How inaction on climate change threatens skiing and public lands recreation
Whether it is in the sun or the snow, climate change is impacting your recreation on public lands
A crisp mountain sunrise. The rush of the wind in your face and clean air filling your lungs. Deep powder days in the winter or water flowing down a canyon. Our public lands are for everyone, and outdoor recreation is one of the most popular ways to enjoy them. In the West, public lands see over 290 million visits each year: maybe you’re one of them.
But did you know that inaction on climate change is already threatening public lands recreation?
Mounting climate change impacts can be felt across the country. Just a few of those impacts include decreased snowpack and ski season length, lengthened and more intense wildfire seasons that create poor air quality, challenges to wildlife and fish populations, and decreased water recreation access. It gets worse: research shows that many of our public lands are being impacted more rapidly than the rest of the country.
Below, explore how climate change is impacting various outdoor recreation activities on public lands, and take a look at how our public lands can also be part of the climate change solution.
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For references, see links embedded in fact sheets.
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