The Wilderness Society

Wilderness Blog

Latest Posts tagged with "Refuges"

Rallying for More Wilderness: Experience the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

September 6, 2011 By John Todd

Charles M. Russell Wildlife Refuge in Montana

Credit: Matthew Reeves, Courtesy NASA

Last year we asked you to help protect Montana’s premier National Wildlife Refuge, and many of you did just that — calling on the Fish and Wildlife Service to finalize its 15-year Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and expand proposed wilderness. In the end, more than 20,000 public comments flooded into the Montana’s Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (CMR), many urging managers to conserve more of the nation’s best wildlife habitat, hunting and backcountry prairie hiking and camping opportunities. Region: Northern Rockies Read more

The Great Outdoors Giveaway: Help stop Congress’ anti-environmental agenda

July 29, 2011 By Laura Bailey

Ironwood Forest National Monument

Credit: BLM

As Congress debates funding for conservation programs this week, wilderness lovers should know that some members have launched an unprecedented assault on our wild places and natural resources. The House will vote as early as this weekend on a appropriations bill that would close wildlife refuges, remove much-needed protections for wildlife, allow uranium mining to go on near the Grand Canyon, and prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from protecting the air we breathe and the water we drink. Read more

Wildlife Refuges — Not Just for the Birds! Serving up a taste of America’s history

July 22, 2009 By Kathy Westra

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worker. Courtesy USFS.

America’s National Wildlife Refuges — 549 of them, scattered throughout the 50 states and U.S. territories — are best known for the wildlife they protect: thousands of species of animals, birds, reptiles, fish, wildflowers, and trees. What’s less well known is that many refuges also offer a glimpse into America’s past — encompassing the story of our land beginning with the native people who lived here long before the first European settlers, and continuing through the major events of our nation’s history. Read more

What a day with the Atlantic Brant teaches about Alaska’s Izembek

April 28, 2009 By Elisabeth Condon

Atlantic Brants in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Elisabeth Condon.

I spent last weekend birding the coastline of New Jersey. My partner in crime was Seth Cutright, a hawk counter at Sandy Hook Bird Observatory, just across the pond from New York City. After a hectic morning in which the air was alive with American kestrels and Northern harriers, the slowness of the afternoon prompted Seth’s generous supervisor to give him the rest of the day off. Seth and I did not waste a minute — off to Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (a.k.a. Brigantine, or simply Brig, to locals) we went. Read more

A new era begins for wild lands: Welcome Mr. President!

January 20, 2009 By Ben Beach

Designated coastal wilderness in Olympic National Park, Washington. Photo by Jeff Fox.

For the past eight years, The Wilderness Society and other conservationists have fought constantly to protect America’s natural treasures from an administration more interested in promoting commercial development of them. Read more

Giving Thanks for Special Places. Join the discussion!

November 24, 2008 By Laura Bailey

Thanksgiving photo.

Our Web team has shared some thoughts about some special wild places that deserve a word of thanks. Read and enjoy. Then leave a place of your own! Click “add new comment” below to share the place that you cherish most. Read more