A Beautiful Bill? Not for Our Parks: Why H.R. 1 Threatens America’s Public Lands

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1) with a vote of 215–214, and one member voting present. This bloated legislation aligns with  President Donald Trump's agenda, encompassing significant tax cuts, reductions in social programs, and substantial changes to public land management policies. The bill now advances to the Senate, where it faces further deliberation. The Senate is expected to take up the bill in June.

Impacts on Public Lands and National Parks

H.R. 1 introduces several provisions that could profoundly affect the management and preservation of America's public lands:

• Rescission of Conservation Funds: The bill rescinds unobligated balances from the Inflation Reduction Act allocated to the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, totaling approximately $267 million. This could hinder staffing, maintenance, and conservation projects in national parks.

• Prohibition on Implementing Certain Resource Management Plans: H.R. 1 prohibits the implementation of specific resource management plans, such as those for the Grand Junction and Colorado River Valley Field Offices in Colorado. This restriction may limit the BLM's ability to manage land use effectively in these areas.

• Expansion of Fossil Fuel Development: By mandating the leasing of all lands nominated by the oil and gas industry in several states, the bill prioritizes fossil fuel development, potentially at the expense of environmental conservation and recreation.

• Reduced Environmental Oversight: The bill includes provisions that may weaken environmental regulations, such as rescinding funds for environmental reviews, potentially leading to unchecked development.

• Impact on Wildlife and Ecosystems: Increased industrial activities near protected areas could disrupt wildlife habitats, migration patterns, and overall ecosystem health, affecting biodiversity and natural processes.

• Potential Decline in Tourism and Recreation: Environmental degradation and reduced funding for park services may diminish the quality of visitor experiences, potentially leading to a decline in tourism-related revenue for local communities.

• Air and Water Quality Concerns: Expanded drilling and mining activities raise concerns about pollution, which could affect air and water quality in and around national parks, posing risks to both ecosystems and public health.

Conservation Groups' Perspectives

Several environmental and conservation organizations have voiced strong opposition to H.R. 1:

• National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA): The NPCA opposes H.R. 1, stating that it undermines the protection and enhancement of the National Park System by rescinding critical funding and promoting fossil fuel development near protected areas.

• The Wilderness Society: This organization criticizes the bill for opening vast areas to drilling, mining, and logging, arguing that it prioritizes industrial interests over environmental protection and public enjoyment of natural spaces.

• Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA): While BHA applauds the removal of a provision that would have sold off public lands, it continues to oppose aspects of the bill that expedite development in intact fish and wildlife habitats.

Call to Action

The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" poses significant threats to the preservation and responsible management of America's public lands and national parks. If you are concerned about the potential impacts of this legislation, consider taking the following actions:

Contact Your Senators: Reach out to your U.S. Senators to express your opposition to H.R. 1 and urge them to vote against the bill. Republican opposition is key to killing or amending the objectionable aspects of the bill. Below is a list of Senators who are up for re-election in 2026 and won their last election by 53% or less. Meanwhile, Senator McConnell is retiring and should be free to vote his conscience on the bill. 

• Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)

  • Phone: (202) 224-2523

  • Email: Contact Form

• Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

  • Phone: (202) 224-3254

  • Email: Contact Form

• Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC)

  • Phone: (202) 224-6342

  • Email: Contact Form

• Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)

  • Phone: (202) 224-2934

  • Email: Contact Form

• Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

  • Phone: (202) 224-2541

  • Email: Contact Form

Conclusion

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is a sweeping piece of legislation with consequences that extend far beyond fiscal policy. For America’s public lands—our national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and open spaces—it represents a profound shift away from stewardship and sustainability toward short-term exploitation and deregulation. From gutting conservation funds to mandating oil and gas leasing near protected areas, the bill jeopardizes the health of ecosystems, the viability of wildlife, the quality of outdoor recreation, and the future of our shared natural heritage.

We are at a critical juncture. The Senate now holds the power to stop this bill and safeguard the places that define our national identity. Our parks and public lands cannot speak for themselves—they need us to do it for them.

Let your voice be heard. Speak out. Stand up. And help ensure that the legacy we pass on is one of protection, not neglect.

National Park Friends? It's time to take your Public Lands relationship to the next level

America’s national parks are often called our “best idea.” But ideas live or die on their defenders' strength, not their friends' warmth. In 2025, parks face political indifference—and in some corridors, outright hostility—that “friendship” can’t fix. They need unapologetic, unwavering champions ready to fight for the principle that some places belong to all of us, forever.

