Public Trust

Public Trust is a thrilling and insightful documentary from 2020 directed by David Garrett Byars that illuminates the ongoing battle over the United States' public lands. This commanding film features the investigative journalist Hal Herring as its leading voice along with emotionally dense contributions from three individuals fighting to sustain these lands – Angelo Baca, a Native American historian; Joel Clement, a renowned climate change expert and former policy analyst at the U.S. Department of the Interior; and Bernadette Demientieff, a Gwich’in native dedicated to preserving the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge which is considered sacred by her people.

Clearly curated and expertly executed, Public Trust unpacks the history, current landscape, and perilous future of public lands in the United States. The film aims to answer one central question - who are these American public lands meant for? It manifests the direct and often arcane connections between these lands and the bedrock of American principles, ideals, history, and cultural heritage.

Throughout the film, the audience is guided on a compelling journey across the diverse terrains of American public lands, from Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, beloved by indigenous locals, to Boundary Waters Wilderness in Minnesota, treasured by vacationers and the outdoor aficionados, and beyond to the Refuge of Alaska, critical for subsistence hunters and coveted by large oil companies for its natural resources.

Public Trust elegantly navigates the contentious dynamic of competing interests in this sphere, including commercial extractive usage, conservation, Native American cultural preservation, recreation, and climate change mitigation. It zooms in on the economic dynamics at play, offering an objective and comprehensive perspective on the forces attempting to erode the longstanding principles for managing these lands for the common good.

The trio’s personal connection and commitment to the land provides a tangible human element to an already potent discussion. Angelo Baca, carrying his Native American heritage, discusses the cultural significance of public lands while affirming the critical role of conservation for future generations. Joel Clement, through the lens of climate change, reveals alarming environmental and social implications if the industrial onslaught on public lands continues unchecked. Bernadette Demientieff fiercely advocates for the preservation of ancestral lands, deeply rooted in cultural heritage and indigenous wisdom, which are under threat of oil and gas drilling. Their narratives together construct a powerful tapestry that reinforces the urgency of confronting the threats facing these public lands.

Public Trust masterfully layers investigative journalism, personal narratives, candid interviews, historical context, and breathtaking cinematography to bring this issue to life. It exposes the underlying political maneuvering, corporate interests, and legislative actions that have increasingly destabilized the management and protection of public lands. The film insists on the need for the public to reclaim their dominion over these lands and illuminates how the decisions made today will leave lasting imprints on the American landscape and its future generations.

By placing the fate of public lands under the microscope, Public Trust seeks to spark an essential dialogue and inspire action. It aims to remind the audience of the intricacies of the connection between land and identity and the obligation Americans have to responsibly steward these national treasures. It underscores the very essence of these lands - that they are public, they belong to all, not just a privileged few or corporate entities. It’s a manifestation of the democratic spirit, a sentiment so profoundly American.

Public Trust not only uncovers the intensifying struggle between preservation and exploitation but is a compelling call to action. It is a radiant homage to the country's public landscapes, reminding us all of the magnificent beauty, immeasurable value, and delicate fragility of these shared spaces. Ultimately, Public Trust is an extraordinary depiction of the conflict over America’s public lands, offering a valuable lesson in history, an urgent call to awareness, and a plea for preservation.