A recent Colorado news report described the Bureau of Land Management’s decision to once again allow consideration of M-44 sodium cyanide devices on public lands. I believe these devices should be banned outright on all public lands.

There is simply no justification for placing lethal cyanide devices in areas where hikers, campers, hunters, mountain bikers, children, and family pets may be present.

Supporters argue that warning signs and regulations protect the public. Yet reports over many years have documented concerns about inadequate notification and signage. When a device has the potential to kill a pet, poison wildlife, or expose a child to a highly toxic chemical, “usually safe” is not good enough.

Although I live in Parker, my wife and I spend much of our free time exploring Colorado’s mountains, wildlife areas, and public lands. Like millions of other Coloradans and visitors, we enjoy these lands for recreation, wildlife viewing, and the simple opportunity to experience the outdoors. We should not have to worry about hidden cyanide devices while enjoying places that belong to all of us.

Public lands should be safe for public recreation. Congress should permanently prohibit the use of M-44 cyanide devices on public lands before another family experiences the tragedy that these devices can cause.