By Danielle Murray

Conservation Lands Foundation

When enjoying the San Juan Islands National Monument, do you think about how the trails, pristine rocks and campgrounds could be completely changed with a new management plan?

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is accepting comments on how the monument will be managed until Jan. 3.

Adding comments puts values and recommendations on the record and helps to ensure the BLM manages the San Juan Islands National Monument for the public interest. Community members across the country are submitting comments in record numbers – including 500,000 for Bears Ears National Monument. Comments make a difference at home for the San Juan Islands National Monument and for the 36 million acres of National Conservation Lands, which includes the monument. Not commenting means not having a say if the BLM gets it wrong or the management plan is amended in the future.

You don’t have to be an expert in public lands policy to make an impact. If you need background information or sample comments, visit www.sanjuanislandsnm.org.