Who we are
We harness the credibility, experience, and trusted voices of veterans and military families to protect America’s public lands, continuing a tradition of service by defending the places that belong to all of us.
Gregg
Gregg Bafundo
Marine Corps Veteran
Washington
Nick
Nick Borrelli
Marine Corps Veteran
California
Chappy
Michael “Chappy” Chappell
US Navy Veteran
Arizona
Brad
Brad Noone
US Army Veteran
Colorado
Gregg
Gregg Bafundo
Marine Corps Veteran
Washington
Nick
Nick Borrelli
Marine Corps Veteran
California
Chappy
Michael “Chappy” Chappell
US Navy Veteran
Arizona
Brad
Brad Noone
US Army Veteran
Colorado
Get Involved
For generations, veterans have helped protect America’s public lands.
From exploring and mapping the West to serving as park rangers, conservation leaders, and advocates for our national parks, forests, deserts, and coastlines, many of us have continued serving our country long after we took off the uniform. For Native veterans—who serve in the U.S. military at some of the highest rates of any community in America—these lands often carry an even deeper significance, connecting generations through culture, history, and sacred traditions. We know these places are part of our national heritage. They belong to all of us, and they are worth preserving.
Today, that tradition continues. Our public lands do not stay protected on their own. As these places face growing threats, we have a responsibility to show up once again in service to something larger than ourselves. At a time when trust across the board is declining, veterans remain among the most trusted voices in America. That trust carries both credibility and responsibility.
Veterans for Public Lands (VFPL) brings veterans together to put that trust to work—speaking up for the places we love, helping our communities understand what is at stake, and ensuring that America’s public lands remain protected, accessible, and enduring for future generations.
Our Heritage
The story of veterans defending public lands did not begin with our organization. It stretches back more than a century.
Before he was president, Theodore Roosevelt served as a cavalry officer, hunted and ranched in the Dakotas, and developed a deep appreciation for the American landscape. As president, he protected roughly 230 million acres of public land—national forests, wildlife refuges, monuments, and parks. He did not see conservation as separate from patriotism. He saw both as forms of national service.
Long before the National Park Service existed, veterans were helping care for America’s most treasured places.
Connect With Us
@ veteransforpubliclands . Sep 4
@leavenotraceorg isn’t about rules or restrictions. It’s about education. It’s become the accepted standard of care for how people are expected to treat public lands. @the_salty_steward, U.S. Navy Veteran, #VFPL Senior Advisor, and the Director of the @aztrailvets shares how responsible stewardship for veterans can become another form of service. We’re taking responsibility for a place, looking out for the people around us, and leaving something better for those who come after us.
@ veteransforpubliclands . Sep 3
Veterans for Public Lands is thrilled to be part of @trailheadstrategiesgroup’s Veteran Outdoor Recreation Summit (VORS). Join us October 1 - 3, 2026 in Park City, UT for three inpsiring days in the mountains. You can expect a fully curated program of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, outdoor activity, and more, that will leave you feeling energized.
@ veteransforpubliclands . Sep 1
Veterans have always defended the lands we served to protect. And now, we are playing offense. We’re here to remind our elected officials that America’s public lands belong in public hands.
We have a clear message. No More Sell-Offs. No More Giveaways. No More Backroom Deals. Sign the petition. Become one of the million signatures we deliver to DC. Save Public Lands.
Follow @savepubliclands to learn more and click the link in our bio to sign the petition.
