I am an outdoor enthusiast who is passionate about hunting, fishing, trail running, and mountain biking on our extraordinary public lands. Our nation’s ability to responsibly manage these lands is critical to supporting wildlife and providing opportunities for all Americans to connect with nature.
That is why it is so important for Sens. Romney and Lee to vote to confirm Deb Haaland to lead the Department of Interior. As the first Native American woman ever to be nominated for this position and holding a rich history of natural resource stewardship, she brings deep knowledge and experience to issues of public lands, wildlife, and outdoor traditions. Growing up in New Mexico eating wild game, she gained a deep reverence for hunting from her grandfather and her pueblo’s ancient traditions.
In Congress, she played a key leadership role in passing the Great American Outdoors Act and America’s Conservation Enhancement Act, which conserve wildlife habitat and expand access for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. She was a bipartisan champion of the Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act which would make the outdoors more accessible while creating jobs in the outdoor industry.
Our wildlife and our public lands face unprecedented challenges from increasing demands on our natural resources and expanding natural disasters, particularly wildfires. Deb Haaland is the right person to restore common sense and balance back to public lands management. Under her capable watch, our lands can thrive and be enjoyed for generations to come.
Caitlin Curry, Salt Lake City