A Radical Idea, Born of Conviction

When Congress created Yellowstone in 1872, it wasn’t because lawmakers felt generous; it was because a few visionaries refused to let a geologic wonder become just another railroad asset or mining claim. From Stephen Mather’s high-pressure lobbying for a dedicated National Park Service in 1916 to the New Deal expansion of park infrastructure, progress came only when citizens battled powerful commercial interests and forced Congress to act.

Watchdogs, Not Wallflowers

Recognizing that parks would always need outside muscle, advocates founded the National Parks Conservation Association in 1919. For decades NPCA—and later groups like the Wilderness Society—were relentless watchdogs: testifying on Capitol Hill, suing when needed, and calling out bad policy by name. They proved that vigilance, not politeness, is what keeps public land public.

From Advocacy to “Friendship”

Beginning in the 1980s, a new wave of “friends groups” cropped up to support individual parks. Their volunteer projects, donor drives, and youth programs are invaluable, but by design, they shy away from controversy. Cozy relationships with gate-keeper superintendents make it hard for many to challenge systemic threats like underfunding, inappropriate uses, or protection rollbacks. Over time, even some national organizations softened their bark, trusting the long-held belief that parks will be forever protected by their rock-solid, bipartisan love.

The Myth that "Bipartisan Support" will protect our parks Is Collapsing

Today, that faith looks naïve. The President, as well as a vocal bloc in Congress openly question park protections and in some cases whether the federal government should manage land at all. They float proposals to sell off parcels or dispose of park holdings, peel back monument designations, and slash Park Service budgets. Social-media soundbites about “land grabs” and “elite playgrounds” attract quick partisan clicks while park roads crumble and iconic species teeter.

Partisan primaries are pouring gasoline on this fire 

Gerrymandered districts and hyper-polarized media reward candidates who treat compromise as betrayal. Lawmakers now fear a primary from the extreme wing of their own party far more than a November loss, so reaching across the aisle—even on once-sacred ground like protecting national parks—has become politically toxic. Goodwill is melting faster than a receding Glacier in the face of climate change, at least for the foreseeable future. The notion of “automatic” bipartisan support among lawmakers for conservation is likely a relic. Until the election incentives change, defending public lands rests squarely on engaged citizens willing to make noise and apply pressure.

Why This Fight Matters for Democracy

National parks are more than postcard scenery; they are physical proof of a democratic promise—that certain treasures belong to everyone, regardless of wealth or zip code. Hand federal stewardship over to the highest bidder, and that promise evaporates. Public lands would be diced into high-priced subdivisions, fee-for-entry fiefdoms, or resource extraction zones, decided not by public interest but by who can buy a plot or lobby a legislature.

Disposing of the public domain also erodes civic faith. If our government can’t even safeguard the vistas etched onto our license plates—Yosemite’s granite face, the Everglades’ slow river of grass—why trust it to protect voting rights, drinking water, or a livable climate? Defending parks is defending the idea that, in a democratic republic, people can come together through their governmental institutions to solve big problems and make our collective lives better.

And make no mistake: this fight is not a spectator sport. Defending national parks—like defending our democracy—requires constant effort, continually applied. It means showing up, speaking out, and staying engaged even when the headlines are bleak. Thomas Jefferson is often quoted as saying, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” That vigilance must now be applied with full force.

Our Gettysburg Moment

While we are not embroiled in a Civil War, we are undeniably living through a constitutional crisis that threatens our republic's foundations just as surely as any cannon fire once did. The Trump administration’s efforts to undermine national parks, weaken federal oversight, and erode democratic norms are part of a broader assault on the common good. And yet, just as President Abraham Lincoln reminded Americans at Gettysburg, even in terrible moments, there is opportunity. The Civil War, he said, offered the chance for “a new birth of freedom.”

So does this moment.

Our generation has been handed the rare, sobering task of recommitting ourselves and our country to its highest ideals: protecting its natural treasures, cultural heritage, and democratic values. If we rise to meet it—if we defend our public lands and republic through the democratic process—future generations will look back on us with pride. Just as we honor the bravery of those who preserved the Union, so too may future generations honor our current effort to protect our parks and democracy.

