Rep. Gabe Vasquez Celebrates National Public Lands Day, Encourages New Mexicans to Get Outside and Visit Fee-Free

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Saturday, September 27, is National Public Lands Day.To mark the occasion and honor the value of our public lands, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02)led a bipartisan resolution with Rep. Dina Titus (NV-01) and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) to encourage Americans to visit and celebrate our public lands on this fee-free day.

This Saturday, in honor of National Public Lands Day, all National Parks that typically charge entrance fees will be accessible free of charge. Additionally, park visitors who volunteer on National Public Lands Day will receive a free one-day pass redeemable at any national park of their choosing.

"New Mexico's public lands are irreplaceable - they drive rural economies, preserve our history, and provide us with water, wildlife and so many cherished memories and experiences for all our families," said Vasquez. "That's why I founded the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus and why I'm encouraging every New Mexican to get outside today and enjoy the beauty of everything our state has to offer on National Public Lands Day."

Members from across the United States and the political spectrum cosponsored this resolution, many of whom are members of the Bipartisan Public Lands Caucus. This includes Representatives Ansari, Holmes Norton, Cleaver, Brownley, Smith (WA), Carter, Espaillat, Suozzi, Elfreth, Case, Torres (NY), Neguse, Quigley, Watson Coleman, Horsford, Vargas, Meng, Escobar, Kim, LaLota, Hoyle, Evans (CO), Bonamici, Lawler, Fitzpatrick, Lee (NV), Krishnamoorthi, DeGette, Stanton, and Pettersen.

"Public lands are central to our national heritage," Rep. Titussaid. "They are our common ground as Americans, owned by the people and preserved for generations. They include places that represent our culture and history, are engines for rural and national economies, and are hallowed ground for tribes. It is my hope that people will take this day to visit our forests, our wild and scenic rivers, our national monuments and conservation areas. It is a day to recognize the beauty of this nation."

Rep. Vasquez's National Public Lands Day resolution was endorsed by many conservation and outdoor advocacy organizations, including: Conservation Lands Foundation; Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO); Nevada Conservation League; Sierra Club Toiyabe Chapter; National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA); Trail Access Project; Friends of Avi Kwa Ame; Friends of Sloan Canyon; Get Outdoors Nevada; The Wilderness Society; League of Conservation Voters; Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition; Native Voters Alliance NV; The Nature Conservancy; Trout Unlimited; Friends of Red Rock Canyon; Save Red Rock; Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); and Black Mountain Institute.

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