ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on National Public Lands Day:  

“Our public lands hold our shared identity – they are where we gather, hunt, hike, fish, and mountain bike. These lands hold our collective history and are the anvil on which our nation’s character was forged.  

“Some of my best memories – whether they are gathering around a campfire or hiking trails with family and friends, are because of public lands. I, and so many others, wouldn’t be who we are without our national treasures.  

“Just a few months ago, we built a broad coalition of Americans, from Democrats to Republicans to conservationists to hunters, to defeat Donald Trump and Mike Lee’s effort to sell our public lands to the highest bidder. Their plan would have put our lands—and our shared identity—behind a ‘do not trespass’ sign. But we know that fight was only the beginning. Mike Lee has said so himself. 

“On this National Public Lands Day, get out and enjoy our national treasures that we fought so hard to protect. And then share that story and use your voice to continue the fight to keep our public lands in public hands.”