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.

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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. 

Introducing Friends Like These—A New National Park Thriller, Plus Bold New Covers for the Series

 

First and foremost, thank you.

To every reader who’s cracked open one of my thrillers, to every fan who’s shared a recommendation, written a review, or sent me a note—you’ve made this journey possible. Because of your support, my novels have reached thousands of readers, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Your passion for high-stakes stories set in wild and iconic landscapes fuels my drive to keep writing.

Which brings me to some exciting news…

My latest political and environmental thriller, Friends Like These, is now available!
And that’s not all—Unleashing Colter’s Hell, Lost Cause, and Need to Know have been re-released with bold new branded covers that reflect the adrenaline, mystery, and national park landscapes readers have come to love.

How I Write: Real Parks, Real Fears, Real History

Every thriller I write starts the same: a national park, a historical twist, and one of my deepest fears—extinction events, civil war, or global invasion. I dig into real events that most people forget—or never knew happened—and ask, "What if?"

Our national parks aren’t just beautiful backdrops. They’re layered with forgotten history, buried secrets, and raw power, making them the perfect setting for thrillers that blur the line between fact and fiction.

Unleashing Colter’s Hell

Set in Yellowstone National Park, this novel dives into the terrifying reality of the park’s supervolcano, which is overdue for an eruption. Add a religious fanatic with an atomic bomb, and suddenly, Yellowstone’s seismic rumblings become a countdown. Yes, the threat is real—Yellowstone sees hundreds of earthquakes yearly, and scientists openly acknowledge it’s not a matter of if it will erupt, but when.

Lost Cause

Published before January 6th, this book now feels chillingly prophetic. In it, a shadowy group tries to ignite a second American Civil War, using historical symbols, conspiracy theories, and domestic terror. Sound familiar? From Confederate flags in the Capitol to efforts to overturn democracy, it’s clear: division isn’t just a plot device anymore—it’s a headline.

Need to Know

Inspired by the real 1947 sighting of nine silver discs over Mount Rainier, this thriller asks: What if something did crash? What if it’s still buried on the slopes of that volcano? And what if the government has been hiding it ever since? With recent declassified UFO footage and congressional hearings, the book’s paranoia doesn’t feel so paranoid anymore.

Introducing: Friends Like These

My newest thriller, Friends Like These, takes the action to another level, exploring corruption and betrayal in the management of our national parks. When Ranger Grayson Cole uncovers a deadly conspiracy, he must navigate not just wilderness and fire, but a web of lies that threatens everything he holds dear.

At its core, Friends Like These is about loyalty— to country, cause, and to each other. But in a world of hidden agendas, even the most trusted friends can be enemies in disguise. Look for its release shortly.

Ready to Explore?

Check out the all-new branded covers of my earlier thrillers and experience the tension, history, and wilderness that fans love.

Browse all my books here: https://www.amazon.com/author/parkthrillers

Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering my work, I invite you to pick up Friends Like These and find out what happens when loyalty is tested, lies are exposed, and the wilderness hides more than secrets.

Thanks for being part of the journey—
Sean D. Smith

Dire Wolves Return—But Is Conservation the Real Endangered Species?

In a groundbreaking announcement, Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech company, claims to have achieved the de-extinction of the dire wolf—a species that vanished over 10,000 years ago. By utilizing advanced gene-editing techniques, the company engineered gray wolf DNA to express traits reminiscent of the extinct predator, resulting in the birth of three wolf pups named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.​

This development has ignited a robust debate within the scientific and conservation communities, particularly concerning its implications for endangered species management.​

The Promise of De-Extinction Technology

Proponents of de-extinction argue that such technologies could revolutionize conservation efforts. Potential benefits include:​

Restoration of Ecological Balance: Reintroducing species that played crucial roles in their ecosystems could help restore lost ecological functions.​

Advancements in Genetic Research: Techniques developed for de-extinction may offer tools to enhance genetic diversity in existing endangered populations, potentially improving their resilience.​

Increased Public Engagement: High-profile projects like the resurrection of the dire wolf can raise awareness and generate funding for broader conservation initiatives.​

Scientific Skepticism and Ethical Concerns

Despite the excitement, many scientists remain skeptical about the authenticity and practicality of such de-extinction efforts. Critics argue that the animals produced are not true dire wolves but genetically modified gray wolves exhibiting some similar traits. Dr. Nic Rawlence, a paleogeneticist, emphasized that the ancient DNA used is highly fragmented, making it improbable to recreate an exact genetic replica of the dire wolf. ​

