The Wilderness Blog

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Poll: Californians favor wilderness protections in San Gabriel Mountains

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The old growth Jeffrey Pines that take root atop one of the most rugged mountain ranges in the country aren’t what immediately comes to mind when one thinks of the Los Angeles area. But these beautiful peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains are just an hour’s drive away for more than 17 million people. more

More forged letters to Congress found: Coal industry tactics deplorable

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Will dirty Coal stop at nothing? The scandal over coal industry lobbyist stealing identities — to protect their profits has deepened. Yesterday Washington’s Roll Call newspaper reported that: “Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) has uncovered five more forged letters as part of his investigation into fraudulent correspondence sent by Bonner & Associates on behalf of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity opposing the House climate change bill.” more

Gov report shows problems from unmanaged Off-Road Vehicles

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A new government report released July 30 found that dirtbikes, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles are damaging our national forests and other western public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and that increased enforcement is desperately needed. more

San Gabriel Mountains: So close to Los Angeles, yet surprisingly wild!

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In wilderness, one expects a stunning vista or two. You anticipate the spicy aroma of towering pine and fir. And, if you are lucky, the fleeting sight of an endangered species, maybe a Nelson’s bighorn sheep scuttling up a rocky peak. This time, though, our hike in California’s Cucamonga Wilderness in the San Gabriel Mountains began with a humbler sight. Ladybugs. more

Never underestimate the power of the phone

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Usually a beehive of well-dressed, black-berried staffers, reporters and lobbyists, Capitol Hill was noticeably calmer last week. Many Congressional staffers came to work in jeans, flip flops and other small but significant signals that August recess is upon us. Amid this calm before the storm of the fall legislative calendar, one drumbeat was consistent as I visited office after office last week in my role as policy advisor for climate change for The Wilderness Society: the phones have not stopped ringing. more

The case for energy efficient technologies

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Taking a break from my morning dose of DC wonk-news, I scanned some papers from the real world and came across this headline in the Oregonian: Efficiency can help NW meet 85% of new electricity demand. more

Wild45 Photo Contest: Seeking stunning nature shots

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Editor's Note: We are no longer accepting submissions for the Wild45 Photo Contest, as of August 27, 2009. Winning photographs will be announced on September 3. Thanks to everyone for participating. They're absolutely stunning! Join the Wild45 Photo Contest! Help us celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Wilderness Act and get your moment of fame! We invite you to share your best original photos from excursions in nature. more

Seafood enthusiasts won’t like the news about global warming in Alaska

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It can help your cholesterol problems, is a healthy source of protein, contains essential oils, and has even been dubbed “brain food” — and your ability to buy it will be impacted by the effects global warming has on a state many of us will never be lucky enough to visit. Yes, I’m talking about seafood — and yes, much of our seafood comes from Alaska. more