Op-Ed Columns

Op-Ed | Preserving America’s Best Idea: National Parks In The Fight For Democracy

National parks have been an aspirational best idea of the American people. The parks may not be absolutely democratic, but their history has evolved toward a better reflection of the nation’s people.

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By Thomas S. Bremer - May 27th, 2025

Op-Ed | Secretary Burgum's Acting Irresponsibly

National Parks are a beautiful reflection of our country’s magnificent national and cultural heritage.

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By Michael Soukup - May 11th, 2025

Op-Ed | Unleashing Sustainable Potential To Protect Our Resources

While it’s important to inventory the stable resources within our country’s borders, we need to take a step back and explore sustainable options before causing irreversible harm to the ones we have.

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By Jenna Itwaru - May 5th, 2025

Op-Ed | National Parks Need More Than Love Right Now—They Need Lasting Investment

America’s national parks are at a crossroads. Our national parks are aging, underfunded, and increasingly at risk. Love alone won’t save them.

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By Christine Lehnertz & Cassius Cash - April 21st, 2025

Op-Ed | National Park Service Veterans Lament State Of Agency, Parks

Two long-tenured National Park Service veterans say the Trump administration should be called out for the damage it is doing to the Park Service and its employees and for its disregard to the U.S. Constitution and the United States' long history as a melting pot of cultures.

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April 13th, 2025

Op-Ed | In The National Park Service, No Deep State, Only Deep Concern For The Future Of America’s Best Idea

Firing federal employees without regard for the importance of their work or the consequence of their loss is not smart - or justified.

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By Sheridan Steele - March 25th, 2025

Op-Ed | Former Ranger Says Be Afraid For ALL Public Lands

As a former national park ranger, the recent mass mobilization in support of our national parks has left me scared, but not for the reasons you might think.

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By Adam Auerbach - March 19th, 2025

Op-Ed | Wilderness Medicine Is Essential Amid National Park Ranger Cuts

The wilderness is unpredictable, but the right knowledge and preparation can turn an emergency into a manageable situation. With fewer rangers trained as first responders on the trails, the best person to help might just be you.

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By Sarah Grassel - March 16th, 2025

Op-Ed |Revitalizing Black, Historical Narratives In National Parks Takes Courage & Strategic Collaboration

America’s history is as complex as it is beautiful—a kaleidoscope of triumphs, trials, terrors and truths. Yet, for far too long, our national storytelling has left out critical threads, particularly those woven by Black Americans, whose stories of resilience, ingenuity, and struggle are integral to the fabric of this nation.

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By Chrystal Morris Murphy - February 3rd, 2025

Op-Ed | Trump’s Assault On Alaskan Wildlands

One of the first Executive Orders from the Trump Whitehouse is to reverse environmental protections for federal lands in Alaska and hasten, expand, and encourage resource development.

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By George Wuerthner - January 28th, 2025

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Op-Ed Columns

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