Earth Day: A Reminder Worth Fighting For

Every year on April 22, we celebrate Earth Day, a moment to pause, reflect, and recommit to protecting the only home we’ve ever known. For those of us who love wild places, national parks, and the fragile balance of the natural world, Earth Day isn’t just symbolic. It’s personal.

A Brief History: From Protest to Global Movement

Earth Day began in 1970, born out of a growing awareness that America’s air, water, and land were under siege. Industrial pollution choked cities, rivers caught fire, and pesticides quietly poisoned ecosystems.

The driving force behind the first Earth Day was Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin who envisioned a nationwide “teach-in” on the environment. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans, students, families, workers, took to the streets, parks, and campuses.

That collective action sparked something powerful. Within a few short years, the United States established the Environmental Protection Agency and passed landmark laws like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act.

Today, Earth Day is a global event, observed by more than a billion people in over 190 countries. What started as a protest became a movement and a reminder that democracy, when engaged, can deliver real change.

The Threats We Face Today

If Earth Day began as a response to visible pollution, today’s threats are both more complex, and in some ways, more dangerous.

Climate Change is reshaping the planet in real time. Longer wildfire seasons, shrinking snowpack, rising seas, and intensifying storms are no longer distant projections—they’re headlines. In the West, forests burn hotter and longer. Rivers run lower. Ecosystems strain to adapt.

Toxic Chemicals, including persistent contaminants like PFAS, continue to accumulate in our water, soil, and even our bodies. These aren’t problems you can always see but their impacts are real, long-lasting, and costly.

Biodiversity Loss is accelerating. Species are disappearing at rates not seen in human history, weakening ecosystems that we depend on for food, clean water, and resilience.

And underlying all of this is something less often discussed—but just as critical:

The Health of Our Democracy.

Environmental protection doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It requires functioning institutions, trust in science, transparency, and public engagement. When democratic norms erode, when expertise is dismissed, when public lands are treated as disposable, when citizens disengage, our ability to respond to environmental threats weakens.

The same civic energy that fueled the first Earth Day is still required today.

Why Protecting the Environment Matters: For All of Us

Protecting the environment isn’t just about saving distant landscapes or protecting endangered species. It’s about people.

It’s good for the planet.
Healthy ecosystems regulate climate, filter water, store carbon, and sustain life. Forests, wetlands, and oceans aren’t luxuries, they’re irreplaceable infrastructure.

It’s good for the economy.
Outdoor recreation alone contributes hundreds of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Clean energy is one of the fastest-growing job sectors. Preventing pollution is almost always cheaper than cleaning it up later, a lesson we ignore at our own expense.

It’s good for our health.
Clean air means fewer asthma attacks. Safe drinking water prevents disease. Access to nature improves mental health, reduces stress, and connects us to something larger than ourselves.

And perhaps most importantly:

It’s good for our future.
Every decision we make today, what we protect, what we restore, what we ignore, shapes the world our children will inherit.

The Earth Day Challenge

Earth Day isn’t just a celebration. It’s a challenge.

The generation that launched Earth Day in 1970 didn’t wait for permission. They organized. They demanded action. And they got results.

We’re called to do the same.

Protecting our environment isn’t a partisan issue, it’s a shared responsibility. Whether it’s supporting policies that reduce pollution, conserving public lands, investing in safer technologies, or simply staying informed and engaged, every action matters.

For those of us who write about wild places, explore them, and draw inspiration from them, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about the environment.

It’s about who we are, what we value, and whether we’re willing to fight for the places, and principles that define us.

Happy Earth Day.

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Meet Sean Smith, a master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning
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. 

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.

###

Meet Sean Smith, a master of conservation, adventure, and storytelling! This award-winning
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. 

Celebrating the Department of the Interior: A Legacy of Stewardship and Service

Today marks the anniversary of one of the most consequential agencies in the federal government: the U.S. Department of the Interior. Established in 1849, the Department of the Interior (DOI) was a groundbreaking addition to the federal government, tasked with managing the nation’s vast public lands and natural resources. Over 175 years later, the DOI remains at the heart of conservation, land management, and stewardship of America’s national parks, wildlife, and indigenous affairs.

While its mission has evolved, the DOI remains vital in protecting America’s environmental and cultural heritage. Yet, its role has often been threatened by political forces seeking to weaken environmental protections and prioritize corporate interests over public lands. The Trump administration’s efforts to undermine and gut agencies like the DOI serve as a cautionary tale about what happens when we neglect stewardship in favor of short-term exploitation.

Today, we celebrate the Department of the Interior’s enduring legacy and explore why its work is more important than ever.

The Founding of the Department of the Interior: A Landmark Moment

The DOI was officially established on March 3, 1849, just days before President James K. Polk left office. Before its creation, many of the responsibilities that the department would assume—such as managing public lands, overseeing Indian affairs, and handling patents—were scattered across various government agencies.

The creation of the DOI was precedent-setting because it consolidated these diverse responsibilities under one umbrella, making it one of the first federal agencies dedicated to domestic affairs. At the time, the U.S. was expanding westward at an unprecedented rate, and the federal government needed a centralized department to oversee the massive tracts of land being acquired, settled, and developed.

While its early years were marred by controversial policies, particularly in relation to Native American displacement, the DOI gradually evolved into a force for conservation and responsible land management. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a cornerstone of America’s environmental policy, a role that continues to this day.

