At Wilderness, we use a blend of policy, partnerships and science to address important issues affecting designated wilderness and other wildlands. Find information and facts about the following areas:
Wilderness designation
Using the Wilderness Act, Congress is able to designate new public lands as wilderness. A mere 5 percent of public lands is designated wilderness — roughly 110 million acres. We need to protect millions of acres more.
Monument designation
The president can designate public lands as national monuments using the Antiquities Act. When a wildland receives monument designation, it also gains new protections against development and other threats.
National forests
National forests are a vital part of America’s public land system. So much of what makes our country special would vanish without them.
Bureau of Land Management lands
Our public lands face many threats — energy development, off-road vehicle use and other development activities. At Wilderness, we work with the Bureau of Land Management and other agencies to balance how we use and protect public lands.
Oil and gas
Much of the oil and gas produced in the United States comes from public lands. Our work helps to protect these lands from further harmful development of fossil fuels.
Renewable energy
Clean energy sources like wind and solar can help us reduce climate change, but can harm wildlife and wildlands if not sited carefully.
Outdoor recreation
Millions of Americans enjoy recreation on our public lands each year. It’s important to balance opening wildlands to recreation opportunities while also protecting them from harm.
Conservation funding
When funding exists for important conservation projects, there’s a better chance that wilderness is protected, studied and managed well.
