Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** National park visitors slam Burgum instead of reporting 'negative' signage
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Friday, June 27, 2025
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. Photo by Jasperdo, Flickr ([link removed])

Instead of reporting incidents of "negative" depictions of American history as requested ([link removed]) by the Trump administration, national park visitors are scanning signs' QR codes to submit hundreds of comments in support of the National Park Service.

According to ([link removed]) SFGate, the hundreds of comments that have poured in through June 16 show staunch support for better funding for national parks and increased protections for public lands.

“The National Parks, as the Department of the Interior states, belong to Americans, all Americans,” one comment reads ([link removed]) . “This means sharing the history, experiences, and stories of all the people who’ve called the United States home, even if it’s perceived as a ‘dark’ or ‘negative’ time in our history.”

Several comments focused on the lack of Indigenous history portrayed at national park sites, and many included positive stories about interactions with park rangers.

“The vast majority of public comments show what we’ve always known: people love their national parks and deeply value the dedicated staff who protect them every day,” said ([link removed]) Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association. “It’s clear this administration is completely out of step with the American people when it comes to safeguarding these treasured places and the stories they tell.”

House Republicans mobilize to block public land sales

On Thursday, five House Republicans warned ([link removed]) Speaker Mike Johnson they will vote against President Donald Trump’s budget bill if public land sales are included. The members include Montana Representative Ryan Zinke, who served as Interior secretary during Trump's first term, as well as Mike Simpson of Idaho, Dan Newhouse of Washington, Cliff Bentz of Oregon, and David Valadao of California. Opposition from five House members would be enough to sink the bill in the lower chamber.

Happy Fourth of July!

Look West will be taking a break next week. We'll be back in your inbox on Monday, July 7.


** Quick hits
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Public land sale a ‘frontal assault on tribal treaty rights’

High Country News ([link removed])

Colorado oil regulators accuse Chevron of rule violations in Weld County well ‘blowout’

Colorado Newsline ([link removed]) | Denver Post ([link removed]) | 9NEWS ([link removed])

Opinion: Tell our senators—Alaska’s public lands must be protected, not exploited or sold

Anchorage Daily News ([link removed])

Community revives iconic Colorado mountain pond, restoring water flow that was diverted by developer

Denver Post ([link removed])

California’s National Guard fire crews are operating at 40% capacity due to Trump’s deployment

Los Angeles Times ([link removed])

MAGA and the developers are coming for your public lands

High Country News ([link removed])

Zinke says he’s a ‘no’ on Senate megabill amid public land sales push

The Hill ([link removed])

Colorado River states see possible breakthrough as deadline looms

E&E News ([link removed]) | The Hill ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” Rangers, have a lovely day. You are appreciated.”

—Anonymous comment submitted to the Interior department in lieu of reporting "negative" history, SFGate ([link removed])


** Picture This
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@yellowstonenps ([link removed])
"I'm a mommy."
"... Mommy? Mamacita?"
"No, I'm a mommy."
"A mom of what? A dog?"

One elk calf, actually. 💁‍♀️ Cow (female) elk might appear very docile and sweet with their babies, but don't let that fool you! Cow elk are much more aggressive toward people during calving season and may run toward you or kick, even if unprovoked. If you are hoping to watch elk during your upcoming visit, stay alert and give them space. It's your responsibility to maintain a safe viewing distance of at least 25 yards (23 meters), or the length of two full-sized buses, from these protective mamas!

Photos: A cow elk with her newborn calf in Mammoth Hot Springs.

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