Protect Our Public Lands and Wildlife

Subject: Please Co-Sponsor H.R. 2807, America's Wildlife Heritage Act

Dear Representative [Last Name],

As a constituent and someone who cares about the future of America's public lands, I urge you to cosponsor America's Wildlife Heritage Act (H.R. 2807). This bill will help restore balance between resource development and wildlife conservation, so our public lands can provide benefits for generations to come.

[Your personalized comments will be added here.]

For more than 100 years, America's federal lands have helped shape our culture, economy and natural environment. They provide us with clean water, clean air, places to play and a number of other goods and services that enrich our lives every day.

Two agencies, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), manage the lands in their care for multiple uses -- including timber, energy and mineral development, livestock grazing, fish and wildlife resource protection, healthy ecosystems and recreational opportunities.

Unfortunately -- because these agencies don't have the tools or the mandate to adequately track wildlife, healthy habitat, outdoor recreation, or clean and plentiful water supplies -- these uses have been overlooked for far too long.

The good news is that Representatives Ron Kind (WI-D) and Walter Jones (NC-R) have introduced the America's Wildlife Heritage Act (H.R. 2807), which will provide a common sense, science-based solution to restore balance on these public lands. Specifically, the bill will:

* Establish wildlife management and planning standards for both the Forest Service and BLM;

* Outline monitoring programs for fish and wildlife, so land managers have the information they need to maintain healthy populations; and

* Require coordination of wildlife management with other federal and state agencies.

These agencies not only manage 449 million acres of magnificent landscapes and diverse ecosystems -- which support an incredible array of fish, wildlife and plants -- they also help provide incredible benefits to all Americans. For example, about 60 million people, in 3,400 towns and cities across the country, depend on National Forest watersheds for their public water supplies.

Federal lands provide unparalleled opportunities to camp, hike, kayak and canoe, hunt, fish and view wildlife. These activities contribute $730 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

America's Wildlife Heritage Act would allow the Forest Service and BLM to manage resources -- like timber, grazing land and energy from sources like natural gas, sun and wind -- in a well-planned and sustainable manner. Improving the management and oversight of our country's natural resources will provide jobs, protect fish and wildlife habitat, keep vital water sources clean and extend the incredible recreational opportunities for generations.

For all these reasons, I urge you to cosponsor the America's Wildlife Heritage Act (H.R. 2807).

Thank you for considering my comments. I look forward to your reply.