Local residents turned out Friday morning in different locations around Montezuma County to show support for public lands. Some 50 to 60 people held signs showing hearts and the words “Public Lands” at the entrance to the Dolores Public Lands Office. A similar number came to the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center at the same time, while another 100 or so stood in the plaza outside the Mesa Verde Visitor Center. Later, more than 100 people convened at the intersection of highways 160 and 184 in Mancos, waving their signs at passing traffic and often receiving supportive honks. The Trump administration’s firing of numerous employees with the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management has raised concerns about the future of public lands. One of the people at the rally in Mancos, Mary Akin, told KSJD she worries that the administration is thinking of selling off federal lands. She said, “My nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews need to be able to enjoy the public lands.” Another rally-goer, Kate Brown, told KSJD she is passionate about public lands not only for the economic benefits they bring, but because they provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and habitat for wildlife. She said the rally gave her a peaceful way to show her feelings.
