Statement: HECHO calls for New Administration to Continue the Conservation and Preservation of our Public Lands

The following is a statement from Camilla Simon, Executive Director of Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) on the reports that president-elect Donald Trump will nominate Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) as Secretary of the Interior:

“HECHO represents America’s Hispanic hunters, anglers, and outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen with generations-old land traditions. Our way of life relies on healthy watersheds, clean air, robust wildlife habitats, and, most importantly, access to our nation’s public lands. These values and beliefs are shared by the majority of the American people, regardless of their political creed or affiliation.

We call on the new Administration to make it a top priority to protect and conserve our natural resources, and to ensure that oil and gas resources are developed responsibly, with input from local governments and communities.

We urge the new Administration to nominate a Secretary of the Interior who understands, embraces, and respects the many values of our public land heritage, which includes recreation and wildlife habitat management. Should Rep. McMorris Rodgers be nominated as Secretary of the Interior, we ask that her service honors keeping America’s public lands in public hands and reflects the diversity and values of our country and its rich background.

We look forward to engaging in meaningful conversations with the new Administration to make sure that the voices of Hispanic hunters, anglers, outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen are invited to be represented and heard in the decision-making process and to participate in the management of our public lands.”