Letter: The death knell for public lands

On October 24, 2025, in defiance of the Wilderness Act passed in 1964 by a large bipartisan majority of both the Senate and House, President Trump opened the Arctic and Izembek National Wildlife Refuges to oil and gas leasing and drilling and to the construction of a commercial road through the Refuges.

This action gravely threatens the land, the wildlife, and the communities who call these places home.

Our public lands and waters are being exploited to benefit corporate polluters and billionaires in the fossil fuel industry who support this administration.

What is at stake is far greater than one oil well company or one road through one refuge. This decision signals that no place in any of our Public Lands is protected from exploitation. The National Park System, the National Wildlife
Refuge System, and the National Forest System are no longer safe from future development, even when they have
the highest level of lawful protection.

The demise of our Public Lands is taking place under the eyes of the Republican-led Congress that chooses to do or say nothing, despite overwhelming support for Public Lands by the American people. It is a sad day for Public Lands and all who understand their true value.

Speak up for Public Lands.

Believe you can make a difference.

Nancy Gehlhausen
Oakland City