I grew up in Michigan where public lands played an equal if not more important role in my childhood, and especially in my young adult life, when I lived and worked in the wilds of northern Michigan. The west is blessed with abundant public lands - the kind that you don't have to fight for a reservation to use. However, as the author eludes, the people "back east" need this escape the most; to the point that they'll leave their friends and family to seek it out. All I'm saying is that it is there for you, as long as you are represented (by out DC folks) and that we, as a country, leave some land protected. If you don't find it in your neck of the woods, we're fighting to hold it down here in Montana.
Who can share a story of how public lands were important to them?
After spending last week in Jalama beach, and making the drive to and from the camp site to Goleta (the town, about an hour away) i realized how much I missed living not surrounded by people. I miss open space and nature so much. I'll post more tonight. I have a bunch of amazing pictures and adventures to share with you guys.
Of course, those in CA also need that escape. You have also been blessed with some amazing public lands, even if you have to share with the other 50M residents. You should check out the Lost Coast, which is perhaps some of the wildest country left in CA. You should walk the 26 mile wilderness coastline, but could also just set up camp in one of several campgrounds. Bring your bike too, for miles of ocean view riding. More info: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/arcata/kingrange/index.html
My father was an avid hunter, he hunted on both and private lands, but my trips with him made me keenly aware of the value of our public lands. A private entity cannot sustain the balance of vision that preservation of large swaths of land requires. I agree with the sentiment that these places can have a profound and positive influence on people that visit them. Also, hunters are some of the best protectors of them, and often those that understand them the best.
It was through hunting and fishing that I first took the time to sit and observe nature. For me it was fascinating, but also really therapeutic to have nothing to do but look for animals or wet the line - just slow down and be patient (patience is not something I'm known for). We need more sportsmen to support conservation measures on public lands today. Too many hunters never leave their ATVs and access to public lands is now being defined by laziness. The incessant need for "access" is degrading public lands hunting opportunities. The expansion of roads fragments habitat and disturbs animal migration, which is having profound impacts on wildlife and the primitive recreation experience. Support Backcountry Hunters and Anglers to preserve the sprit of true outdoors sportsmanship. More info: http://www.backcountryhunters.org/