"We fully hope that as Secretary, Rep. Ryan Zinke, will fulfill the president-elect’s promise to represent all Americans and remain faithful to the office’s longstanding mandate to protect America’s natural and cultural heritage. Our nation is a tapestry woven with a rich and culturally diverse social fabric, and the histories, stories and voices celebrated through our public lands should reflect that.

“Additionally, we all have a moral obligation to be good stewards of our public lands and waters to ensure that future generations can enjoy and learn from these special places. From the stunning beauty of places like the Grand Canyon to the historically important like the Cesar E. Chavez National Monument, our nation’s public lands are part of what makes America great.

“President-elect Trump has stated that his administration will honor the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt in the conservation and protection of our natural resources and public lands. Rep. Zinke has proclaimed himself to be a ‘Teddy Roosevelt conservationist,’ as well as having expressed his support for preserving and conserving our public lands and legislation like the Land and Water Conservation Fund. 

“By invoking Teddy Roosevelt, who signed into law five National Parks, signed the 1906 Antiquities Act and established 18 new national monuments, the Trump Administration has set the bar high. To truly honor this legacy, however, it must be seen in the actions and not just words.

“We, as well as the Latino families, faith leaders, sportsman and young people we serve, look forward to working with Rep. Zinke and honoring the critical mission of the Department of Interior.”

Since its founding in 2010, HAF has made building environmental awareness among Latinos, going outdoors and empowering advocates a top priority, including the groundbreaking formation of Por La Creación Faith-Based Alliance and the launch of Latino Conservation Week.