Wilderness has the unique ability to both inspire and humble us, to connect us to each other and allow us to feel unique solitude. It provides refuge not only to us from the pressures of a fast-changing world and daily life, but to hundreds of endangered species, protecting the ecosystems that provide the clean air and water vital to all life. Wilderness is for everyone, and is is our greatest legacy which we must protect for generations to come.
Within federally designated wilderness areas are over 180,000 acres of privately owned lands known as inholdings. They range from a few acres to thousands of acres, each one representing a hole in the fabric of wilderness protection and a threat to the wild character and ecological integrity of the lands surrounding them. Each one carries the possibility of development and resource extraction in the heart of some of our county’s grandest landscapes. We work with willing sellers to acquire these properties and transfer them to public ownership.
A stillness that amplifies the wings of a hummingbird. Clean mountain air and crystal clear water. Solitude and beauty that nurtures the soul. Wilderness is where you experience the profound beauty of our natural world.
Hundreds of thousands of acres within designated wilderness are vulnerable to development, mining, and logging. Should even one acre be developed, it would have a devastating effect on the surrounding wilderness. We are dedicated to protecting your public lands.
By acquiring private property and transferring it into public ownership, we have:
PERMANENTLY PROTECTED
58,067
ACRES TO DATE
ADDED
592
PARCELS IN 120 WILDERNESS AREAS INTO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP
HELPED COMPLETE
17
DESIGNATED WILDERNESS AREAS BY REMOVING THE LAST REMAINING INHOLDING
By acquiring private property and transferring it into public ownership, we have:
PERMANENTLY PROTECTED
58,067
ACRES TO DATE
TRANSFERRED
592
PARCELS IN 120 WILDERNESS AREAS INTO PUBLIC OWNERSHIP
HELPED COMPLETE
17
DESIGNATED WILDERNESS AREAS BY REMOVING THE LAST REMAINING INHOLDING
Get Involved.
We’re dependent on people like you to protect
our remaining wild places for current and future generations.