Celebrating Public Lands Month with Those Who Use Them Well

This month, we are celebrating the beauty and wonder of our Public Lands, and the countless individuals who cherish and protect these precious natural treasures. We all have our unique journeys in building personal relationships with these natural wonders, and we are honored to have our products be a part of those journeys.

In this CELEBRATING PUBLIC LANDS MONTH feature, we delve into the stories of our MYSTERY RANCH Brand Ambassadors and their personal journeys to connect with and protect our Public Lands, shedding light on what these landscapes mean to them as well as how you can get involved in the protection of them for generations to come.

Randy Newberg

MYSTERY RANCH Hunt Ambassador

Residing in: Montana

In one word; freedom. Freedom to explore. Freedom to have a place to hunt and fish. Freedom to do things most people could only dream of.

How do you plan to celebrate National Public Lands Day?

It is elk season. I will be out on the Public Lands, bow in hand, chasing elk.

How do you advocate for the outdoors and public spaces in your community?

Advocacy for Public Lands and access is part of our mission. It is in all our content; it is why we come to work each day. We do that by producing content across many media platforms that bring awareness to our audience and gives them manners to be effective advocates.

We also use the size of our platforms, and the respect elected leaders have for our audience to engage directly with elected leaders on public land and access issues.

How can we unify around Public Land access?

First, we need to ignore any differences we have, as those differences are usually minimal. Then we need to find the many common goals we share and combine our voices when asking elected leaders to make those common goals a higher priority.

What do you hope for the future of our Public Lands?

Without public lands, I wouldn’t be a hunter or a conservationist. My youth was spent hunting, fishing, and finding solace in the wild, helping me navigate life’s challenges. I wish for the enduring existence of these lands and hope all Americans will cherish them. Engaging with these lands through recreation is key to understanding their value. America’s Public Land experiment is unparalleled, and it’s our duty to ensure its continuity.

How can individuals support local Public Land protection?

It might sound basic, but the truth endures: engage. Connecting with relevant groups and individuals keeps you informed. Numerous state organizations are dedicated to this cause, so join, subscribe, and act. Decisions hinge on active participation. Show up ready and resolute, making a difference.

Learn more about Randy, here.

Sam Soholt

MYSTERY RANCH Hunt Ambassador

Residing in: North Dakota

Favorite Public Land Space: Badlands

Public Lands are an opportunity for all. Regardless of the Public Land user group you are part of, it is common ground that we can all use, explore, recreate, and connect on.

How do you plan to celebrate National Public Lands Day?

Often, I spend Public Lands Day in the woods somewhere on national forest or other managed lands in pursuit of elk or deer.

How do you advocate for the outdoors and public spaces in your community?

I try to do my best to educate people about the importance of protecting public lands, as well as raise as much money as possible to fund that protection. Through Public Land Tees and other initiatives, my brother and I that own PLT’s have been able to put a substantial amount of money back into projects that mean more access and better habitat for everyone.

How can we unify around Public Land access?

It should be a no-brainer to collectively protect public lands. If we can all better understand the framework and what it takes to keep them in public hands, we’ll continue to have wild places for future generations. It only takes a little involvement. Calling your senators and representatives, joining a conservation organization or other non-profit that lobbies to protect Public Land, or volunteer for access projects or other habitat projects, are all easy to do, and vital to all being on the same page.

What do you hope for the future of our Public Lands?

My only hope is that we are smart enough as a society to keep it in the hands of the public and not let it be washed away into private ownership so that our kids, their kids, and generations beyond will be able to have the same escape and experiences we get to have.

How can individuals support local Public Land protection?

The easiest way to stay informed is to join an organization or email list of an organization that stays up to date on all of the issues surrounding Public Lands.

Learn more about Sam, here.

Lindsey Browne Davis

MYSTERY RANCH Brand Ambassador

Residing in: Utah

Favorite Public Land Space: Elk Mountains of Colorado

Public lands are my haven; essential for my well-being and where I source my food if I’m lucky!

How do you plan to celebrate National Public Lands Day?

I plan on celebrating by raising awareness within the outdoor community about how we can all be active stewards and advocates for our Public Lands. I also hope to take my brand-new baby girl on a little walk in the forest!

How do you advocate for the outdoors and public spaces in your community?

I work full-time on conservation in the outdoor industry. I also volunteer on the boards of Outdoor Alliance and The Conservation Alliance. These groups prioritize recreation and conservation working together, and the permanent protection of wild spaces. I also work as a citizen scientist, measuring the impact of recreation on wildlife in Utah. Citizen science is a fun way to get involved in conservation work on Public Lands!

How can we unify around Public Land access?

One of the best perspectives we could all rally behind for Public Lands is to realize that the power of working together, whether you are a hunter or a hiker, is so much more effective than working for individual interests. Collaboration is our strength!

What do you hope for the future of our Public Lands?

A recent OnX maps study revealed a significant stewardship gap on Public Lands: while 92% of recreationists use these lands, only 19% actively engage in stewardship activities annually (like advocacy, volunteering, or donations). With ongoing education, I hope to involve all recreationalists in supporting Public Land health and bridging this gap!

How can individuals support local Public Land protection?

Numerous community organizations address local issues effectively. Additionally, I encourage you to engage with The Outdoor Alliance, The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and The Conservation Alliance.

Learn more about Lindsey, here.