The Mission of the Department of the Interior

The DOI’s mission is to “protect and manage the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provide scientific and other information about those resources; and honor its trust responsibilities to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities.”

In simpler terms, the DOI is responsible for:

• Managing over 480 million acres of public land—about 20% of the U.S. landmass
• Overseeing the nation’s national parks, wildlife refuges, and historic sites
• Conducting scientific research on geology, water, and natural disasters
• Managing water resources, including major river systems
• Upholding the U.S. government’s responsibilities to Native American tribes
• Regulating offshore energy development

From preserving breathtaking landscapes like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon to ensuring the responsible use of water and mineral resources, the DOI plays a crucial role in both environmental protection and economic development.

Agencies Under the Department of the Interior

The DOI is home to several agencies that directly impact the environment, public lands, and Native American affairs. Among the most well-known:

National Park Service (NPS)

Created in 1916, the National Park Service (NPS) manages over 400 national parks, monuments, and historic sites across the U.S. These parks are not just beautiful landscapes; they are living history, preserving America’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Without the NPS, iconic places like Yosemite, the Everglades, and Mount Rainier would be vulnerable to exploitation and destruction.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

Founded in 1879, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides critical scientific research on geology, water resources, and natural disasters. USGS scientists help us understand earthquakes, volcanoes, climate change, and water scarcity—issues that are becoming increasingly urgent as global temperatures rise.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees 245 million acres of public lands, primarily in the western U.S. The BLM’s role is controversial because it balances conservation with resource extraction, including grazing, logging, and oil and gas leasing. Under strong leadership, the BLM can be a force for sustainable land use, but under industry-friendly administrations, it has been used to sell off public lands to the highest bidder.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) upholds the federal government’s legal and treaty obligations to Native American tribes. While its history is fraught with injustices, today the BIA plays a crucial role in supporting tribal sovereignty, economic development, and self-determination.

These agencies and others like the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Bureau of Reclamation are essential to managing America’s natural and cultural resources.

The Importance of the DOI Today

The DOI’s work is more critical than ever in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing pressure on public lands. The department helps protect the country’s fragile ecosystems, from the Arctic tundra to the deserts of the Southwest. It also plays a key role in managing water supplies, an increasingly contentious issue in drought-prone states like California and Arizona.

Furthermore, the DOI serves as a vital counterbalance to industries that seek to exploit public lands for profit. Whether it’s oil drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or logging on forest lands, the DOI’s leadership can determine whether these lands are protected or sacrificed to corporate interests.

The Trump Administration’s Attack on the DOI

The Trump administration waged an unprecedented assault on the DOI and its mission. Under Trump’s Interior Secretaries—first Ryan Zinke, then David Bernhardt, a former oil lobbyist, and now Doug Burgum the department is being hollowed out and redirected to serve private interests.

Some of the most damaging policies included:

• Shrinking national monuments: Trump reduced the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments by millions of acres, opening them to mining and drilling.
• Prioritizing oil and gas leasing: The BLM ramped up leasing public lands for oil and gas drilling, often at rock-bottom prices.
• Weakening protections for endangered species: The Fish and Wildlife Service was pressured to delay or roll back protections for species like the sage grouse, which stood in the way of energy development.
• Relocating BLM headquarters: In a move that gutted the agency, Trump’s DOI relocated the Bureau of Land Management’s headquarters to Colorado, prompting an exodus of experienced staff.
• Firing of rangers and other personnel: The firing of thousands of DOI employees, making it harder for the federal government to fight wildfires, stop poaching, mitigate climate change, and manage recreation.
• Selling of public lands and resources: Trump orders sites like the Presidio to justify its existence and liquidate public lands and facilities. 

These attacks weren’t just bad for the environment; they are bad for democracy, as they prioritized private profits over public interests.

A Future Built on Conservation and Stewardship

The Department of the Interior represents the best of American values: stewardship, conservation, and a commitment to future generations. Every time we visit a national park, see a bald eagle in the wild, or drink clean water from a protected watershed, we are benefiting from the DOI’s work.

Yet, the threats remain. Special interests and anti-environment politicians continue to push for drilling, logging, and deregulation. That’s why we must remain vigilant and support leaders who understand the importance of conservation and public lands.

As we celebrate the DOI’s March 3 anniversary, let’s recognize its profound contributions—and recommit ourselves to protecting it from those who would tear it down. The future of our parks, wildlife, and public lands depends on it.

As always, here are five simple things concerned citizens can do to voice opposition to executive overreach. 

Contact Your Elected Officials: Write letters, send emails, or call your local representatives to express your concerns about executive overreach and request accountability.

Participate in Peaceful Protests: Join or organize demonstrations and rallies to publicly show your opposition and rally like-minded citizens.

Leverage Social Media Platforms: Use online platforms to share your views, engage in discussions, and mobilize support around the issue.

Support Advocacy and Legal Organizations: Contribute to or volunteer with groups that work on government accountability and constitutional rights to help push for legal challenges and reforms.

Engage in Public Forums and Community Meetings: Attend town halls or organize community discussions to debate these issues and ensure public voices are heard at all levels of government.

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Meet Sean Smith, the 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, soaring through the skies like a bald eagle on a mission.

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 at the included QR code.