Join Us & Speak Up for Public Lands

Our Connection to Public Lands 

At Tellus, public lands are more than just places on a map. They are our backyard—where we recreate, find inspiration, and reconnect with the world around us. Landscapes like Rocky Mountain National Park, the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Pawnee National Grassland, Comanche Peak Wilderness, and Cache la Poudre Wilderness are vital to our community’s health. These are the spaces where we love to adventure and explore, and we’re passionate about protecting them for future generations—and for the health of our planet. 

Why Protecting Public Lands Matters 

Last week, we attended the Outside Summit and Festival—a gathering of outdoor industry leaders, innovators, and advocates shaping a more sustainable future for the outdoors. One message echoed through every conversation: protecting public lands is not just important, it’s essential. 

Public lands are the backbone of the $1.2 trillion outdoor economy, supporting millions of jobs and countless communities. In Colorado alone, outdoor recreation generated $65.8 billion in total economic output in 2023 and supported over 400,000 jobs. These lands also shelter critical wildlife habitats and preserve biodiversity—ensuring the wild places we cherish remain wild, not just for us, but for future generations. 

The Urgent Threat to Our Public Lands 

Today, these lands face an urgent threat. 

The Department of the Interior (DOI) recently announced a proposal to fast-track industrial development on public lands by drastically shortening environmental review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to just 28 days and reducing public comment periods to as little as 10 days. These changes would severely weaken foundational protections under NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act -- laws that have safeguarded public lands and wildlife for decades. 

Decisions that impact our public lands deserve more, not less, public input. They require careful, science-based planning, consultation with Tribal and local communities, and respect for the voices of the people who use, value, and depend on these landscapes. As President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “We are only one of the countless generations that have passed since the beginning of time, but to us is given the task of preserving the wilderness for future generations.” This historic perspective is more relevant today than ever. 

Our Shared History of Conservation 

Americans have long united to protect our natural heritage. From the creation of Yellowstone in 1872 to the establishment of the National Forest System in 1905, conservation has been a national priority. Landmark laws like the Wilderness Act of 1964, which passed Congress with near-unanimous support, and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, reflect this legacy. Today, that commitment remains strong -- 74% of Americans oppose the closure or development of public lands, according to a recent Trust for Public Land poll. 

Standing Together for Public Lands 

At Tellus, we believe in Adventure with Purpose -- and that purpose is protecting the places that make our adventures possible. That’s why we’ve joined The Conservation Alliance’s Brands for Public Lands coalition, adding our voice to hundreds of businesses working to safeguard public lands for future generations. 

Through our GiveBack100 initiative, we also donate 100% of our net profits to environmental causes, primarily The Nature Conservancy, an organization dedicated to protecting the lands and waters on which all life depends. 

While it's encouraging that so many Americans support public lands, simply agreeing is not enough -- we must act. 

We’re calling on our Tellus community — our customers, our friends, our fellow adventurers — to act and raise your voice with us. As the Conservation Alliance says, “We are more than just a coalition. We are a movement built on the shared belief that protecting public lands is key to sustaining our communities, economy, and way of life.” Your voice matters, and together, we can make a real difference before the June 20th deadline. 

Take Action: Speak Up for Public Lands 

The DOI is accepting public comments on these proposed changes until June 20, 2025. Here’s how you can help: 

Submit your comment via the Federal Register here before the deadline. 

Here’s what you can say in your comment: 

Add your voice to the conversation. Together, we can ensure that public lands remain places of wonder, recreation, and refuge -- not just for us, but for generations to come. 

Helpful Links: 
•    Submit your comment to the Federal Register
•    Outside Summit and Festival
•    The Conservation Alliance’s Brands for Public Lands
•    The Nature Conservancy
•    GiveBack100 Initiative
•    Trust for Public Land

See you out there,

Melissa Basta 
Co-Founder, Tellus Outdoor 

P.S. Outside = Happiness.