Wilderness News Releases

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.

"Americans from all parts of our country will respond with enthusiasm to President Barack Obama's proclamation recognizing this September as National Wilderness Month," said Mike Matz, executive director of Campaign for America's Wilderness.

"Over the past 45 years, the Congress has enacted numerous laws extending wilderness protection to vast swaths of public lands," President Obama notes in his proclamation.  "These laws have enjoyed bipartisan support.

LBJ signs the Wilderness Act, Sept. 3, 1964

Today marks the 45th anniversary of a conservation landmark - the Wilderness Act.  Signed into law on September 3, 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson, this groundbreaking legislation has been used by citizens from coast to coast over these years to guarantee that future generations will be able to forever use and enjoy our nation's wonderfully diverse wilderness areas.  Among the national treasures that gained immediate protection under the Act were the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota, the John Muir Wilderness in California and in the East - New Hamp

The US Senate today overwhelmingly adopted a resolution commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Wilderness Act – the tool by which citizens can work with Congress to add shared public land to the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Gorge Lake in East Pioneers;
© Russell O'Leary

Senator Jon Tester today announced his Forest Jobs and Recreation Act, a forest stewardship bill aimed at protecting the state’s wild lands, clean water and outdoor traditions, while creating jobs to help struggling local economies. The bill unites three community-driven efforts in western Montana for the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, the Lolo, and the Kootenai National Forests.

Whether you're sitting by a lake or a mountain or traveling somewhere to reach a summer destination, it's nice to have a good book along. The Campaign for America's Wilderness staff suggests picking from this baker's dozen of great old and new wild reads. About the first, A Sand County Almanac, executive director Mike Matz says, "From this one little volume, published posthumously, legions of conservationists have derived inspiration, discovered their philosophy of land ethics, and found solace in the lyrical writing. 

Join our e-activist network (and get the Campaign's e-newsletter and action alerts) and we'll send you a free WILD sticker.

This picture was sent to us by amazing outdoor photographer and wilderness supporter Michael E. Gordon (visit his website: http://www.michael-gordon.com/ ). Michael's WILD sticker grew its wild tiger-stripes traveling a dusty road on the back of his truck, en route to a wilderness excursion in the Utah Canyon lands.