President Obama Declares September National Wilderness Month

Last Thursday, September 3rd, was the 45th anniversary of the passage of the Wilderness Act.  That historic day protected 9 million acres as wilderness and in the decades since has protected more than 100 million acres.  The passage was a landmark piece of legislation for the entire country as a celebration of our heritage and ushered in a new era of conservation.  President Obama has already shown his commitment to wilderness by protecting 2 million additional acres this past March when he signed into law the Omnibus Public Land Management Act.

Last Thursday, President Obama commemorated the anniversary by declaring September 2009 National Wilderness Month.  He said, "I call upon all Americans to visit and enjoy our wilderness areas, learn more about our wilderness heritage, and explore what can be done to protect and preserve these national treasures."  This declaration and reminder could not be more timely.  In the face of global warming, our lands and wildlife face an unprecedented challenge.  Scientists tell us that in order to help wildlife survive in a warmer world, we need to protect as much habitat as possible.  Wilderness areas have never held more importance than they do today.

Read the White House's press release.