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Time is running out for some two-dozen wilderness bills pending in Congress. Together, these pieces of legislation would safeguard more than 2 million acres of our nation’s most amazing wild places. Supported by Democrats and Republicans alike, the measures were built from the ground up and enjoy strong local support.
Every Congress since 1966 has passed wilderness legislation. Please join us in urging our senators and representatives to take up these conservation measures before they adjourn.
Sign the petition to Protect America’s Wild Treasures.
America's Wilderness: Tell Congress to Protect More Today
Tennessee
Located in Eastern Tennessee, the Cherokee National Forest stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol and along the North Carolina border. The 640,000-acre forest is the largest tract of public land in the state, and lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachian mountain range.
The Tennessee Wilderness Act will expand five existing wilderness areas, including Sampson Mountain and Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock, and create one new one, the Upper Bald River.
New Mexico
Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment Act will designate about 13,500 acres of the Ute Mountain area as the Cerro del Yuta Wilderness, and 8,000 acres as the Rio San Antonio wilderness.
The spectacular views, significant wildlife and plant life, and dramatic geological features of the Rio Grande Gorge provide for some of the best recreational opportunities in the state. Visitors from around the world come to hike, picnic, bird watch, and raft throughout the area while viewing the spectacular scenery.
Montana
The Forest Jobs and Recreation Act will protect nearly 700,000 acres of wilderness across the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Lolo and Kootenai National Forests, including the East and West Pioneers, the Sapphires, Lost Cabin and Lima Peaks, and additions to the Lee Metcalf, Anaconda-Pintlar, and North Fork Blackfoot Monture Creek Wilderness areas.
The bill will also improve forest health and fish and wildlife habitat as well as protect the lands for hunting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Along with wilderness protection, the measure will designate areas for backcountry recreation and areas for forest stewardship.
