“We want to hear why America’s wildlife and public lands are important to the people who use them most,” says Marcia Lesky, the director of national outreach at Defenders of Wildlife. “Whether you’re a hiker, climber, kayaker, hunter, angler, birder or outdoor photographer, whatever motivates you to explore our nation’s wild places, we want to hear about it.”

The “Your Lands, Your Wildlife, Your Story” contest from Defenders of Wildlife is an opportunity for fans of America’s public lands to share their stories. Six great prizes are up for grabs, including $1,000 in gift cards to REI for the best overall story.

The contest kicks off at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, an annual outdoor retailer expo, as part of a Defenders campaign to raise awareness for the importance of wildlife management planning on public lands and to give a voice to the people who use these lands most.

Defenders will accept submissions through Nov. 30, 2008 at www.YourLandsYourWildlife.org or by direct mail. Submissions will be accepted in five categories: hunting, fishing, birding, wildlife watching and photography, and backcountry adventure. The contest winners will be announced in January, 2009.

For more information on the Your Lands, Your Wildlife, Your Story contest, or for electronic copies of the print PSAs created for the “Your Lands, Your Wildlife” campaign, visit the official campaign Web site at www.YourLandsYourWildlife.org.

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