Wilderness Timeline
History
The Wilderness Society has been at the forefront of nearly every major public lands victory since 1935.
We have led the effort to protect permanently nearly 110 million acres of wilderness in 44 states. From the revolutionary 1964 Wilderness Act to the landmark 2009 bill that protected more than two million acres of wilderness across the country, The Wilderness Society has helped preserve public wild lands, including:
- Rich hardwood forests in the East
- Stunning deserts in the Southwest
- Snowcapped peaks in the Rockies
- Old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest
- Tundra in Alaska
The Wilderness Society remains true to our founders’ principles and dedicated to the concept that careful, credible science, bold advocacy and unswerving vision are essential underpinnings of wilderness conservation policy.
Wilderness Timeline
Since its founding in 1935, The Wilderness Society has helped to form the cornerstone of the movement to save America’s vanishing wilderness.
Wilderness Act
The Wilderness Society was instrumental in passing the Wilderness Act of 1964. The act defines wilderness and provides for its legislative protection in the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Famous Quotes
The words of our founders and other conservation pioneers, as well as modern day activists and wilderness lovers, capture the ongoing struggle to protect our public wild lands.
Why Wilderness
Wilderness is a precious resource with many human, natural and economic benefits that we need to protect.
WildAlerts
Be the first to hear about important campaigns, victories and features related to enjoying and protecting wilderness by joining our email and mobile WildAlert network.
Enter to Win
Need inspiration to protect wilderness? Enter our Wild Days of Summer give-away to win airfare to visit your favorite wild place.
Monday, June 17, 2013Idaho’s Clearwater Basin now has a blueprint for the future to protect world class recreation opportunities and pristine landscapes, in addition to creating jobs and providing funding for wilderness stewardship.
Saturday, June 15, 2013Planning a vacation this summer? Be sure to pen in some time for Wilderness during your travels!
Whether you intend to visit a major city, or you live in one and are looking for a quick weekend trip, a visit to Wilderness may be just what you need to unwind and relax.
Friday, June 14, 2013Just as you rely on wild places to rejuvenate and restore you, those places rely on you to keep them in good condition.
Friday, June 14, 2013A final plan for the SunZia transmission project raises serious concerns about impacts to Arizona’s sensitive San Pedro Valley.
Friday, June 7, 2013The memorandum specifically calls on federal agencies to collaborate on identifying suitable places on public lands that avoid sensitive na
Wednesday, May 15, 2013Yet, here we are, with people and the government unable to stop furloughs, job losses, and lower revenue to keep the government functioning. Our public lands have certainly not been spared from this indiscriminate budget ax.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013But Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski refused to accept that decision. She and residents of the tiny community of King Cove are fighting to have the decision overturned.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013Birdwatchers travel from far and wide to northwest Colorado to see male sage-grouse strut their stuff in hopes of attracting a mate. Early spring is prime season to catch these timid grouse dancing on the lek and shaking their tail feathers through organized tours.
Dear Representative Gosar:
On behalf of the National Association of Counties (NACo), I am writing to express our support of the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (H.R. 596). This landmark legislation would extend royalties and lease income from solar and wind projects developed on Federal lands to home states and counties.
Dear Representative Gosar:
We are writing to express our support for sharing with states and counties renewable energy royalty revenues from federal lands. The language contained in the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (HR 596) which you have introduced in the House would enact such revenue sharing.
Outdoor Alliance, a coalition of six national, member-based organizations, including Access Fund, American Canoe Association, American Hiking Society, American Whitewater, International Mountain Bicycling Association, and Winter Wildlands Alliance, represents the interests of the millions of Americans who hike, paddle, climb, mountain bike, and backcountry ski on our nation’s public lands, waters, and snowscapes. Collectively, Outdoor Alliance has members in all fifty states and a network of nearly 1,400 local clubs and advocacy groups across the nation.
Friday, June 14, 2013A final plan for the SunZia Southwest transmission project was released today by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) identifying the agency’s preferred routes in Arizona and New Mexico.
Friday, June 14, 2013Ken Salazar receives Ansel Adams Award
Washington, DC (June 14, 2013) – Former Colorado Senator and Secretary of Interior, Ken Salazar, received the Ansel Adams Award on Thursday for his enduring dedication and commitment to America’s wild public lands.
The Ansel Adams Award is presented to a current or former federal official who has shown exceptional commitment to the cause of conservation and the fostering of an American land ethic.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013The Wilderness Society today took a position on eight bills being marked-up in the House Natural Resources Committee:The Wilderness Society opposes: