Charlie Wood writes, "Woody Allen famously said that 80 percent of success in life is just showing up. Turns out he was right when it comes to wilderness."
"Conservation groups say that by getting boots on the trail in the nation's most threatened wilderness areas — swaying politicians and land managers with our numbers — hikers can help protect critical landscapes. Call it voting with your feet. And call it effective: 2009 has already been a banner year for wild America. In March, Congress passed a bill preserving 2 million acres. We found 10 stellar hikes in proposed — and at-risk — wilderness areas. Now do your part: Get out and explore."
Wood looks at ten special wild places now threatened, and lists the champion groups working to protect them:
- Otero Mesa, NM
- Grafton Loop, ME
- Chestnut Ridge and Tracy Ridge, PA
- Scotchman Peaks, MT/ID
- Utukok Uplands, AK
- Upper Desolation Canyon, UT
- Handies Peak, CO
- Seneca Creek, WV
- Tumacacori Highlands, AZ
- Red Buttes, OR/CA
