# Public lands need protection across America

> As midterm elections approach, voters should demand candidates commit to safeguarding public lands that unite Americans across political divides.
- Title: Public lands need protection across America · TIME | Shortify
- Summary: As midterm elections approach, voters should demand candidates commit to safeguarding public lands that unite Americans across political divides. Public…
- Keywords: public lands, bears ears national monument, midterm elections, environmental protection, outdoor recreation, yosemite national park, Public, lands, need, protection, across, America
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/article/2026/10/14/access-to-public-lands-should-unite-all-americans
- Author: Mary Beth Laughton
- Published: 2026-10-14T17:00:26.342+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: public lands, bears ears national monument, midterm elections, environmental protection, outdoor recreation, yosemite national park
## Public lands unite Americans
Experiencing wild and natural spaces is part of what it means to be American. Our shared connection to nature crosses geography, generations, and political beliefs.
## Outdoor access improves wellbeing
At a time of growing loneliness, division, and stress, being outside can improve physical and mental wellbeing, strengthen community, and reconnect us with one another.
## Bears Ears monument drastically reduced
A presidential proclamation issued this summer reduced Bears Ears National Monument in Utah from roughly one point three six million acres to about one hundred thirty-one thousand, removing protections from more than ninety percent of…
## Threats spreading across the country
Congress rolled back protections for the Boundary Waters, opening the door to mining in its headwaters. The Trump Administration is also considering transferring a parcel of Yosemite National Park to a private developer.
## Outdoor recreation drives economy
Outdoor recreation generates one point three trillion dollars in economic output and supports five point two million American jobs. Communities and businesses across the country depend on forests, rivers, trails, parks, and open spaces.
## Voters must demand protection
As candidates ask for votes this November, voters should ask where they stand on public lands. Once public lands are permanently altered, fragmented, or developed, there is no going back.

> Once public lands are permanently altered, fragmented, or developed, there's no going back.
## Key takeaway

Public lands face threats from government decisions that reduce protections; voters should ask midterm candidates how they will protect these spaces that benefit health, economy, and national unity.