If you’re a fan of Common Roots beers, then you likely appreciate the beautiful labels that are designed for each one. The art found on these labels (thank you, Jess Mead!) is meant to reflect our ethos as a company, our love for the outdoors and the amazing resources we have in our area for recreation. Autumn in our region is a special time of year and can have a different meaning for each of us.
I have some good friends that especially look to the fall for the start of the hunting season. A time to get equipment and the camp ready for the annual deer hunt. For others, it’s a time for less crowds, hiking and biking during the cooler days and enjoying the fall colors. While I especially enjoy the latter, I also really look forward to getting back on the trout streams and enjoying some post outdoor activity beers during this magical time of year!
No matter your personal interest or sport, getting outdoors and enjoying our public lands and parks is a tradition that is as American as apple pie.
Those of us that love our wild lands and National Parks are thankful for the foresight that past Presidents and environmental groups had to preserve these special places for future generations. Our National Parks and Public Lands are uniquely part of our American experience and an idea that used to be bipartisan and seldom controversial. We may have had differences over grazing, water and other uses but we all agreed that access to public lands for fishing, hunting and recreation was an American right and one that needs protection. These lands belong to all of us and should remain that way for future generations.
If you’ve been paying attention, the current occupant in the Whitehouse has a different idea. Here is what Trump and the Republicans are proposing:
- Redirect nearly $400 million in funding promised to the Land and Water Conservation Fund
- Gut scientific research, including programs at the EPA, NOAA, and the US Forest Service
- Reduce the National Park Service’s operating budget by nearly one-third
- Eliminate AmeriCorps programs that respond to disasters, educate youth, maintain trails, and more
- Withhold funding for local trail and park projects and initiatives
- Allow destructive mining practice on formerly protected and sensitive lands
What can WE do?
- Support organizations that lead the fight to protect Public Lands like the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, League of Conservation Voters or your favorite environmental organization that is advocating to protect our public lands.
- Call your local representative and elect new representatives this fall that support preserving our national treasures and not sell them to the highest bidder.
As we’ve seen, elections have consequences and we need to get involved this fall! Once they are gone…they are gone forever.
Cheers to a beautiful autumn for all of us!
Bert
