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 . Aug 18
“By rejecting divisive political labels and standing together as patriots to care for the lands and waters we served to protect, we ensure that the promise of America’s great outdoors endures for every citizen today, and for all who follow.” U.S. Army Veteran Craig Meling reflects on why protecting public lands is a civic responsibility in his latest article, “Service Doesn’t End When the Uniform Comes Off: Why Protecting Our Public Lands Is a Shared Duty,” live on our Substack via link in bio.
@ veteransforpubliclands . Aug 17
Mornings like this spent on public lands are just around the corner. #huntingseason
@ veteransforpubliclands . Aug 14
Big Bend National Park is a crown jewel of Texas, and belongs to all Americans. The Department of Homeland Security issued a waiver to fast-track construction of the 157 mile non-contiguous barrier along the border. This construction can damage West Texas environments, cultural and historic sites, local businesses, river accesses and more - all of which impacts veterans and military families. We will not stand by.
Join us in protecting Big Bend National Park. Customs and Border Protection is collecting public comments through August 31, 2026. We need you to speak out now:
1️⃣ Email your comments to [email protected] with “Big Bend Vehicle Border Barrier System Construction” in the subject line.
2️⃣ Be specific and fact-based in your comments. Mention particular areas, river access points, businesses, etc.
3️⃣ Get loud. Share with your communities and use your voice. Join us.
