By Forrest McCarthy, Public Lands Director
In much the same way we look at indicator species as hallmarks of critical habitat protecton, Nordic and backcountry skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing can be seen as climate change “indicator activities” because we, as outdoor winter enthusiasts, are some of the first to experience the impacts of climate change on our public lands. To mobilize outdoor enthusiasts around better public policy regarding climate change and its impacts on public lands, Winter Wildlands Alliance has taken the lead within the Outdoor Alliance, a coalition representing climbers, hikers, paddlers, mountain bikers, backcountry skiers and snowshoers, in support of climate change legislation. In February WWA Public Lands Director Forrest McCarthy testified
before the US House Sub-Committee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands to express the outdoor community’s support of climate change legislation and to provide specific recommendations. Additionally, WWA submitted written testimony on behalf of the Outdoor
Alliance to several other Congressional hearings on climate change and met with Congressional staffers regarding climate legislation. In addition to advocating for comprehensive climate change legislation that caps carbon emissions and invests in clean renewable energy, WWA and Outdoor Alliance have utilized our unique perspective to make specific recommendations including:
1. A strong “adaptation policy” where the government helps our public lands and waters and the plants and animals they support to cope with a changing climate through progressive landconservation measures. Protecting landscapes and ecosystems also provides Americans the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
2. Consideration of both wildlife and recreation interests whendeveloping renewable energy on our public lands.
3. Protecting and reinvesting in open spaces to provide refuge forwildlife, establish natural “carbon sinks” where forests absorb and store millions of tons of carbon, and preserve opportunities for current and future generations to stay connected to the natural
world.
WWA and our members have a lot at stake in climate change and its associated legislation. It is critical that we stay informed, involved, and active in the coming months. Look for action alerts with details about when to contact your representatives in Congress to express your support for Climate Change Legislation that will stabilize our climate and protect our public lands.
