TRUMP EXECUTIVE ORDER PROVIDES NEW OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD FOR PUBLIC LANDS

By Del Albright and ASA Staff

Executive Order shows something is shifting in Washington—and it’s worth a closer look.

In a move that caught the attention of land use advocates, off-roaders, duners, hunters, hikers, and conservationists alike, a recent Executive Order was signed to “prioritize conserving our great American National Parks and Outdoor Recreation Areas.” While political winds may blow hot and cold, this directive sends a clear signal: our public lands matter, and so do the people who use them responsibly.

🏛️ What Is an Executive Order?

An Executive Order (EO) is a directive issued by the President of the United States to manage the operations of the federal government. It doesn’t require Congressional approval, but it does carry the force of law when used to direct federal agencies and implement existing policy.

In this case, the recent EO focuses on “prioritizing conserving our great American National Parks and Outdoor Recreation Areas”—a potentially meaningful step for those of us who value access, stewardship, and sustainable recreation on public lands.

More Than Symbolic

As someone who’s spent decades advocating for balanced, sustainable access to public lands, I see this as more than just symbolic. It’s a possible step forward in recognizing that conservation and recreation can coexist, and that motorized access, when managed well, is part of the solution—not the problem. This applies to sand dune areas around the country as well.

️ Key Takeaways for Users of Public Lands

• Public Lands in the Spotlight: National Parks, Forests, and outdoor recreation areas are being recognized as a federal priority for conservation and responsible use.
• Outdoor Recreation Economy Matters: The Executive Order highlights the role of hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, and OHV use in supporting rural economies and millions of American jobs.
• Infrastructure Upgrades Encouraged: It calls for improvements to trail systems, campgrounds, restrooms, and roads—helping make our lands safer and more accessible.
• Access + Stewardship: Emphasizes balancing conservation goals with the need for continued public access to outdoor spaces.
• Coordination Across Agencies: Federal land managers are directed to work together—and with local communities—to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.
• Multiple-Use Mandate Reinforced: The EO supports the long-standing principle that public lands serve many roles, from wildlife habitat to motorized recreation, grazing, and more.
• Collaboration Welcomed: There’s language about working with stakeholders—including tribes, counties, and recreation groups—to get things right on the ground. ASA is right there!
• Future Generations in Mind: It aims to protect the legacy of our public lands for the next wave of outdoor stewards, trail riders, and families seeking adventure.

What This Means for the Duning Community

Whether you ride a Jeep into the backcountry, rock crawl the granite, hit the sand dunes in your SxS, overland deep into the mountains, fly-fish your way across alpine lakes, or photograph wildflowers from the trail, this Executive Order hints at a renewed commitment to keeping the gates open to our public lands—and the experiences rich.

For us in the sand—where every grain counts—this could mean more support for infrastructure, safety access, and responsible recreation in places like Glamis, Dumont, and beyond.

But as always, the devil is in the details. Now is the time to stay engaged, speak up, and keep promoting sustainable, responsible use of all our outdoor treasures—deserts, dunes, forests, and mountains alike.

Together, let’s ensure this isn’t just a headline—but a real win for the lands and dunes we love. We must stay in the game and be part of the solution.  JOIN those groups that make sense to you and fight for the causes you believe in. Join the ASA here.