Becky Switzer

MYSTERY RANCH Outdoor Ambassador

Residing in: Montana

Favorite Public Land Space: Custer Gallatin National Forest

Public Lands mean space to relax and breathe. But also, space to wander aimlessly or challenge myself physically. Ultimately, Public Lands provide a place to visit where I can choose my adventure.

How do you plan to celebrate National Public Lands Day?

For Public Lands Day, I will be out rock climbing and enjoying epic views and good company as the weather changes from summer to fall in southwest Montana.

How do you advocate for the outdoors and public spaces in your community?

I take a stand for Public Lands by being a good steward while I’m out recreating. Setting a good example is one of the best (and easiest) ways to influence other Public Land users.

How can we unify around Public Land access?

To unify around Public Land access, we all must agree that these lands benefit all users and any stipulations around access must be adhered to. One bad interaction can impact thousands of users. It’s just not worth putting access in jeopardy.

What do you hope for the future of our Public Lands?

My hope for the future of Public Lands is that we can maintain the quantity and even increase the number of Public Lands in some areas if the situation is appropriate.

How can individuals support local Public Land protection?

Depending on where you live, there are numerous nonprofit organizations who specialize in the care and upkeep of Public Lands. Subscribe to and follow these organizations. Consider donating or volunteering when help is needed.

Learn more about Becky, here.

Eric Balken

MYSTERY RANCH Outdoor Ambassador

Residing in: Utah

Public Lands are one of the most important parts of my life. Not only do they provide the opportunity to recreate outdoors, but they also offer an escape from the chaos of civilization. I consider access to mountains, deserts, and rivers an essential part of my mental, spiritual, and physical health.

How do you plan to celebrate National Public Lands Day?

I’ll be celebrating National Public Lands Day by going on a hike in the Wasatch Mountains with my wife and son.

How do you advocate for the outdoors and public spaces in your community?

When it comes to advocacy for wild places, I focus on the places where I spend the most time: the Wasatch Mountains and the Colorado River. In the Wasatch, I support great nonprofits like the Wasatch Backcountry Alliance and Save Our Canyons. I try to act as often as I can to submit comments during public processes, attending meetings and rallies, and speaking at public hearings.

For the protection of the Colorado River, it is not only my passion but my career. I run a non-profit organization called Glen Canyon Institute that’s working toward the restoration of Glen Canyon and a free-flowing Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. We focus on spearheading new research in the canyons and advocating for more sustainable policy for the Colorado River system.

How can we unify around Public Land access?

As advocates for protection and access to Public Lands, it’s all about strength in numbers. If there’s a chance to act for a place that you and your friends spend a lot of time in, contact them and get them on board. Oftentimes acting can be as simple as submitting a comment or attending a public meeting. It’s important to not get burnt out and keep showing up.

What do you hope for the future of our Public Lands?

I hope that folks who recreate in the outdoors become more involved in the preservation and access to Public Lands. Whether it’s hunting, skiing, hiking, or river running, none of it would be possible without access to Public Lands. Everywhere we recreate became protected because people fought for it – it rarely happens passively. If we want to continue enjoying the wonders of nature, we must keep fighting for it.

How can individuals support local Public Land protection?

Connect with organizations in your area that are working to protect the places where you recreate. Attend events and meetups, follow them on social media. That way you’ll stay up to date on what’s happening and find out about opportunities to get involved. I’ve forged many new friendships through these organizations and found it to be one of the most fulfilling ways to spend my time!

Learn more about Eric, here.

Matt Irving

MYSTERY RANCH Brand Ambassador

Residing in: Utah

I’ve spent a lot of my career traveling around the world, and the older I get the more I realize there is no other place I’d rather be than exploring the Public Lands around my neighborhood. There is something special about figuring out where the animals migrate from summer into fall, or when the berries will be at their best. The world is vast and it’s great to see as much as possible, but nothing beats the wild spaces near you.

How do you plan to celebrate National Public Lands Day?

This year I’ll be trying to do a traverse near my house that I’ve wanted to do for a long time. They’ll be some scrambling, some trails and most importantly some schwacking. It’s more of a coincidence that it’s on the 23rd, but it seems like a fitting day to try it. Really, I try to celebrate Public Lands Day as much as I can.

How do you advocate for the outdoors and public spaces in your community?

I think there are many ways to take a stand for local public spaces. Some are more effective than others. I personally like to jump online and anonymously advocate for the US to adopt “right to roam” laws, like what Scotland has. It’s less advocating and more trolling representatives, but It’s better than nothing! Another way I like to take a stand is by trespassing on private land when the opportunity arises. There is a big traverse near my place that I call the “trespass traversee.” It takes place entirely on private property. I personally think you shouldn’t be able to own an entire mountain. I’m not going to go cut trees down, hunt, or build a house on it, but I am going to walk on it.

How can we unify around Public Land access?

I think an effective way to unify around Public Land is to vote in public land advocates. I understand that it’s a complex issue and that we need to find the balance between conservation and energy independence, but if you leave the decision up to Devin D. Developer, you’re not going to be too happy with the outcome.

What do you hope for the future of our Public Lands?

I think in the future I’d like to see more solidarity between different political ideologies. Despite our differences, we all want a place to roam.

How can individuals support local Public Land protection?

Read local news. Stay off of national news. It’s important to keep an eye on what sort of stupid laws developers are trying to push through locally. If you let your guard down, you just might end up with a dumbass gondola ruining everything. Also, donate to local conversation groups, whose job is to protect land from development.

Learn more about Matt, here.