Comment from Sandra Zelasko

PRIORITIZE LONG-TERM PRESERVATION OVER SHORT-TERM EXPLOITATION OF OUR PUBLIC LANDS! Our remaining wild lands and wilderness resources play a crucial role in maintaining ecological integrity, protecting cultural resources, and providing unique opportunities for peaceful recreation. It is imperative that the Department upholds strong management standards to safeguard these invaluable public lands. I am writing to express my firm opposition to any potential weakening of wilderness and wild lands management as a result of the ongoing policy reviews within the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and National Park Service (NPS). The policies in question include the Management of Wilderness Study Areas (BLM-2026-0069), Considering Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (BLM-2026-0068), Management of Designated Wilderness Areas (BLM-2026-0067), Wilderness Stewardship (NPS-2026-0100), and Wilderness Administration and Resource Stewardship (FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-2575). I urge you to prioritize long-term preservation over short-term exploitation by maintaining robust wilderness management policies. Any weakening of these guidelines would endanger millions of acres and jeopardize our natural heritage. It is essential that the final policy directives continue to preserve the wild essence of America's public lands. Thank you for considering my concerns.