Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

I have a message regarding our state’s precious natural landscape, as someone who appreciates the outdoors, our parks and vast national resources in the tradition of former President Teddy Roosevelt. Our federal lands provide enormous economic and recreational opportunity for our local communities.

For example, outdoor recreation generates approximately $85 billion in annual consumer spending in California, supports 730,000 jobs, and provides an estimated $6.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. Preserving these natural treasures not only makes sense for the enjoyment of the millions that utilize them every year, but also to the economics of our state. 

Recently, Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke submitted his recommendations to President Trump regarding a review of several national monument boundaries in California. These monuments include Sequoia National Forest, Mojave Trails, Carrizo Plain, San Gabriel Mountains and the Siskiyou’s just to name a few.

I urge President Trump to support our national monuments  not only because of economic value, but also the rich natural resources these lands provide for all of us.

David Cushman

Manteca