America’s public lands are more than scenic backdrops for vacation photos—they are sacred spaces, critical ecosystems, and shared treasures that belong to all of us. But right now, these lands are under constant threat from short-sighted policies, corporate interests, and environmental neglect. The fight to protect them isn’t just about wilderness. It’s about clean water, climate stability, biodiversity, and justice for future generations.

Wild Virginia and The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) teamed up for a webinar to discuss the fight for America’s public lands in what has turned out to be a shaky year for them. SUWA is as organization made of people all across the US that works to protect wilderness quality federal lands in Utah, which is ground zero for the fight over wilderness preservation. SUWA’s work spans grassroots activism, legislative action, legal battles, supporting Tribal organizations and Nations in national monument defense, and on the ground stewardship of the lands within America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act (ARRWA), the legislation that guides SUWA’s work.

Travis discusses how we got to where we are in the public lands space, the purpose and utility of ARRWA, and how we can collectively ensure that public lands stay in public hands for future generations.

What Are Public Lands?

Public lands include national forests, parks, monuments, wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. They make up nearly one-third of the U.S. landscape—some 640 million acres—and they are owned collectively by all Americans. These lands provide habitat for countless species, filter the water we drink, store carbon to help mitigate climate change, and offer spaces for recreation, reflection, and restoration.

Under Threat

Despite their importance, public lands are increasingly in the crosshairs of extractive industries. Logging, mining, drilling, and unchecked development continue to chip away at these ecosystems. Legislative efforts and agency actions have attempted to reduce protections, shrink national monuments, or open up roadless areas for exploitation. In some cases, state-level efforts have even tried to transfer federal public lands to private or local ownership—often a first step toward privatization.

Why It Matters in Virginia

Though we may not have sweeping deserts or towering redwoods, Virginia is home to vital public lands—like the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests—that provide clean water, carbon storage, and critical wildlife corridors. Decisions made in Washington or at federal agencies affect these lands right here at home. Pipeline projects, clearcuts, and weakened environmental review processes all threaten the health of our ecosystems and communities.

What We Can Do

This fight isn’t new—but it is urgent. The good news? We’re not powerless. Advocates, Indigenous leaders, conservationists, and local communities are rising to defend our shared spaces. At Wild Virginia, we’re pushing back against harmful projects, holding decision-makers accountable, and working to strengthen protections for forests and watersheds.

You can help. Speak out. Show up. Contact your representatives. Support organizations doing this work. And most of all, remember: these lands are yours. Their future depends on your voice.

Join Wild Virginia in the fight for Virginia’s wild places by becoming a member today during our summer fundraiser.