How to Be an Effective Park Defender

Defending national parks means more than loving them—it means showing up in the political arena where real decisions are made. That starts with writing your members of Congress, especially those who sit on key committees like the House Natural Resources Committee or the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which oversee park policy and funding. Don’t settle for form letters—demand specific action on legislation, appropriations, and agency oversight. Support organizations with the backbone to sue when laws are violated—groups like NPCA, Earthjustice, the Mountain Pact, or the Center for Biological Diversity. Amplify your voice by submitting letters to your local paper's editor or opinion pieces to build public awareness and pressure. Attend town halls, ask pointed questions, and bring park issues into broader conversations about democracy, climate, and public access. Democracy is a contact sport, and national parks depend on people willing to step onto the field.

Time to Choose: Be a Defender

History tells us parks survive when people raise a ruckus—writing op-eds, packing hearing rooms, funding watchdog litigation, and yes, voting. Polite applause from the sidelines won’t stop appropriations riders or back-door land transfers. So volunteer with your local friends group and demand that these groups speak loudly when our parks and democracy are threatened. Call your representatives, show up at town halls, support litigation when necessary, and refuse to let “federal overreach” become a euphemism for selling off your birthright.

Our national parks and country don’t need more "friends." They need defenders. The question is whether we’re willing to become them—before the next vote, the next budget, and the next landscape slip permanently out of public hands.

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Meet Sean Smith, a master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning
A conservationist and former National Park and Forest Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, Mount St. Helens, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is set in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and in the QR code included. 

America’s Parks Are Not for Sale: Sounding the Alarm on Trump’s 2026 Budget

In 1872, Congress and President Ulysses S. Grant did something revolutionary—they created Yellowstone National Park, establishing for the first time in human history the idea that land could be preserved not for kings or corporations, but for everyone. That bold vision eventually gave rise to the National Park Service in 1916, with a simple yet profound mission: to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein... for the enjoyment of future generations.

For over a century, America’s national parks have represented our highest ideals—freedom, democracy, discovery, and stewardship. They are living classrooms, sacred homelands, and wild refuges. From the geysers of Yellowstone to the cliffs of Yosemite, from Civil War battlefields to Selma’s bridge, they preserve not just nature, but narrative—who we were, who we are, and who we hope to become.

Today, that legacy is under attack.

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Trump’s 2026 Budget: A Direct Assault on Public Lands

President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 budget is nothing short of an existential threat to our national parks and public lands. It slashes $163 billion from non-defense discretionary spending—a staggering 22.6% reduction—gutting the agencies tasked with protecting America’s most cherished places. The National Park Service (NPS), already strained by understaffing and crumbling infrastructure, is among the hardest hit.

Within a few months of this budget’s rollout, the NPS laid off approximately 13% of its staff. Seasonal hiring has slowed to a crawl. Visitors this summer can expect shuttered campgrounds, closed visitor centers, reduced ranger presence, and neglected trails. Behind the scenes, wildlife monitoring, cultural preservation, and wildfire preparedness are quietly vanishing—out of sight, but not without consequence.

And it gets worse.

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Selling the American Inheritance

Beyond the budget cuts lies a more insidious agenda: the privatization and sale of public lands. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has openly floated the idea that public lands are worth "$100 trillion" and should be monetized. The Trump administration has already begun terminating leases for 34 NPS buildings—including visitor centers and historic landmarks—as part of a broader federal divestment strategy.

Let’s be clear: this is not fiscal responsibility. It is the liquidation of the American legacy.

Our national parks were never intended to turn a profit. They were set aside precisely because they are priceless, irreplaceable treasures that belong to all Americans. But here’s the irony: the economic return on our investment in national parks is staggering. According to the National Park Service, in 2022 alone, park visitors contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy and supported 378,000 jobs. Parks aren’t just sanctuaries of nature and history—they’re economic engines.

To sell or privatize them is to abandon our obligation to future generations. It is to turn sacred lands into playgrounds for the rich and pipelines for the powerful. It is to betray the very idea of a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

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What We Stand to Lose

Privatization and budget cuts threaten:

• Irreplaceable cultural heritage sites that tell the story of American history—warts and all.

• Critical wildlife habitat, including endangered species like grizzly bears, wolves, and condors.

• Indigenous ancestral lands, many of which are protected within park boundaries.

