#protectpubliclands

Something has been weighing heavily on my heart and I wanted to share this with you guys. Our public lands are being compromised. They are being leased to oil companies and exploited no matter the damage. This is a huge problem for many more reasons than I could possibly explain in a single Instagram post. Every picture you see here is from our national parks and surrounding areas, our public land. My family and I had the fortune of exploring 8 national parks last year alone. Pictured here are shots from the Grand Canyon, Redwoods, Dinosaur National Monument, Big Sur, Joshua Tree, El Morro, and Chaco Canyon. These land inspired us. They also instilled in us a fervent desire to protect them.

Why is protecting the land important? Let's start with Chaco Canyon for example, the last photo. Chaco Canyon is a national dark skies park. This means the area is so remote that you can see the stars perfectly. If you have ever been, you know just how magical it is. This park is EXTREMELY remote. As a matter of fact, getting there was very interesting, but that is a story for another day. There are many nocturnal species that greatly benefit from and thrive in this dark environment, without light pollution from a nearby city. Currently, we have leased land around the Canyon to oil companies. What does that equal? Oil rigs...toxic sludge, and light pollution....among other issues.These places are truly sacred, not only to the indigenous trubes who ancestors once inhabited them, but to the American people who can experience the magic of untouched land too. At what point is enough enough? At what point do we say that compromising these beautiful sights isn't worth the quick buck? I can tell you right now, these untouched lands are priceless.

@patagonia recently posted a deeply moving film about our public lands. I encourage you to watch it and take a stand with us. For the remainder of the year, we will be donating 2% of our profits to a non profit dedicated to protecting public land. If you have a been with us for a while, you know that we usually donate a portion of our proceeds from our events to environmental causes. We have no events this year, but we want to do what we can to fight this. We have donated to many environmental/conservation causes like @southernappalachianhiglands to name one and many others like it. Friends, I ask you: look into this, and spread the word. Do what you can to help us protect these beautiful places so many generations to come can enjoy them like we have. ✌

Watch the film:

https://www.patagonia.com/films/public-trust/

Donate:

https://secure.everyaction.com/HrIPH5WehU2K4wyVu3AuLA2