BHA pledges to work with the new Secretary to safeguard America’s public lands and waters
Washington, D.C. – Following a strong bipartisan vote of 79-18 on the Senate floor last week, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has been confirmed as Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers President and CEO Patrick Berry offered the following statement in response:
“Our nation’s public lands and waters managed by the Department of the Interior provide invaluable access and opportunity for millions of hunters and anglers, and critical habitat for countless wildlife species. We are committed to working with Secretary Burgum to ensure these resources are conserved and managed responsibly for generations to come.
Secretary Burgum has expressed admiration for former President Theodore Roosevelt, an avid sportsman and conservationist whose legacy laid the foundation for America’s public lands system. During his tenure, Roosevelt expanded federal public lands nearly five-fold including the establishment of 150 national forests, the first 18 national monuments, and 55 bird reservations and game preserves which became the foundation of our national wildlife refuge system.
As Secretary Burgum seeks to balance energy development with outdoor recreation and conservation of our public lands, we encourage him to embody the ethos championed by Roosevelt. In that spirit, BHA stands ready to engage thoughtfully and collaboratively to uphold our public lands legacy.”
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. To learn more about issues important to BHA’s membership, and to become a member today, visit www.backcountryhunters.org/our_issues.
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