• Scientific research and education—the kind that fuels conservation breakthroughs.

• Affordable access for all Americans, regardless of income or background.

Once lost, these things do not come back. You cannot reintroduce an extinct species. You cannot rewind an oil spill. You cannot buy back a mountain sold to mining interests.

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What We Can Do

We are not powerless—but we must act.

1. Contact your members of Congress and demand full funding for the National Park Service in FY 2026. Remind them these lands belong to the American people, not billionaires or lobbyists.

2. Speak out. Write letters to the editor. Post on social media. Rally your communities. Share stories of what parks mean to you and your family.

3. Support watchdog organizations like the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), who are fighting this agenda in the courts and the halls of Congress.

4. Vote—at every level. From city council to the presidency, elect leaders who believe in conservation, science, and public access.

5. Visit your parks this summer, and when you do, notice what’s missing. Then tell your representatives what you saw.

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The Parks Are Calling. Will We Answer?

In 1903, standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, President Theodore Roosevelt warned: “Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”

Today, we are marring it—not just through neglect but through deliberate policy choices. But we can change course. We must. National parks are not just scenic places. They are moral places. They remind us that some things are worth more than money, and some legacies are too sacred to sell.

Let’s rise to the challenge.

Let’s protect the parks.

Let’s preserve the promise.

###

Meet Sean Smith, a master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning
conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code. 

Will America's Bison Survive the Trump Administration?

Yellowstone National Park’s bison are more than just iconic wildlife—they are living symbols of American conservation and cultural resilience. Yet, their management has long been a flashpoint between ecological integrity, Indigenous rights, livestock interests, and shifting federal policies. As the Trump administration intensifies environmental rollbacks, the fate of Yellowstone’s bison—and the broader health of U.S. public lands—hangs in the balance.

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A Brief History: From Near Extinction to Recovery

Before European settlement, an estimated 30 to 60 million bison roamed North America, from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Pacific Northwest, and from northern Canada down to the north of Mexico. They dominated the Great Plains and much of the interior grasslands, playing a crucial ecological role in shaping the landscape. Their immense range and numbers made them one of the most successful large mammals on Earth.

For many Native American nations, bison were—and remain—far more than just a source of food or materials. Bison are sacred beings, central to cultural identity, spirituality, and the survival of their species. Countless tribes honor the bison in their oral histories, ceremonies, and creation stories. The bison symbolizes strength, unity, abundance, and the deep relationship between humans and the natural world.

However, the arrival of European Americans triggered catastrophic changes. In the 19th century, bison were slaughtered by the millions, both for commercial purposes (hides, meat, and bones) and as a deliberate tool of war to subjugate Native nations who depended on them. By the late 1800s, fewer than 1,000 bison remained across North America, and Yellowstone’s remnant population of just 23 animals became one of the last refuges for the species.

The U.S. government's relationship with bison has historically been schizophrenic. On one hand, it orchestrated the near extermination of bison to undercut Indigenous resistance and clear land for settlement and railroads. On the other hand, as the extinction crisis became undeniable, it led to early conservation efforts to save species, which often excluded or disregarded the voices of Native people.

In 1902, recognizing the urgent need for action, Yellowstone National Park supplemented its tiny surviving herd with 21 bison relocated from private ranches. These bison were initially managed at the Lamar Buffalo Ranch before being allowed to reestablish a wild, free-ranging population. By 1954, the herd had grown to about 1,300 animals.

In the 1960s, the National Park Service adopted a policy of "natural regulation," allowing wildlife populations, including bison, to fluctuate naturally without artificial intervention in their population control. This marked a major philosophical shift, acknowledging the bison’s rightful place as a wild animal, not simply a managed commodity.

Today, Yellowstone’s bison represent the last continuously free-ranging, genetically pure herd in the contiguous United States—a living testament to both America’s environmental failures and its capacity for ecological redemption.

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The Modern Management Landscape

Today, Yellowstone’s bison population is managed under the Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP), established in 2000. This collaborative effort involves federal, state, and tribal entities working together to address the complex issues surrounding bison conservation, including disease management and migration outside park boundaries.

A central concern is brucellosis, a disease that can be transmitted from bison to cattle. However, despite decades of fear, there have been no confirmed cases of wild bison directly transmitting brucellosis to livestock. Most known transmissions involve elk, not bison.

