America is known for being the "great melting pot." The idea that American greatness comes from diversity is one that is core to this country, and I believe the same holds true of our natural environment. From the Great Plains to the redwood forests of California, or even the Sonoran desert which I call home, the breadth of natural beauty found in this country is beyond compare. This is why I find it so alarming that we are allowing our natural resources to be "exploit[ed]," as it is used in the second paragraph of Executive Order 14225, for short term gain. These changes will affect habitats for endangered species, and having their loss be described as merely a part of "[l]osses in economic benefit to recreationists" raises concerns. Assurances that the National Forest Management Act requires "sustained yield" of wildlife are hardly comforting due to recent developments. (16 U.S.C. 1604(e)(1)). Eleven days ago as of the time of writing, the definition of "harm" in the Endangered Species Act was rescinded to remove deaths caused by environmental impact. (I left my bluebook at home so you will have to deal with me citing the docket number, my apologies.) Docket (FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0034). (I left my bluebook at home so you will have to deal with me citing the docket number, my apologies.)
Bald eagles, the symbol of our great Nation, will have their numbers hurt by executive demands to "exploit" their habitat, and the image of the symbol of our country quite literally dying is hard to balance by making progress towards the goal of reducing our reliance on the importing of foreign lumber. I acknowledge that there is still plenty of natural land, and that this change does not signal the death of all natural life, but the erosion of protections and habitats are alarming. Once this land has been "touched," that cannot be undone. I merely hope that we do not prevent future generations from experiencing the incomparable beauty this country has to offer so that we may increase short-term profits.