I could not be more thrilled that Governor Nixon is using his remaining days in office to protect our state’s landscapes (Re: “Lawmakers voice concerns about new state parks”). I think it is a true mark of leadership to protect our special lands for the current generation and the generations that follow. With these new additions to our park system, from the Ozarks to Bryant Creek, Missourians today and tomorrow will have the opportunity to enjoy the splendor of our state’s natural beauty. We should be thanking our outgoing Governor, not criticizing him, for his foresight to protect these lands. It’s true that there is a cost to protecting these lands but the benefits for our people and our environment outweigh them.
I hope that our President will follow Governor Nixon’s lead and take strong action protect more public lands before the clock runs out. One place in particular, the Grand Canyon, should be at the top of his list. Whether it’s a bucket list item or a fine family memory, the Grand Canyon is an American icon. Not only that, it’s one of the natural wonders of the world!
The outskirts of the National Park are currently threatened by mining and logging. To protect this beloved landscape and its accessibility for all Americans, the President needs to act. He should declare the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument and protect the canyon’s watershed before it’s too late. As Governor Nixon has shown, there’s still time to take initiative for our people and our environment. Despite the criticism Nixon has faced, I hope President Obama will be next in line to conserve land to the benefit of the American people!
Erin Goodyear
St. Louis, MO
