The Wilderness Blog

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Victory for Wild Southern Utah!

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Even if you haven’t been there, you probably know that the federal public lands in south-central Utah contain some of the most spectacular red rock canyons, scenic vistas, and opportunities for solitude in the nation. This region is home to such famous wild landmarks as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM), Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, and other wild places. more

Celebrating 45 years of the Wilderness Act

America's Wilderness spans magnificent lands from coast to coast — north to south. We can celebrate these outstanding natural benefits today — and be sure they will be available to us tomorrow — because forty-five years ago, our nation’s leaders introduced visionary legislation unlike any the world had ever seen: The Wilderness Act. A deliberate and farsighted effort to protect from development vast areas of wild places, the Wilderness Act preserves the lasting benefits of wilderness for the enjoyment of all Americans. more

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

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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. more

Recent Utah looting underscores need for artifact protections

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In the Four Corners region, among the rugged mountains, mesas and deep canyons of the high desert there are pockets of desert wilderness where the soil is the only thing standing between travelers and a wealth of ancient Pueblo artifacts. In these lands, the ancient Pueblo people once settled villages with hundreds of family farms. Today, the area is rich with evidence of their small communities, but it’s also a hotbed for those looking to profit from illegally selling this priceless cultural heritage. more

Will solar energy prove a win-win for wildlands?

Unlike conventional energy production, we don't have to raze mountaintops or drill into our national wildlife refuges to access energy provided by the sun. Huge swaths of the Southwest receive enough sun to power utility-scale solar energy projects. Not only does solar energy not run out: it also runs wide. In fact, in the Southwestern United States alone, the sun provides enough energy to power our country 6 times over! more

Coming in May: Don’t miss Utah’s Amazing Earthfest

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If you thought it was fun deciphering big game tracks on your last trip to the wild, you’re going to love this. A guided tour of dinosaur tracks embedded in sandstone millions of years ago is part of the 3rd annual Amazing Earthfest this year around Kanab, Utah. The festival runs May 17 to 23 with events designed to celebrate the magnificent landscapes, diverse ecology, and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau. more

Laying a strong foundation for renewable energy

You've no doubt heard about the progress Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has made in reversing bad Bush administration public lands policy. more

Rejecting Utah drilling is a good start to fixing larger problem

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It’s a good day when you can be reasonably assured that a trip to the Windows or Delicate Arch at Arches National Park won’t be tarnished by the thought that most of the public land surrounding the park is in the hands of the oil and gas industry. more