Wilderness News Releases

The House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands held a hearing Tuesday, November 17, on Representative Sam Farr's (D-CA) Pinnacles National Park Act, which would add almost 3,000 acres of new wilderness within Pinnacles National Monument.

"We are very pleased that the subcommittee is considering the Pinnacles wilderness bill and congratulate Rep. Farr for his dedication and foresight in protecting more wild lands in central California," said Jim Mathews, Policy Specialist for the Campaign for America's Wilderness. 

We cheer Chairman Grijalva and the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands for hearing testimony today on the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act.  This is an important step in ensuring that one of the nation's most popular wilderness areas is protected for future generations to continue to enjoy.

Platt River Valley © Rick McGuire

We applaud Chairman Wyden and the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests for hearing testimony today on the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Wild Pratt River Act. This marks a great step forward in protecting this "backyard wilderness" and ensuring the region's clean water and healthy environment.

Only an hour's drive from Seattle, Alpine Lakes provides world-class recreational opportunities for hiking, camping, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. It is also a critical habitat for cutthroat trout, elk and mountain goats.

Devil's Staircase; © Dave Tvedt

We cheer Chairman Rahall and the House Natural Resources Committee today for moving the prized Devil's Staircase Wilderness legislation (H.R. 2888) another step closer to law.  This unique area is one of the most secluded and wild treasures in Oregon.

Representative DeFazio deserves our thanks for his leadership to protect nearly 30,000 acres of this remarkable landscape as wilderness and more than 14 miles of Wassen and Franklin Creeks as wild and scenic river.

Wilson and Sunshine additions of Lizard Head
Wilderness; © John Richter Photography

The Campaign for America's Wilderness welcomes Rep. John Salazar's (D-CO) legislation to protect more than 61,000 acres of public land in southwestern Colorado. The San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act (H.R. 3914), introduced October 22, is the result of a thorough collaboration with local stakeholders, and will be the first new wilderness designation in the San Juan Mountains since 1993.

Organ Mountains; © Stephen Capra

“We applaud the Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests for receiving
testimony today on two bills to protect nearly 290,000 acres of wilderness in New Mexico
and Oregon,” said Jim Mathews, Policy Specialist for the Campaign for America’s
Wilderness.

Devil's Staircase

Members of the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest and Public Lands heard testimony today on The Devil's Staircase Wilderness Act of 2009 (H.R. 2888).  David Dreher, Washington Representative of the Campaign for America's Wilderness, said: 

"We applaud the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands for hearing testimony today on The Devil's Staircase Wilderness Act of 2009.  This marks a great step forward in protecting one of the most secluded and wild treasures in Oregon."  

Organ Mountains; © Stephen Capra

The Campaign for America's Wilderness applauded the introduction today of a major conservation bill aimed at protecting a significant amount of public land in southern New Mexico near Las Cruces. The Organ Mountains -- Desert Peaks Wilderness Act, introduced by Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, will designate nearly 260,000 acres of wilderness and create just over a 100,000--acre National Conservation Area around the Organ and Dona Ana Mountains and parts of Broad Canyon.

In honor of the 45th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, the Campaign for America's Wilderness held a photo contest, with the winning photo  becoming an anniversary poster.  We received amazing photos from around the country, depicting a wide range of favorite wilderness areas.  By a close staff vote, Peter Polson was our winner, with his photo of the Denali Wilderness in Alaska.   

Forever Wild is a one-hour documentary celebrating America's spectacular wilderness, and shining a spotlight on some of the true heroes who have led local efforts to protect the special wild places they love. Hosted by Robert Redford, and featuring the prose of Terry Tempest Williams, read by the author, this inspirational film also includes conversations with the Campaign's own Doug Scott.