Protecting the Places Where We Play

Across the country this summer, outdoor recreationists and other advocates for public lands are taking part in the #LiveMonumental campaign to protect five special places that epitomize our shared natural heritage—Gold Butte in Nevada, Boulder-White Clouds in Idaho, the Owyhee Canyonlands in Oregon, Mojave Trails in California, and the Birthplace of Rivers in West Virginia. Your participation can help us ensure that future generations will be able to hike, camp, hunt, fish, paddle, bike, climb, and more in these five spectacular wildlands in the decades to come.

What does it mean to #LiveMonumental?

Taking a moment to appreciate the great American outdoors and the amazing opportunities we have to view natural wonders, celebrate our nation’s history, and pursue all kinds of recreational activities. Public lands are our common ground, valued by Americans from all walks of life.

Getting outside, embarking on an adventure, and sharing that experience with family and friends.

Speaking up! The U. S. outdoor industry generates $646 billion in consumer spending each year from recreation on public lands. This summer we’ll see businesses advocating for places their customers and employees cherish—and the places where they spend their time and money.

Taking a stand, and joining thousands of people calling for the protection of places where we play. Spending one minute signing and sharing a petition, or a couple of hours at a local event, makes a far greater difference than you might imagine. Already this year, public lands advocates have achieved national monument protection for places such as Berryessa Snow Mountain in California, Basin and Range in Nevada, and Browns Canyon in Colorado.

The #LiveMonumental campaign aims to create lasting change by collecting over 100,000 signatures in support of safeguarding these five distinctive places and delivering the petition where it matters the most—to decision-makers in Washington, DC.

We hope you will join us in living monumental this summer by advocating to protect these five special places and signing the petition at an event near you.

Participate through September as the campaign travels from the West Coast to Washington, with events on many stops along the way. Follow the hashtag #LiveMonumental to learn more.

Gold Butte, Nevada

The Pew Charitable Trusts

Advocates have long sought permanent protection for Nevada’s portion of the Grand Canyon, a place to view ancient rock art and soak up the Mojave Desert sun.

Boulder-White Clouds, Idaho—PROTECTED!

The Pew Charitable Trusts

More than 150 mountains topping 10,000 feet and the headwaters of four major river systems make Boulder-White Clouds a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts. UPDATE: On Aug. 4, legislation to protect Boulder-White Clouds passed Congress. On Aug 7, President Obama signed the bill into law. Let's celebrate our nation's newest wilderness!

Owyhee Canyonlands, Oregon

Jeremy Fox/ONDA

A rugged landscape of sheer-walled canyons, red rock spires, rolling sagebrush plateaus, and juniper-covered mountains yields unforgettable hunting, hiking, rafting, fishing, and camping excursions.

Mojave Trails, California

John Dittli/John Dittli Photography

The lands connecting Joshua Tree National Park and the Mojave National Preserve include California’s portion of historic Route 66 and over 900,000 acres of desert ripe for exploration.

Birthplace of Rivers, West Virginia

Mike Costello/Birthplace of Rivers National Monument Coalition

Six rivers form the heart of this premiere eastern destination in the Monongahela National Forest, a pristine spot for wildlife viewing, fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, camping, and cross-country skiing.