Public lands, often said to be one of America's greatest ideas. But lately, the very concept of "Public lands" been made controversial by malevolent influences like the Bundy family and Koch brothers. To better understand our local public forests, come hear from historian Greg Walter about the history of our public lands, The Public Domain. Beginning with the setting aside of "forest reserves" that would become the basis for our National Forests and National Parks, he will also give some background regarding the railroad land grants that were involved with those lands reverting back to public ownership and forming today's BLM lands. KS Wild's Outreach Director will provide brief updates about current issues facing our public forests today.

Greg Walter currently sits on the boards of The Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center and Crater Lake and Oregon Caves Natural History Association. He is an avid, local historian specializing in the mapping and history of our most treasured assets, the public lands and how they came to be.

Greg has lived and hiked throughout Southwest Oregon for the past 39 years.