On Sept. 3, 1964, a group of conservation champions and elected representatives converged on the White House lawn as President Lyndon Johnson signed into law one of the most popular pieces of legislation in American history creating the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Forty-five years later, a similar group would gather to witness Barack Obama sign a historic measure to preserve nearly two million acres of pristine wilderness areas nationwide. To this day, the Wilderness Act continues to give the American people the opportunity to leave behind an incredible legacy to future generations, keeping our treasured public lands forever wild.
Unlike so many divisive issues we face, the preservation of wilderness, the very resource that defines our natural heritage, provides shared value for Americans of all walks of life. Thanks to the Wilderness Act, grassroots citizen initiatives in 44 states have successfully preserved special places from Florida's Everglades to California's Trinity Alps, to three expanded areas and three newly designated areas of West Virginia's own Monongahela National Forest.
In early 2009, the U.S. Congress passed the Wild Monongahela Act, a bi-partisan measure sponsored by all five members of West Virginia's Congressional Delegation. It was with the same foresight as those who worked to pass the Wilderness Act of 1964 that our representatives and senators ensured that West Virginians and our visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy these natural treasures in perpetuity.
The Wild Mon Act is a prime example of the opportunities Wilderness provides for citizens to work together toward a common goal. The campaign to protect the Mon forest included conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as West Virginia's faith community, organized labor groups, municipal governing bodies and hundreds of small business owners throughout the state. This legislation was the first such measure for the Mon since 1983.
The dense forests, pristine streams and iconic vistas that make our state "Wild and Wonderful" are found within these very places. These are the places that instill pride in the outdoor heritage that has defined us as Appalachians, a people so closely tied to the land.
The benefits to West Virginians, such as clean air and water, enhanced recreation opportunities and preservation of critical wildlife habitat, cannot be understated. Additionally, as natural resource-based tourism continues to play an increased role in the state's economy, the protection of these wild places significantly adds to the attractiveness of our highlands as a top-tier backcountry destination.
As we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, visitors from across the United States travelled to our protected areas on the Monongahela National Forest during the Labor Day weekend. Some explored the storied Wilderness Areas such as Cranberry or Dolly Sods, while others experienced some of the newest additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System like Roaring Plains West, Spice Run and Big Draft.
The wild, untrammeled landscapes we have preserved have greatly increased our overall quality of life, making their protection a lasting investment in the future. The places the Wilderness Act has allowed us to set aside are nothing short of an enduring national resource, something every West Virginian should be proud of.