Moreover, ethical questions arise regarding animal welfare, unintended ecological consequences, and resource prioritization. Some experts contend that the focus should remain on protecting existing species and habitats rather than diverting attention and funds to de-extinction projects.​

Potential Political and Policy Implications

A significant concern is that the perceived ability to "bring back" extinct species might undermine current conservation policies. Policymakers could argue that stringent protections for endangered species become less critical if extinction is reversible. This perspective could lead to reduced efforts in habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and other vital conservation strategies.​

However, this line of thinking is flawed. De-extinction is a complex, costly, and uncertain process. The recreated organisms may not fully replicate the ecological roles of their extinct counterparts and could face challenges integrating into modern ecosystems. Relying on de-extinction as a safety net could result in irreversible biodiversity losses and ecosystem destabilization.​

Innovation vs. Regulation: A False Choice?

In response to the dire wolf announcement, Interior Secretary Doug Burgam praised the project as an example of how “innovation—not regulation—that has spawned American greatness.” While there’s no denying the power of innovation, this statement presents a false dichotomy.

In reality, regulation often drives innovation. Environmental protections—like the Endangered Species Act, emissions standards, and chemical safety rules—have historically created the demand for cleaner, safer, and more advanced technologies. Regulations set the standards that innovators strive to meet. They level the playing field, spark competition, and catalyze breakthroughs that might otherwise never happen.

The biotech tools used to revive the dire wolf were born from decades of research—much of it supported or shaped by public investment and regulatory frameworks. Discrediting regulation ignores how often it serves as the foundation for progress, not the barrier to it.

Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Conservation Strategies

While the advancements in genetic engineering showcased by Colossal Biosciences are remarkable, they should complement, not replace, traditional conservation efforts. Protecting and restoring natural habitats, enforcing wildlife protection laws, and supporting biodiversity are irreplaceable components of effective conservation.​

De-extinction may offer valuable insights and tools but is not a panacea for the current biodiversity crisis. Policymakers, scientists, and conservationists must collaborate to ensure that emerging technologies are integrated responsibly into comprehensive strategies to preserve life on Earth—not just resurrect it after it's gone.

Take Action:

Now is the time to act. The Endangered Species Act has protected wildlife and ecosystems for over 50 years. But in light of high-profile biotech developments like the dire wolf project, some lawmakers are calling to weaken its provisions or remove species protections entirely under the illusion that science can simply reverse extinction.

Contact your congressional representatives today. Urge them to stand up for the Endangered Species Act and its proven track record. Remind them that conservation is about protection, not illusion—and that our best path forward is one where innovation and regulation work hand in hand to protect our planet’s precious biodiversity.

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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. 

Congress Declared Your Public Lands Worthless

In early 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a rules package that drastically alters how public lands—including national forests, parks, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands—are valued. Proponents argue this change will among other things streamline the transfer of land for housing development, potentially easing the housing crisis. But a closer look reveals significant flaws in this approach—particularly in how it devalues public lands and lacks any safeguards to ensure the land serves the public good.

A Zero-Dollar Valuation: The Quiet Erosion of Public Assets

Buried in the House rules (Sec. 3, Part 3, (2)(A-B)) is a provision that assigns a zero-dollar value to any federal land when considering its sale or transfer. This accounting gimmick makes it easier to dispose of land managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management, by removing the need to account for the loss of federal revenue in budget calculations. Even more concerning: the rules authorize not just the sale of public lands—but allow Congress to give them away entirely.

Historically, public lands have delivered immense economic value through outdoor recreation, tourism, clean water, ecosystem services, and cultural preservation. By stripping these lands of any monetary worth, Congress disregards their contributions to the economy and the American identity. This shift sets a dangerous precedent: once public land is handed to private interests, reclaiming it becomes nearly impossible.

No Guarantees for Affordable Housing

Supporters claim this policy is meant to address the housing affordability crisis. Yet, the rules package contains no legal requirements ensuring the transferred lands will be used for affordable housing. The only mention of such a plan comes from a vague Wall Street Journal op-ed—hardly the foundation of a sound national strategy.

Without enforceable provisions, these lands could just as easily be used for commercial development or high-end housing, doing nothing to lower costs for working families. In fact, this approach could worsen inequality by enabling private interests to profit from public land while leaving the root of the housing crisis untouched.

