Evidently, Trump doesn’t. He has cut funding by 30%, cut as many employees, and attacked the histories they offer if they don’t fit his version of historical events. The parks are known for their scenic, inspirational, and recreational value, and are designated by Congress for future generations. So where is Congress as Trump slashes funding to the “best idea ever.” (Wallace Stegner)? Lack of funding means a lack of programs, maintenance, research, and rangers. There is no supervision. Call your Utah representatives and tell them to restore funding for the parks, employees and the histories they provide.

Trump is also threatening another bedrock rule, the Roadless Rule which protects 58.5 million acres. You will hear our Utah Governor and representatives applaud its rescission under the guise of fire mitigation. That is not true.

Roadless areas are still open to fire prevention. The roadless areas are not open to industrial logging which Trump wants to increase by 25% for the next eight years. They are also not open to roadbuilding, mining and gas development and an increase in roads means an increase in fires.

These areas protect our water sheds, habitat for fish, especially threatened and endangered species-loss of which may impact Tribal treaty rights. They provide habitat for over 1,600 threatened or endangered plants and animals, including the grizzly bear.

Contact the US Forest Service before September 19 to oppose the rescission of the roadless rule. Support RACA, a bill in senate and the house to codify the Roadless Rule I not law.

As one park ranger said, ‘”If you are a parks lover or someone who recreates in parks or on public lands, it’s your duty to pay attention.” We are all in this together. Together we can demand change.

Patty Becnel

Ogden