition to Representatives Vasquez and Ciscomani, the following members are original cosponsors of the resolution: Ansari, Holmes Norton, Cleaver, Brownley, Smith (WA), Carter, Espaillat, Suozzi, Elfreth, Case, Torres, Neguse, Quigley, Watson Coleman, Horsford, Vargas, Meng, Escobar, Kim, LaLota, Hoyle, Evans (CO), Bonamici, Lawler, Fitzpatrick, Lee (NV), Krishnamoorthi, DeGette, Stanton, and Pettersen.

The resolution is endorsed by Conservation Lands Foundation, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO), Nevada Conservation League, Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), Trail Access Project; Friends of Avi Kwa Ame, Friends of Sloan Canyon; Get Outdoors Nevada, The Wilderness Society, League of Conservation Voters, Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition, Native Voters Alliance NV, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Friends of Red Rock Canyon, Save Red Rock, The Black Mountain Institute at UNLV (BMI), and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

The resolution notes:

• There are more than 85 million acres of national parks.
• There are approximately 38 million acres protected by 31 national monuments, 25 national conservation areas, and other designations.
• There are 263 wilderness areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
• There are more than 200 wild and scenic rivers in 40 states.
• There are 570 national wildlife refuges.
• Public lands managed by the BLM generated $252 billion in economic activity in 2024.
• Outdoor recreation $1.2 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2023.