Public Lands Archives | REI Co-op Journal

Conservationists seek to “unlock” 16 million acres of inaccessible public lands

Mike Faulk//August 21, 2019

More than one in 10 acres of Western state-owned land is inaccessible for recreationists, according to a new study released Monday. Read More...

These Trail Runners Are Changing The World

Clare Gallagher//August 19, 2019

Ultrarunner and activist Clare Gallagher profiles four other runners making a difference in the world and suggests ways that you can make an impact, too. Read More...

a double rainbow over Bears Ears National Monument in southeast Utah

Bears Ears National Monument Management Draws Criticism As Court Battles Continue

Mike Faulk//August 6, 2019

Concerned parties say the proposed land management plan delays or ignores aspects of conservation planning in favor of development, while proponents say it does plenty to conserve the reduced monument. Here's what you need to know. Read More...

A woman takes a selfie surrounded by a beautiful landscape

Geotagging and Social Media in Our Modern Age of Conservation

Katie Boué//August 2, 2019

We take a look at the debate around the use of geotags on social media, a practice some recreationists say is contributing to the overuse of wild places. Read More...

A rock climber makes a careful move on a large boulder while three people look on, spotting. A snowy mountain and a line of parked cars appear in the background.

The Future Of Climbing Areas

Julie Ellison//July 30, 2019

Here are five popular destinations where climbers and land managers are taking action to mitigate impacts on their local crags. Read More...

State Offices Get Boost From New Recreation-Focused Network

Matt Wastradowski//July 24, 2019

A growing number of states have formed offices of outdoor recreation. Now, an Outdoor Recreation Learning Network will help them collaborate. Read More...

The Trust for Public Land: How to Solve the Problem of Park Access

Diane Regas//July 8, 2019

Diane Regas, president and CEO of The Trust for Public Land, weighs in on the disparity of park access nationwide and what can be done to adress it. Read More...

Nevada's red rocks aglow around the time of sunset

State Offices Are Changing the Conversation Around Outdoor Recreation

Matt Wastradowski//June 14, 2019

There are now 13 state offices aimed at improving access to wild spaces, encouraging conservation, bolstering the recreation economy and more. Here's a look at three of the newest state offices of outdoor recreation. Read More...

A helicopter drops water onto the forest fires in the Mendocino National Forest, California.

This Year’s Wildfire Season Could Look Similar to 2018, Officials Say

Mike Faulk//June 14, 2019

58,000 wildfires burned more than 8.7 million acres on federal, state, tribal and private land in 2018. Testifying before Congress on Thursday, officials said 2019 could look very similar. Read More...

River winds its way through steep cliffs.

10 Places to Hike for National Trails Day

Matt Wastradowski//May 27, 2019

This National Trails Day, find a local trail to hike. Even better? We've picked 10 trails that each have seen recent volunteer trail work. Read More...

Hikers stand along the top of a ridgeline, looking and pointing every which way under a bright-blue sky.

This Initiative Is Helping to Offset Overuse on Colorado’s Highest Peaks

Betsy Welch//May 24, 2019

According to the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative, approximately 334,000 people hike to the top of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks each year. This is the story of how one initiative is using letter grades to help protect and conserve the summit routes. Read More...

Kayakers on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.

REI Member Meeting 2019: Eric Artz Named New Co-op CEO

REI Staff//May 6, 2019

REI leaders discussed the co-op's impact, the inspiration for the growth ahead and why fighting for life outdoors is more important than ever. Read More...