America Grows Its Nation of Stewards

Americans love their public lands. 

We travel long distances to camp, fish, and hike on public lands. Americans build their livelihoods and family traditions on them. Many of these activities happen on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the nation’s largest federal land manager, which is responsible for one in every ten acres in the United States. These places are not only beautiful; they are hardworking, feeding and powering America while sustaining wildlife, supporting local economies, and providing access to the outdoors. 

For years, responsibility for the forever management of public lands (and the costs) has been seen as the domain of federal agencies and policymakers in Washington, D.C. That view is starting to change. As we enter the second half of the 2020s, more Americans will recognize that caring for public lands doesn’t begin and end with federal agencies. We all have a role to play in stewarding America’s public lands. 

As we enter the second half of the 2020s, more Americans will recognize that caring for public lands doesn’t begin and end with federal agencies.

Across the country, rural residents, Indigenous Nations, outdoor enthusiasts, ranchers, conservationists, and dedicated volunteers have invested in the ongoing stewardship of our public lands. This sense of shared responsibility will only grow in the coming years as federal budgets remain constrained, and communities and the industries that rely on healthy public lands to feed and power America come together as partners to care for these places. These leaders bring practical, often decades-long knowledge to address invasive species, reduce wildfire risk, improve recreation access, and care for working lands that support food production, energy development, wildlife habitat, and outdoor experiences.  

2026 is the year we embrace greater “give and take” and broaden the view of who is responsible for investing in stewardship. The single greatest resource to support stewardship is the American people and those who deeply depend on our public lands. We have an opportunity to invite them in as volunteers, decision-makers, and direct investors in the future of our public lands. 

Let's invite more Americans out of their offices and into the dirt. Our public lands need our help. When people connect to their public lands, they understand what it takes to be responsible for them. If more Americans see themselves as stewards, not just visitors, we can set the biggest table possible to secure a strong future for wildlife and local economies and ensure that generations to come have access to healthy public lands and waters.