Many Americans use public lands for recreation and business but don’t understand where they came from, or why they are the birthright of every citizen.
You are invited to join Walt Dabney, former National Park Service Superintendent and Texas State Parks Director for an eye-opening talk on how America’s public land came to be, why most are in the West, the economic value of these lands, and what we all stand to lose if they are transferred out of our common ownership.
Learn why this matters more than ever.
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
5pm – 7pm
Pagosa Springs Public Library, 811 San Juan Street
Walt Dabney is a retired park professional with a 43-year career spanning both the National Park Service (NPS) and Texas Parks and Wildlife.
A Texas A&M graduate, he began as a ranger-naturalist in Yellowstone and went on to serve in key leadership roles across iconic parks. Known for his expertise in law enforcement, search and rescue, fire management, and public land policy, Mr. Dabney now teaches at leadership institutes and universities and frequently speaks on the history of America’s public land.
Learn more about Walt at americaspublicland.com