The Wilderness Society

Dedicated solely to protecting spectacular parks, rivers, forests, deserts and shorelines of great American wilderness landscapes from coast to coast. Now, and for future generations.

Why do we exist?

The Wilderness Society is the only national conservation organization devoted primarily to the protection and management of the lands that belong to all Americans --our nation’s parks, wildlife refuges, forests, deserts and seashores.  We combine advocacy, scientific and economic analysis, public education, and partnerships with local environmental groups to protect habitat for wildlife and unspoiled places for recreating, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities.

 The lands we work to protect are located in every state, from the redrock canyons, desert grasslands and spectacular forests of the West to some of the last large tracts of wild lands in the highly developed East.  These lands purify the water we drink and the air we breath.  They replenish the soul.  They offer affordable recreation and shelter for endangered species.  They are a legacy for our children and for future generations.

What have you accomplished?

 Since our founding in 1935, we have helped win scores of victories including passage of the landmark Wilderness Act of 1964, the Endangered Species Act, and legislation to protect wilderness in Alaska.  Last year, our work was instrumental in a new law that will ensure that our nation’s 512 national wildlife refuges are managed so that the needs of wildlife take precedence over commercial, recreational and other uses of the system.

 The act to protect refuges is a good example of The Society’s unique role.  Over the last decade, our staff have testified at Congressional hearings, visited hundreds of legislators, and drafted related bills and amendments that formed the core of the new law.  Our membership department generated hundreds of thousands of letters, backed up by media coverage resulting from editorial visits and calls made by our communications staff.  Once the law had been signed, we worked with local conservationists, native tribes, and commercial fishermen to prepare a groundbreaking lawsuit to improve management of 6 Klamath Basin refuges in Washington and Oregon.

 The meshing of expertise in economic analysis, mapping, legislative affairs, public education and coalition building is the foundation of our overall vision:  a national network of protected wild lands.

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