CORE Act could provide essential healing
Public lands are beautiful, provide adventure, protect wildlife, and — just as important — public lands save lives. So often, we talk about nature as if it’s some artifact in a glass box, something beautiful to appreciate, mainly visually, and from afar. We forget that humans are formed and shaped by our environments and are often healed by experiences in the wild.
After studying the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and working in a psychiatric hospital, it became clear to me that mental health is significantly impacted by activity, diet, and social life. I started an outdoor guide business, Cairn Guides, with this in mind. Our goal is to get people hooked on the outdoors so that they feel empowered to make positive lifestyle choices like being more active, engaging with others, and of great importance — connecting with nature.
That’s why in August 2018, when I sat down for coffee with Josh Miller, I instantly knew he’d be a great guide for Cairn. A recovering addict who has now been sober for seven years, Josh’s story is a perfect example of nature’s healing forces.
After years of unhealthy drug use, Josh realized the outdoors were his medicine. He moved to Colorado in 2016 with $1,000 and a mission to run. Now Josh is running 100-mile races through Colorado’s magical wilderness, facing his demons and overcoming them in stride.
He’s also helping others navigate the trails and begin their own healing journeys. In Josh’s words: “Without the outdoors, I’d probably be dead. Well, the outdoors and my dog.”
We both believe that the preservation of ourselves and our mental health is directly connected to the preservation of our environment. We go outside for a reset and release, and we can’t get that in an indoor setting.
That is why my business supports the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act, a public lands bill spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet that would protect 400,000 essential acres of Colorado lands and increase opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The CORE Act passed the House of Representatives for a second time as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) last month. Now, as the bill awaits a decision in the Senate, it’s on U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner to get on board.
Sen. Gardner sits on the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and has a responsibility to protect Colorado’s public lands. He has tried to remain neutral ( https:// www.gunnisontimes.com/ content/gardner-addresses-core-1) on the CORE Act, but his neutrality has effectively blocked the bill from advancing.
The CORE Act represents Colorado values in a number of key ways. Most obviously, it protects the lands on which we run, hike, ski, and heal on. It includes the beautiful
14ers, Mount Sneffels and Quandary Peak, Curecanti National Recreation Area, and important wildlife corridors.
I am especially moved by the proposed creation of the first National Historic Landscape at Camp Hale to honor the Army’s 10th Mountain Division. Both in my work at the hospital, as well as guiding through Cairn, I have been moved by the stories of veterans.
These brave men and women put themselves on the line for our country, and often come home with traumas of war. The backcountry offers a place to heal, rest, and recharge. Camp Hale honors veterans via its historic significance as well as its stunning natural beauty.
In addition to spiritual, mental, and emotional healing, these protected lands are essential for their economic benefits. A 2018 state report ( https:// cpw.state.co.us/documents/trails/ Scorp/2017economiccon tributions_scorp.pdf) found that Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy is valued at $62.5 billion, supporting around 511,000 jobs. Outdoor guiding businesses can bridge that daunting initial gap between the city and the backcountry. We act as essential gateways into the wild.
And the benefits of guided experiences go beyond a single trip. When our clients experience the healing properties of nature during an outing, they develop the confidence and independence to engage in these activities on their own, galvanizing sustainable lifestyle changes. In the midst of a pandemic, these healing opportunities have never been more important.
Sen. Gardner, on behalf of veterans, ranchers, sportsmen and women, outdoor recreation businesses, your avoidance of helping to pass this bill is completely unacceptable. To best serve your constituents, please support and actively help to pass the CORE Act.
Jordan Larson is the founder and chief executive officer of Cairn Outdoor Guides. After performing research on illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease and working in direct care at a psychiatric hospital for 10 years, he pivoted to mental health advocacy via healing outdoor experiences.