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

Washington, D.C. - 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. Ryan Zinke (R-Montana) 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.

“Should Rep. Ryan Zinke be confirmed as Secretary of the Interior, we ask that his service honors keeping America’s public lands in public hands and reflects the diversity and values of our country and its rich background. While serving as a representative in the state legislature in Montana, Zinke showed good understanding of the many challenges and opportunities in the management and conservation of our public lands, we expect this course to continue.

“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.”

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Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) works to protect our healthy watersheds, clean air and robust wildlife habitats so that we can continue to enjoy and practice centuries-old cultural traditions that depend on these open spaces. From southwestern deserts to northern forestland, Latinos throughout America have a strong connection to our nation's diverse landscapes. We urge our elected and appointed policymakers to safeguard our precious public lands, so that our children can enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, camping and other outdoor activities for generations to come.