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Article |
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The National Wilderness Preservation System |
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Wilderness
is America's Legacy
Establishment
of the National Wilderness Preservation System
Wilderness
Benefits
Charts
NWPS
Table
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Wilderness is America's Legacy |
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Wilderness
is an indispensable part of the American story. Native Americans
depended on the bounty of wilderness for survival and held Earth
and its wild places sacred. As Europeans arrived and settled the
continent, they viewed the vast wilderness as places to be conquered.
Lewis and Clark were inspired by the untamed beauty and foresaw
how then-wild country would contribute to a burgeoning nation's
wealth. Over time, wild lands were developed at an alarming rate
to meet the demands of an exploding population. The essential wildness
of America was tamed and transformed and, in some cases, lost. As
Americans realized that the long-term health and welfare of the
nation was at risk, a vision for conservation emerged.
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President Lyndon Johnson signs the Wilderness
Act of 1964.
In 1964, our nation's leaders formally acknowledged the immediate
and lasting benefits of wild places to the human spirit and fabric
of our nation. That year, in a nearly-unanimous vote, Congress enacted
landmark legislation that permanently protected some of the most
natural and undisturbed places in America. The Wilderness Act established
the National Wilderness Preservation System to "…secure
for the American people of present and future generations the benefits
of an enduring resource of wilderness." These areas are sources
of clean water and air and protect habitats for wildlife. One who
visits wilderness finds exceptional scenic beauty, natural sounds,
and opportunities for challenging recreation, inspiration, rejuvenation
and solitude. For many Americans, just knowing wilderness is there
inspires pride and a sense of responsibility.
2004 marked the 40th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, and Americans
from all walks of life can value wilderness as part of their heritage.
Indispensable to the American past, the legacy that is wilderness
will remain indispensable to the American future. Wilderness is
every American's story.
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Establishment of the National Wilderness Preservation
System |
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Wilderness Act of
1964 "…where the earth and its community of life are
untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not
remain."
In 1964, Congress established the National Wilderness Preservation
System under the Wilderness Act. From the swamps of the southeast
to the tundra in Alaska, from the hardwoods of the northeast to
the deserts of the southwest, wilderness is found in all but six
states. The Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service,
Forest Service, and the National Park Service are charged to preserve
the natural condition of these lands and provide outstanding opportunities
for primitive and unconfined wilderness experiences.
Federal lands qualifying as wilderness must be designated by Congress
through legislation. In some cases, federal agencies recommend
suitable lands. In other instances, citizens put forward proposals
for consideration by Congress. The process culminates when the
legislation is passed by Congress and is signed by the President.
This secures "…for the American people of present
and future generations an enduring resource of wilderness."
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Wilderness Benefits |
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Wilderness areas contribute significantly to our nation's health
and well-being. The benefits these areas provide are as diverse
as the areas themselves and far exceed the mere acreage protected.
Yet protection does not ensure sanctuary from events that threaten
wilderness character. The federal managing agencies, together
with American citizens, must rise to the challenge of protecting
these benefits and preserving our wilderness legacy.
- Water and Air—Americans value wilderness
most because these areas are sources of clean water and air.
While the benefits of wilderness transcend its boundaries, they
are threatened by forces outside wilderness. Pollution decreases
water and air quality that people, plants and animals rely on.
Preserving wilderness preserves clean water and air.
- Wildlife—Americans value the wildlife
that is protected in wilderness, from grizzly bears to wildflowers.
Wilderness protects natural processes, including natural disturbances
like fire, which give rise to rich biodiversity. Wildlife is
threatened by non-native species, pollutants, and the suppression
of natural processes. Preserving wilderness preserves wildlife.
- Legacy—Americans from all walks of life
value the wilderness legacy. This legacy is passed on from generation
to generation by many who will never visit wilderness, yet value
its undisturbed quality. Failure to preserve the untrammeled
and natural conditions of these areas threatens this legacy.
Preserving wilderness character preserves our wilderness legacy.
- Recreation—Wilderness was created for
the use and enjoyment of the American people. Yearly, over 12
million people visit wilderness to hike, ride horses, hunt, fish,
ski, float, take pictures and stargaze, to name a few. Many people
who visit wilderness are inspired and humbled by the feeling
of being part of something larger than one's self. Wilderness
is a haven for self-discovery and rejuvenation. Visitors must
be aware that high use of sensitive areas threatens the untrammeled
quality of wilderness. Preserving the integrity of wilderness
preserves its unique recreational value.
- Economics—Wilderness areas have a positive
impact on local and regional economies. Counties with wilderness
generally have higher income and employment growth rates. From
sales to service, the economic benefits of wilderness influence
every avenue of business that relies on this resource. Diminishing
wilderness character threatens the far-reaching economic benefits
of wilderness. Preserving wilderness helps to preserve a healthy
economy.
All Americans can value wilderness as part of their heritage.
Every citizen has a responsibility to ensure that the wilderness
we have today remains wild for future generations to enjoy tomorrow.
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Charts |
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Chart showing percent wilderness by State.
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Chart comparing the number of wildernesses
by size.
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Adapted from the National
Atlas of the United States®, 2004, National Wilderness
Preservation System - Wall Map, Stock Number 101414. |
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