Earth Day 2011, this April 22, reminds us that even in this time of unprecedented environmental challenge, every citizen has the power to affect change on a local, national and global level.

The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 added nearly a half-million acres of new wilderness designations in national park units in California, Utah, Colorado, and Michigan. The Wilderness Society worked tirelessly to make these designations reality. The following summary describes these newly designated wilderness areas. Despite these important gains, much more remains to be done.