Outdoor recreation is one of the few things that transcends politics. Americans, as a whole, love our public lands and the opportunities they provide. On the same hiking trail a far-lefter will trek beside a far-righter. Both parties enjoy lakes, rivers, mountains, national parks, oceans and other splendors of the outdoors. However, with federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service facing downsizing (losing 3,500 and 5,000 staff respectively), more responsibility will fall on outdoor enthusiasts to help protect these spaces. If you care about a natural resource, do something about it. Here are five practical ways you can help safeguard our public lands this year.


1. Leave No Trace and Beyond – Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife to minimize your impact on nature. Beyond LNT, leave it cleaner than you found it. This should be our standard practice as outdoor folk, but it will be even more important now. “That’s not my job” mentality needs to shift to “No one else will do this”. Vault toilets might be messy, clean ‘em. There might not be toilet paper in them. Bring some, leave some (toilet paper, not poop). In your neck of the woods, there might not be anyone to clean up after you and others. Step up.

2. Volunteer for Cleanups – Since many of the people being laid off are GS-7s and below, meaning boots-on-the-ground workers WE as outdoor enthusiasts need to take on part of those roles. There will be nearly 160 million Americans visiting national forests and national parks. That's a lot of people who could do 1 small thing and collectively that makes a huge impact. Our recommendation: Join or organize local efforts to remove litter, maintain trails, pull weeds, plant natives and restore habitats in parks and public lands. Karmik Outdoors will be hosting a river clean up or two this fall. You can too. Find volunteering activities with your State agencies. If you don't, who will?

3. Practice Responsible Recreation – Follow fire safety guidelines. PLEASE make sure your fire is dead out this season!! Respect seasonal closures of areas and rehabilitation areas. We already know that some campgrounds will be closed or delayed in their openings. Help our law enforcement by being a good witness. Get pictures if you can safely get some. Record dates and times and license plate numbers as well as descriptions of violations. If you are recreating safely, it's not fair for others to take advantage of our shared resources or be careless in their actions. There will be less eyes to watch for violators, we will have to do it. 

4. Support Conservation Efforts – If you support the current agenda of ‘trimming the fat’ in the government, then it's time to put your time and energy where your mouth is. Donate to or advocate for organizations that protect public lands, and encourage responsible policies for outdoor recreation. Tell your congress person you support the people who support our natural resources. But beyond government agencies, there are so many great organizations out there. Please find one you jive with and support them. Support them financially and, most importantly, with your time. Volunteer with a conservation group to help maintain and improve our wild spaces. Take a look at some of these and find a local chapter to join. 

  • The Wilderness Society – Protects public lands and advocates for responsible land use policies.
  • The Nature Conservancy – Works globally to conserve land and water through science-based initiatives.
  • Backcountry Hunters and Anglers- ensure North America's outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife.
  • World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – Works worldwide to protect endangered species and habitats.
  • Trout Unlimited- conserves, protects and restores North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
  • Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) – Advocates for Indigenous rights and environmental justice.
  • Oceana – Dedicated to ocean conservation and protecting marine ecosystems.
  • Surfrider Foundation – Focuses on clean water, beach access, and coastal preservation.
  • Sierra Club – One of the oldest environmental organizations, working on climate action and clean energy.
  • Outdoor Afro – Promotes Black leadership in outdoor recreation and conservation.
  • Mule Deer Foundation- ensure the conservation of mule deer, black-tailed deer and their habitat.
  • Audubon Society- protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.
  • Project Healing Waters- We Guide Veterans In Need To Healing Through Camaraderie, Connectedness, and Fly Fishing

5. Be Patient- It’s a fact that more will have to be done with less. There will be longer lines and shorter seasons. Campgrounds might be closed or full and you might need to find another one. Be courteous and patient.  

I wrote a short paragraph but I asked ChatGPT to put in Theodore Roosevelt's voice. Here is what one of the greatest conservationists and greatest Presidents would have said about our current status: “Lastly, get out there—breathe deep the crisp air of the wild, tread boldly upon the good earth, and let the grandeur of the forests, rivers, and mountains stir your spirit. Let the song of the wind through the pines and the rush of a mighty stream remind you that nature is not merely a thing to admire but a birthright to cherish and defend. Take a companion, share the wonder, and kindle in others the same fierce love for the land. For only when we hold something dear do we fight to preserve it, and by our hands and our resolve, the great wild places of this nation shall endure for generations to come!"