Yet bison, not elk, are subjected to aggressive culling, hazing, and slaughter when they migrate beyond park boundaries. This selective treatment reflects the outsized influence of the livestock industry in shaping wildlife management policies. Ranching groups, fearful of potential restrictions on grazing rights and disease exposure, have consistently pressured state and federal agencies to limit bison numbers. In contrast, elk, who also carry and transmit brucellosis and routinely mingle with cattle, are largely left alone because they are a prized game species for hunters, another politically influential group in Montana and neighboring states.

This double standard highlights how economic and political pressures, not purely science or public safety, often drive bison management decisions.

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Potential Solutions: Pros and Cons

1. Culling and Hunting

• Pros: Helps maintain bison populations at levels deemed manageable by state and federal agencies; addresses ranchers' concerns about disease transmission.

• Cons: Raises ethical and ecological concerns; disrupts natural behaviors and social structures within bison herds; undermines cultural values of Indigenous communities.

2. Bison Conservation Transfer Program

• Pros: Allows for the relocation of brucellosis-free bison to tribal lands, supporting cultural restoration and reducing the need for culling.

• Cons: Requires extensive testing and quarantine procedures; faces logistical and political challenges in implementation.

3. Expanding Habitat and Migration Corridors

• Pros: Supports natural bison behaviors and ecological roles; reduces conflicts by providing more space for bison to roam.

• Cons: May face opposition from landowners and ranchers; requires significant policy changes and land-use planning.

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The Trump Administration’s Impact on Wildlife Management

The Trump administration implemented policies widely seen as detrimental to wildlife and public lands. These included:

• Reducing Protected Lands: Shrinking national monuments to allow for more mining, drilling, and development.

• Weakening the Endangered Species Act: Redefining "harm" to exclude habitat destruction, undercutting protections for threatened species.

• Cutting Scientific Funding: Slashing support for research vital to managing wildlife health and ecosystem resilience.

These rollbacks emboldened industries already hostile to conservation efforts, including ranching groups seeking fewer restrictions on public lands.

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What You Can Do: Standing Up for National Parks and Wildlife

The good news? Bison have survived threats before, and they can again. But only if we step up.

Stay informed – Policies can change overnight, but awareness is the first step in fighting back.

Make your voice heard – Contact your representatives, support conservation groups, and demand accountability.

Make your voice heard, part 2: Write your local papers expressing your support for national parks, public lands, and opposition to Trump's policies.

Spread the word: Post your support for parks on social media, and encourage your friends and colleagues to get involved.

Amplify your impact: Join and support non-profits defending our public domain.

Visit and support our parks – Show the world that these places matter as protected landscapes and as vital pieces of our national heritage.

Conclusion

The management of Yellowstone’s bison reflects broader tensions in American conservation between ecological integrity, cultural heritage, economic power, and political influence. As policies shift and challenges mount, the role of public engagement becomes increasingly vital.

By staying informed and active, individuals can help protect these iconic animals—and the public lands they call home—for future generations.

Ultimately, how we choose to sustain the last remaining free-ranging herd of wild bison is about more than just wildlife management—it's a reflection of our values as a people.

Making space for bison to live and roam freely honors the natural world, acknowledges past injustices against Indigenous communities, and reaffirms a commitment to stewardship over exploitation.

In standing up for Yellowstone’s bison, we affirm that conservation, compassion, and coexistence are not relics of the past, but guiding principles for our future.

###

Meet Sean Smith, a master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning
conservationist and former National Park Ranger has trekked through the wilderness of Yellowstone, Glacier, and the North Cascades, keeping nature safe with his trusty ranger hat and boots. But Sean's talents don't stop there. He's a TEDx speaker and even a private pilot.

But amidst all these adventures, Sean's heart beats for storytelling. He's been spinning tales since childhood, and now he writes thrilling national park novels that'll have you hooked from the first page. Imagine the drama and mystery of the mountains combined with the adrenaline of a rollercoaster ride. That's what you'll find in Sean's books, set against the majestic backdrop of Yellowstone, Gettysburg, and Mount Rainier. His most recent thriller is in Glacier and will drop later this year.

So, if you're craving an escape into the wild, look no further. Grab a copy of Sean's novels and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. These stories will transport you to the heart of the national parks, where danger lurks and heroes rise. Don't miss out! Find all his captivating novels right here and at the included QR code.