Stories from California
Why California
California is the nation’s most geographically diverse state and it has more than six million acres of potential wilderness. Protection of its wildlands is critical to buffer against climate change and population growth.
What's at stake
California is the nation’s most geographically diverse state – home to the highest and lowest points in the Lower 48 states, the most climate zones and species. Although it has 44 million acres of public land, it’s also the state with the most people.
From snow-capped mountain peaks to scenic Old West desert to classic coastal vistas, much of California is still wild. In fact, the state’s 15 million acres of wilderness is more than any other state except for Alaska.
What we're doing
The Golden State has another six and a half million acres of federal wild lands that can still be protected. The Wilderness Society is working across the state to preserve some of these amazing places.
The Wilderness Society is also restoring the forest to improve habitat and protect the creeks and rivers that are important water sources. We are keeping forests healthy by removing obsolete or illegal roads, encouraging sustainable forest management and working to battle climate change.
Successes
In the last decade, The Wilderness Society and its partners have permanently protected more than one million acres of California wilderness. The Wilderness Society was part of a successful legal agreement that will protect more than one million acres of Southern California forest.
Why Wilderness
Wilderness is a precious resource with many human, natural and economic benefits that we need to protect.
Take Action
Add your voice to important wilderness causes and take action to stop threats to our wildlands by joining our community of wilderness activists.
mywilderness
Betty White first visited California’s Sierra Nevada at age four. That visit, and visits almost every year thereafter, made a lasting impression on her.
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: