EDITION 16 - JUNE 26, 2025
This week’s news brief addresses the current and timely issue we are facing with the proposed sale of public lands. Chris Van Leuven will be back with Yosemite News next week!
A Note from YCA President and Founder
Hello YCA Community,
During my 54 years as a climber, I have seen many milestones achieved that were previously considered impossible and nothing more than a pipe dream. Each generation builds upon the accomplishments of the previous one. As skills improve, modern climbers are able to push their own limits on bolder objectives, finding the same adventure that the early pioneers did. Climbing may appear to be a useless activity, but it has many benefits. It will keep you fit. The outdoors are good for mental wellbeing. It develops trust and lifelong friendship among partners. I believe the most important benefit is that it teaches an individual that all things on this Earth are connected and it is humbling.
While the recent proposal to sell off up to 3.3 million acres of public lands was blocked by the Senate Parliamentarian, Senator Mike Lee has revised his proposal with a plan to require the sale of up to 1.2 million acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land.
These are lands that are used for all recreation, not just climbing. These are lands that belong to future generations. This is unacceptable. Once these lands are sold off, they will be lost forever.
More than a half million letters were submitted to members of Congress over the last two weeks. The outpouring of support for public lands has been truly inspiring to see, but we must stay vigilant. Public lands are still at risk.
If the proposed public lands are eliminated, it will put a huge burden on our national parks. The National Park Service has operated short-staffed for years and are threatened with even more cuts. They are tasked with protecting our national parks and educating park visitors. Elimination of public lands will increase attendance at national parks at an unsustainable rate with little or no oversight, harming these amazing natural wonders.
We must continue to write and call our Congressman and Senators, before it is too late. Let them know this is not acceptable and that these lands belong to us. This is important for all people that enjoy the outdoors, not just climbers. Please tell a friend. We need to act now.
Thank you,
Ken Yager, YCA President and Founder
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