1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

We must protect Little River Canyon. The visitor center has been placed on the closure list, which is unacceptable. This park provides a safe space for families to stay fit, appreciate the beauty of our wonderful state and even learn valuable life skills. As you likely know, the surrounding counties have battled methamphetamine and opioid addictions at rates higher than the national average. Addiction continues to tear apart families in our state, and research has repeatedly highlighted the positive influence of accessible green spaces for physical activity. The state of Alabama needs to stand up - if the federal government gets away with this, no good will come of it. The last time we allowed the federal government to have authority over Little River was in 1838, when our native ancestors were forcibly removed from the land. Their legacy and this sacred space is worth protecting.