Independence Day is upon us once again. It’s a day where we set aside time to celebrate our beginnings as a nation, acknowledge the road we’ve traveled so far, and look toward the future with renewed hope. We have faced some pretty incredible challenges over the last few years, and this day serves as a good opportunity to remind us that this nation was formed by people who successfully overcame unfair rule to establish a country governed by the people and for the people. That ideal is similar to the way this agency works: by stewarding public lands so they can be used by the people, now and into the future. Every day, I am proud to lead you in this work.  

Whether for a single day or for the rest of the week, many of us are looking forward to celebrating with family and friends. Independence Day offers many of us a chance to wind down and take a break from work, but the holiday isn’t a day off for us all. We have recreation and frontline employees out and about helping visitors, law enforcement officers keeping everyone safe, and wildland fire personnel who continue fighting the ongoing wildfires as well as responding to any new ones. Thank you all for your service to the American people as they enjoy their national forests and grasslands.  

Thank you for everything you do. And if you are able to, please take some time to enjoy America’s big backyard with family and friends or take time to decompress solo. Happy Independence Day.

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