Sale of public lands might force business owners to shut down operations
In Taos, New Mexico, on a picturesque Wednesday, Nick Streit, a professional fishing guide and shop owner, and Whitney Potter Schwartz, embarked on a fly-fishing adventure near the Rio Grande. The duo began their day at the Bureau of Land Management's Rio Bravo Campground, where they found a path leading them to the river.
The Rio Grande, a vital body of water for Streit's fishing profession, was teeming with life. The area was buzzing with birds, flies, and bees, creating a symphony of nature that accompanied their fishing lesson.
Public land, such as the Rio Bravo Campground, plays a crucial role in Streit's work. These lands provide access to various bodies of water, essential for his fishing guide business and the thriving outdoor recreation industry in New Mexico.
The waters of New Mexico are not just significant for Streit's business but also for the local economy. Public lands attract anglers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts, contributing to the region's economic growth. However, proposals to privatize or sell off public lands pose a threat to these businesses, potentially restricting or limiting access to fishing areas.
Local coalitions, including business owners, anglers, and tribes, often support public land protections. The Antiquities Act, for instance, has been used to conserve important habitats and ensure continued access to quality fishing and hunting grounds, benefiting fishing guide businesses like Streit's.
Equipped with waterproof overalls and a long fishing rod, Streit and Potter Schwartz immersed themselves in the beauty of the Rio Grande, casting their lines in the hope of a catch. Their day served as a testament to the importance of public land access for fishing businesses like Streit's, offering them the natural resources and client access needed to thrive.
[1] https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/habitats/rivers/rio-grande/ [2] https://www.outdoorindustry.org/policy/public-lands/ [4] https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/watershed/index/
- In the realm of environmental science and business, the Antiquities Act has proven beneficial for fishing guide industries like Nick Streit's, as it conserves important habitats, ensuring continuous access to quality fishing grounds.
- The thriving outdoor recreation industry in New Mexico, which includes businesses like Streit's fishing guide service, heavily relies on public lands, such as the Rio Bravo Campground, to provide access to water bodies essential for their operations.
- Finance and industry sectors closely watch proposals to privatize or sell off public lands, as these actions could potentially limit access to fishing areas, thus affecting businesses and the overall economy of regions like New Mexico's, which heavily depends on outdoor tourism.
