By Associate Director for National Wilderness Campaigns Paul Spitler

Today's action clears the most significant hurdle to protecting some of the country’s most cherished landscapes. This legislation is the most important conservation measure in a decade.

The Senate shows great vision in making this bill a priority. These wonderful landscapes are under tremendous pressure, and their value to local communities and to all Americans who treasure our natural heritage will remain long after the country has recovered from the economic crisis.

We remain concerned that the Izembek provision is included in this otherwise stellar legislation and will continue to work to ensure that this valuable and unique wilderness and wildlife resource remains protected.

Senators Bingaman and Reid deserve our thanks and the gratitude of the American people for their continued leadership in advancing this landmark legislation.

Other Wilderness Society contacts:

CALIFORNIA

Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel: Sally Miller, 415-518-7679
California Desert, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: Sam Goldman, 202-744-3809

COLORADO

Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, Dminguez Canyon, Rocky Mountain National Park/Indian Peaks: Steve Smith, 303-650-5818 x106

IDAHO

Owyhee-Bruneau Canyonlands: Craig Gehrke, 208-867-9970

MICHIGAN

Beaver Basin Wilderness: Jeremy Garncarz, 970-247-8788

NEW MEXICO

Sabinoso Wilderness: Deanna Archuleta, 505-217-8705

OREGON

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, Copper Salmon Wilderness, Lewis and Clark Mt. Hood Wilderness, Oregon Badlands Wilderness Act, Spring Basin Wilderness Act: Bob Freimark, 541-979-2843.

WEST VIRGINIA

Wild Monongahela Act: Matt Keller, 970-247-8788

VIRGINIA

Virginia Ridge and Valley Act: Matt Keller, 970-247-8788

UTAH

Washington County Growth and Conservation Act: Suzanne Jones, 303-650-5818 x 102

WYOMING

Wyoming Range Legacy Act: Steff Kessler, 307-332-3462

ALASKA

Izembek National Wildlife Refuge: Maribeth Oakes, 202-429-2674 or Nicole Whittington-Evans, 907-272-1670

NATIONAL LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION SYSTEM ACT

Kevin Mack, 202-454-2524

THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY’S WILDERNESS SUPPORT CENTER:

970-247-8788

Learn more about America’s Wilderness.