Environmental and Recreational Consequences

Beyond economics and housing, the implications for conservation and public access are equally alarming. Public lands often provide wildlife critical habitat, vital for protecting biodiversity, and irreplaceable spaces for outdoor recreation. They also safeguard watersheds, preserve cultural and historical landmarks, and offer sanctuary for millions of Americans seeking connection with nature.

Transferring these lands to states or private entities introduces major risks. Management becomes fragmented, enforcement of environmental protections weakens, and conservation often takes a back seat to development. Mining, logging, and large-scale construction could soon replace forests, trails, and sacred landscapes.

What You Can Do to Protect Public Lands

1.  Contact your elected officials.
Call, write, or email your senators and representatives. Let them know you oppose the devaluation and giveaway of public lands. If you live in one of the following swing districts—where Republicans won tight races in districts carried by Kamala Harris in 2024—your voice carries even more weight:

o   Don Bacon (NE-2)

o   Mike Lawler (NY-17)

o   Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1)

2.  Speak up in local media.
Submit letters to the editor or opinion pieces to your local newspaper supporting public lands and opposing this policy. Personalized, heartfelt messages can resonate powerfully. 

3.  Amplify the message online.
Use social media to share this blog post and raise awareness. Post your own experiences and photos from national parks and forests. Encourage others to take action.

4.  Support defenders of public lands.
Join or donate to non-profits dedicated to conservation, such as the National Parks Conservation Association, The Wilderness Society, or local land trusts.

5.  Get outside—and show it matters.
Visit national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Support local communities that depend on public land tourism. Every visit demonstrates their value and reminds decision-makers these places aren’t just lines on a map—they’re a living legacy.

A Shift Against the Public Interest

This rules package represents a fundamental shift in national land policy—one that could have enduring negative consequences for the environment, the economy, and future generations' access to public lands. By treating these spaces as disposable and omitting any meaningful guardrails for their use, Congress is not solving problems; it's creating new ones.

Citizens have a right—and a responsibility—to demand better. Public lands belong to all of us, not to the highest bidder or most connected developer.

Public lands are more than real estate—they are shared spaces that define our national character. They offer economic value, cultural significance, environmental protection, and deep personal meaning for millions of Americans.

The new House rules may treat these lands as worthless, but we know better. Let’s act like it.

Let’s fight to protect what’s ours—before it’s gone.

###

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. 

The Trojan Horse of Current State-Assistance in Federal Land Management: A Dangerous Precedent for the Future of National Parks and other Public Lands

In recent weeks, the damage wrought by the Trump administration to our National Parks and other public lands has forced individual states to take unprecedented actions to fill the void left by Trump's neglect. Across the country, we have seen states stepping in to repair washed-out roads, restore damaged ecosystems, and even rehire park and forest rangers who were dismissed or whose positions were eliminated under Trump’s leadership.

These efforts, particularly those in places like Washington State, where officials have allocated funds to restore roads in Olympic National Park, are commendable. They are deeply committed to preserving America’s natural heritage and ensuring these cherished landscapes remain accessible. However, beneath these well-intentioned state actions lies a dangerous and potentially catastrophic precedent: the growing argument that states should assume full responsibility for public lands, or worse, that these lands should be transferred to private ownership. What appears to be a noble act of stewardship could, in fact, become the Trojan horse for the greatest public land giveaway in American history.

The Trump Administration’s Assault on Public Lands

The damage inflicted on National Parks and federal lands during Trump’s presidency cannot be overstated. In his first term, Trump aggressively pursued a deregulatory agenda that prioritized extractive industries over conservation, slashing the budgets of the National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Forest Service while significantly reducing the size of protected lands such as Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. The administration also weakened environmental protections, fast-tracked oil and gas leasing, and dismissed or forced out career park rangers and scientists who opposed its policies. Most recently, he rescinded two California national monuments.

His past and current reckless policies have left the NPS and other federal land management agencies in a crisis, with significant maintenance backlogs, staffing shortages, and degraded infrastructure. As a result, when natural disasters such as landslides and wildfires struck, many parks lacked the resources necessary to recover. This is where states began to step in.

State-Led Interventions: A Short-Term Solution with Long-Term Consequences

Faced with federal inaction, some states have taken matters into their own hands. In Washington, state leaders have allocated hundreds of thousands to repair washed-out roads in Olympic National Park, a critical lifeline for visitors and local economies. Similarly, states like California and Oregon have increased wildfire prevention on public lands or begun efforts to maintain environmental protections at or above current federal standards. Perhaps most significantly, several states are hiring former federal employees who lost their jobs under Trump, ensuring that local expertise in land management is not entirely lost.

While these actions are necessary to mitigate the damage caused by federal neglect, they also set a dangerous precedent. Suppose states continue to shoulder the burden of managing public lands. In that case, it will reinforce the argument—often advanced by anti-federal land advocates—that the federal government can no longer maintain national parks and forests. This, in turn, fuels the narrative that these lands would be better managed by states or private entities, a notion that has long been promoted by industries eager to exploit public lands for profit.

The Push to Privatize: A Looming Threat

The argument for transferring federal lands to states is not new. For decades, conservative lawmakers, industry lobbyists, and anti-government activists have sought to dismantle federal control over public lands, often under the guise of “local control” and “states’ rights.” The Trump administration emboldened these efforts, with figures like former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and Utah Senator Mike Lee openly advocating for transferring national lands to state ownership. States across the West feel emboldened by the Trump administration's new approach and are taking action to assert co-management of national parks or abolish federal landholdings altogether. This move would likely lead to increased privatization, development, and resource extraction.

With states now stepping in to manage and restore federally owned lands, these proponents have found new ammunition for their cause. The logic is insidious: if states are already paying for the upkeep of national parks, why not give them complete control? If the federal government cannot be trusted to maintain roads and infrastructure, why not sell the land to those who can? What begins as an emergency measure to protect national treasures could ultimately be used to justify their dismantling.

The Risks of State Control

The transfer of federal lands to state governments carries enormous risks. Unlike the federal government, which is obligated to manage these lands for the benefit of all Americans, states often lack the financial resources and legal frameworks necessary to maintain public access and conservation protections. With budget shortfalls, states could be pressured to sell off lands to private developers, logging companies, or oil and gas interests. Legislators have already expressed interest in doing that in many Western states, such as Alaska, Arizona, and Idaho.

In short, what many Western states want is Subsidize Anarchy. These states want it both ways when it comes to federal land management: they want the financial support of the American taxpayer to cover the costs of maintaining and managing vast federal lands, but they also want state and local interests to dictate how those lands are used. This approach creates a scenario where states push for increased autonomy over public lands—often favoring extractive industries, development, or reduced environmental oversight—while still expecting federal funding for infrastructure, wildfire suppression, and land stewardship. Essentially, western states want the benefits of federal ownership without the accountability that comes with it, shifting costs to the national taxpayer while prioritizing an inconsistent morass of local economic and political interests over broader conservation and public access goals.

But most importantly, state and private control would undermine the very purpose of national parks and federal lands: to be preserved in perpetuity for all Americans, not just those who live in a particular state. Public lands belong to the nation as a whole, and their management should reflect the collective interests of all citizens, not just the political whims of state governments.

A Call to Strengthen Federal Protections

Instead of allowing state interventions to justify land transfers, policymakers must double down on restoring federal leadership in public land management. This means fully funding the National Park Service, reinstating environmental protections rolled back under Trump, and passing legislation strengthening protections against land privatization. It also requires addressing the root causes of federal neglect—namely, political interference and budget cuts that have weakened agencies like the NPS and the U.S. Forest Service.

Additionally, we must remain vigilant against efforts to use state-led restoration as an argument for privatization. While states should be commended for stepping in where the federal government has failed, their role should be seen as a stopgap measure, not a long-term solution. The goal must always be to restore federal responsibility and ensure our public lands remain in public hands.

Conclusion: A Slippery Slope We Must Avoid

Repairing roads in Olympic National Park, rehiring fired rangers, and other state-led interventions are essential to address our national parks' immediate crises. However, these efforts also create a dangerous opening for those who seek to dismantle federal land protections. What appears to be a necessary act of stewardship could be weaponized against the very idea of public lands, transforming them from a national trust into a commodity to be sold off to the highest bidder.

The American people must reject this Trojan horse strategy and demand that the federal government resume its rightful role as the steward of our national parks and forests. Anything less risks the irreversible loss of our most cherished public lands. The solution to Trump-era neglect is not to abandon federal responsibility but to restore and strengthen it, ensuring that America’s public lands remain public—not just for today but for future generations.

What We Can Do

The good news? These parks 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.

###

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.