America's public lands -- one fifth of the USA -- have historically been managed for the benefit of mining, ranching, and logging interests. Insightful essay points out that outdoor recreation generates $646 billion and over 6 million jobs... yet the interests of nature lovers get relatively little representation in the Department of the Interior.

Obama's nominee for Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, is a native Seattleite, trained as a mechanical engineer and a banker before becoming CEO of sporting-goods giant REI. Hopefully she will be well qualified to oversee the long-term value of all aspects of American public lands -- especially outdoor recreation.

Such a brilliant choice for Interior.

In general Obama's second-term picks have been thoughtful and future-looking.

Feels like a lot will get done in the next four years.

Sally Jewell is the leader our public lands need. FINALLY.

She balances love of outdoors with commercial interests.

Some REI innovations could help Interior tremendously, particularly coop resource pooling.