The November 2016 election results indicate a continuing conservative shift in public viewpoints in the United States.

The results are profoundly disturbing, even frightening, for many Americans, as issues and policies that many of us deeply value seem to be threatened.

Among these is a potentially significant change in management focus for our public lands. These lands are our American heritage, and are important to our sense of wellbeing and our place in history as a nation and as individuals. Their protection and stewardship should be nonpartisan issues, but the recent election results suggest that this may no longer be true.

Together, we at Tuleyome have striven to protect and steward our public lands. We have been inclusive in our outreach and have developed a strong coalition of collaborators and supporters, including conservation organizations, sportsmen, businesses, ranchers and farmers, off-highway vehicle and other recreational users, elected officials, public agency staff and decision-makers, and many others.

Working together, Tuleyome has helped make important regional conservation stewardship gains over the past 15 years. Now it’s time to defend them. Now is not a time for inaction or depression; now it’s time to organize on behalf of our heritage. Fortunately, our job is made easier by the fact that the American people are on our side.

Here are some thoughts on things to do:

· Take a hike: This might be a stroll in a local park or a rigorous hike through wild lands in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. If you are experienced take a friend along. Go on a Tuleyome walk. Take care of yourself in this stressful time.

· Really listen: There appears to be a schism in viewpoints among Americans at local, state and national levels. We need to talk to our countrymen, hear their concerns, understand their values and help them to accommodate the diversity that already exists in our country. Cooperation and collaboration can work, but it’s not always easy to accomplish. We can’t force others to understand our concerns, but we can do our part.

· Respect: It’s easy to be dismissive of differing opinions and values. But, we must not.

· Learn more: Learn the trees, the geology, and the animals that roam our public lands. Delve into the policies that protect them and our environment.

· Share with others: Yes, tell your story to family and friends, but more importantly, tell it to others. Talk from the heart: “I felt good on my walk. It was calming and peaceful. I treasure our public lands, where I can walk and be with nature.”

· Support public agency professionals: Dedicated individuals steward and protect our public lands. They care deeply, but are under attack. Let them know you appreciate their work.

· Be an activist: Be informed. Write letters. Make phone calls. Visit elected officials. Even go to Sacramento and Washington DC. Support causes and effective organizations (yes that includes Tuleyome!). Everyone can’t do all these things, but everyone can do something.

Even as we resist rollbacks at the national level Tuleyome will push forward with conservation agendas at regional, state, and local levels.

The proposed Inner Coast Range State Conservancy will be an inclusive program that promotes dialogue and collaboration to fund key projects in our region, including forest health and fuels reduction, water quality and recreational opportunities.

Tuleyome will provide information, offer training and publish action alerts, but we need your help to be successful. Do what you can, when you can.

Bob Schneider is senior policy director for Tuleyome, a nonprofit conservation organization based in Woodland, Calif. For more information visit www.tuleyome.org .