What Forest Closures in Virginia Mean for Non-Virginians,Public Land Users Everywhere
Dangerous precedents mean widespread problems
In the past few days, the USDA’s decision to close all national forests in the far southwest tip of Virginia has stirred frustration, and for good reason. For those unfamiliar with the situation, it may seem like a localized issue—a precautionary response to Hurricane Helene. But the blanket closures extend far beyond the affected areas and create a dangerous precedent that should concern anyone who uses public lands for hunting, fishing, foraging, or any form of outdoor recreation—whether you're in Virginia or not.
Why This Matters Beyond Southwest Virginia
At first glance, the closure of these forests might seem irrelevant to non-Virginians, but consider this: public lands like national forests belong to all of us. They are the lifeblood of many rural communities, providing food, resources, and a way of life. Hunters depend on these lands for game, fishers for streams and rivers, and many families—mine included—use them as a critical source of sustenance.
The bigger concern here is the precedent these blanket closures set. If one agency can close national forests across the board—without regard to the actual conditions on the ground—it opens the door for similar actions elsewhere. This should be alarming for anyone who enjoys or depends on public lands in other parts of the country. Today it’s Virginia; tomorrow it could be your home state.
These lands are meant to be shared spaces, available for public use and benefit. When we start treating them like assets that can be locked away without considering the local impact, we risk losing the essence of what makes them valuable. This isn’t just about conservation or safety measures—it’s about the balance between protecting these lands and allowing sustainable use by the communities that depend on them. Once access is restricted without just cause, it becomes easier to continue down that path, leading to more closures in the future for other arbitrary reasons.
Hunters, fishermen, and outdoorsmen across the U.S. should pay close attention to what's happening here in Southwest Virginia. While these closures were enacted in Virginia, they affect a community much broader than just the people living here. This is an issue that has far-reaching impacts across the nation as we live in perilous times of egregious government overreach.
The Long-Term Impact on Public Land Access
When public lands are closed, especially in areas not under direct threat, it raises serious questions about future access. Who makes these decisions, and on what basis? When the USDA decides to close all forests in a region regardless of actual conditions, it strips the local community of its voice and removes any opportunity for localized, responsive decision-making. Over time, we could see access to public lands becoming increasingly restricted, not due to genuine environmental concerns but because of a lack of understanding of their significance to those who depend on them.
Consider what that means for future generations. Will our children and grandchildren have the same access to public lands that we’ve enjoyed? Or will they be closed off to everyone except a select few? The more we allow these sweeping decisions to be made without pushback, the closer we get to a world where public lands are no longer truly public.
How You Can Help Protect Public Land Access
This is not just Virginia’s issue—it’s a national one. If you hunt, fish, or simply enjoy and value access to public lands, it’s important to stay informed and make your voice heard. Now is the time to speak up against blanket closures that fail to take local conditions into account. Advocate for more responsive, community-focused land management practices that respect both conservation and the needs of local residents.
You can help by joining in the conversation, reaching out to policymakers, and supporting organizations that work to protect public access to our national forests and public lands. Whether you live in Virginia or not, these decisions affect you, and the future of our public lands depends on all of us taking action to ensure they remain accessible
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Same thing has happened in Oregon from wildfires...Forests and land still closed to hunting, etc.
for "safety" from fires 4 or 5 years ago.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. It's madness. so many land grabs in so many forms happening now. all over the world. Thank you for sharing this. I wish we could sit down over hot chocolate and have a conversation about this theme.