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


** Trump's war on science and history spreads to 17 more parks
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Tuesday, January 27, 2026
An interpretive sign about Indigenous history at Grand Canyon National Park, Wikimedia Commons ([link removed])

The Trump administration has ordered signs about science and history removed from at least 18 national park units, according to documents reviewed by the Washington Post ([link removed]) . The latest reporting follows the removal of an interpretive display about the enslaved members of President George Washington's household ([link removed]) at the President's House in Philadelphia.

At the Grand Canyon, the Post reports that park staff removed text that explained how the American government "pushed tribes off their land" to establish the park, and that settlers "exploited land for mining and grazing."

At Glacier National Park, the Trump administration flagged a gift shop sign that said "Climate Change Affects National Parks and the Treasures They Protect." The administration also ordered a video that referred to the disappearance of glaciers be removed or changed.

At Big Bend National Park, nearly 20 signs were flagged for changes or removal, many dealing with seemingly uncontroversial scientific topics—but some of the displays included Spanish-language translations, and others discussed cooperating with Mexico on preservation efforts.

Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of government affairs at the National Parks Conservation Association, told the Post ([link removed]) that park staff were acting on administration orders. “We are capable of hearing about our tragedies and our victories, and this systematic erasure should concern everyone in our country,” she said.

Wyoming lawmaker's land grab hits instant pushback

A Wyoming state legislator from Cheyenne has introduced a bill ([link removed]) that would sell off up to 200,000 acres of state land at $1 an acre in the name of affordable housing. But Rep. Jacob Wasserburger admits he doesn't know how much land ([link removed]) would actually qualify for the sell-off. Cowboy State Daily noted that an initial review of state data shows Wyoming might not even have enough eligible land ([link removed]) that fits the bill's conditions. Former Wyoming House speaker Tom Lubnau quickly called the bill ([link removed]) "one of the worst land ideas Wyoming has seen since someone thought selling mineral rights for lunch
money was a good idea."


** Quick hits
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Reporter memo: Abusing the Congressional Review Act is a seismic shift in public land management

Center for Western Priorities ([link removed])

Former NPS director on the 'biggest tragedy' of Trump's gutting of America's national parks

Inside Climate News ([link removed])

Poll: Montanans and Idahoans oppose Trump's BLM pick

States Newsroom ([link removed])

Lower oil and gas leasing rates don't move the needle in Nevada

Nevada Current ([link removed])

Study: Allowing wildfires to burn can help forests return to historic conditions

Mountain West News Bureau ([link removed])

Editorial: Public lands should remain in public hands

Lewiston Tribune ([link removed])

Poacher kills 'rising star' wolf from Yellowstone's most-viewed pack

SFGate ([link removed])

Yellowstone scientists monitor Chicago-sized bulge along volcano's north rim

Cowboy State Daily ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” Welcome to the party. Welcome to what we (Natives) have been experiencing since our ‘discovery’ by Western Europeans. This is a systematic way of trying to negate our relationship with the land, our mutual ownership of the land, our understanding of our own history.”

—Former National Park Service director Charles F. Sams III, Inside Climate News ([link removed])


** Picture This
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@mypubliclands ([link removed])
Get ready for one of the most thrilling events of the year! 🎉 Mark your calendar for the Iditarod Ceremonial Start in Alaska on March 7, 2026!

Every year, mushers and their dog teams kick off the Iditarod with an 11-mile journey from downtown Anchorage to BLM’s Campbell Tract. 🐾

This year's festivities are extra special as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday! Expect a day filled with fun activities, community spirit and plenty of chances to cheer on your favorite mushers and their furry companions. 🐶

📸 Bob Wick

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