From the forests that provide clean drinking water to the wild places we hike, fish, and explore, millions of acres of public lands across the country are managed by federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. But understanding how decisions get made, and how to influence them, can feel overwhelming.
This training is designed to change that. Join us for Intro to Public Lands Defense, a beginner-friendly workshop where we’ll break down how public lands management works, including key laws like the National Environmental Policy Act, and show you how to effectively engage in decision-making processes that shape the future of our forests.
We’ll also dive into what’s at stake right now: the potential rollback of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a landmark policy that protects tens of millions of acres of undeveloped national forest lands from roadbuilding and logging. Adopted in 2001 after one of the largest public engagement efforts in U.S. history, the Roadless Rule safeguards some of the most ecologically important and intact forests in the country. Now, that protection is at risk.
At this event, you’ll learn:
- How different public lands agencies operate and make decisions
- What happens during public comment periods, and why they matter
- How to write effective public comments that get noticed
- How to prepare testimony for upcoming Roadless Rule Town Halls near you
- What’s at stake in the fight to defend our Roadless forests
- Whether you’re brand new to advocacy or looking to deepen your impact, this training will give you the tools and confidence to speak up for the places you love.
