On Being Thankful…
Being thankful, quite simply, just makes you feel good all over. So, with Thanksgiving Day just around the corner, let’s talk about that for a bit…
Across the great State of Wyoming, another calendar year is winding down. Fall colors have shined in all their multi-hued glory. Snowpack is building in the high country Water Towers. Elk, deer and pronghorn are migrating to their winter ranges. Grizzly and black bears are climbing into their dens to hibernate for the long, cold winter.
Fall colors shine brightly as annual snowpack starts building in the high country.
Hunting seasons are nearing their respective closing dates. Ski areas are grooming their slopes for opening day. Holiday festivities are being planned. Travel to see friends and family on Thanksgiving Day is well under way. Christmas music is flowing across the radio waves. And some folks are already making plans for celebrating New Year’s Eve.
Pause and Reflect…
Now is as good a time as any to pause and reflect on the last 11 months. And I submit to you that part of your reflection, as an American citizen, whether living in Wyoming or one of our other great States, should (must) include being thankful for your public lands. Not only the vast array of public lands across Wyoming, but throughout our great nation, from sea to shining sea.
From wildlife refuges to national parks; from national forests and grasslands to wilderness study areas, YOUR public lands are a true national treasure. Very few countries in the world are as fortunate as we are. Because of that, OUR public lands heritage is the envy of most every nation across the globe.
Francs Peak, Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming. Highest point in the Absaroka Mountains.
Your public lands come in all shapes and sizes. Each has its own uniqueness, not only in terms of its naturalness, but its socio-economic and political fabric. Sure, there is controversy on their management. There always has been. And there always will be. But through collaborative efforts, with representation from all sides, we have learned there is a middle ground to that controversial management. It’s not an easy process but things worth having are not easy to achieve, and certainly not easy to maintain.
Engage…
If you are engaged in public lands management, continue to do so. If you are not engaged, consider getting involved. After all, you are part owner. That alone should be enough incentive to carve some time out of your busy schedule and let your voice be heard. What you have to say is important; vitally so.
Be safe as the calendar year comes to a close, no matter your holiday plans. And if your plans allow, enjoy some time on lands for which you are part owner. You will quickly realize you are richer than you think.
“Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.” ~ Marcus Aurelius
Cheers my fellow citizens.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Merry Christmas!!
Happy New Year!!!