Article by David von Seggern
2024 has arrived and with it we have the sixtieth anniversary of the federal Wilderness Act that established America’s National Wilderness Preservation System. So it is time to begin celebrating SIXTY YEARS OF WILDERNESS PRESERVATION in the United States. Sierra Club members should especially engage because of the Club’s long and effective history in the efforts to preserve wilderness areas in the U.S.
Maine has three designated wilderness areas: 1) Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness, 2) Moosehorn Wilderness, and 3) Moosehorn Wilderness (Baring Unit). The first is in southern Oxford County near the New Hampshire border; the second and third are in southeastern Washington County. Together they comprise nearly 20,000 acres of undeveloped land that is preserved forever under the Wilderness Act. More on these wilderness areas can be found on the informative flyer prepared by Vicki Hoover at the national Sierra Club office.
This year, in addition to local events throughout the nation, our nation’s wild places will be celebrated as part of the 12th World Wilderness Congress, taking place in Rapid City, South Dakota, on August 24 to 31, 2024. At least one full day will have a special focus on North American Wilderness.
On September 3, 1964, when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wilderness Act, he brought into being a new national wilderness system protecting 54 areas in 13 states—places that had already been administratively protected by the Forest Service. Today, that wilderness system has grown to 806 areas in 44 states plus Puerto Rico. There is plenty of reason to celebrate—and to work for even more.
New awareness that preserving nature can combat the climate crisis and fight the species-extinction crisis gives us even more reason for striving to protect large swaths of natural land. This is taking shape in Sierra Club’s 30 by 30 campaign, but let’s start by celebrating what we have achieved already! To join the Sierra Club’s nationwide 30 by 30 effort in our Maine Chapter, contact Matt Cannon, staff lead for our local effort here in Maine.
Lastly, be alert for announcements related to visiting or honoring our three wilderness areas in Maine. We will likely be planning outings to these areas as the weather warms. Suggestions to enhance our celebration of these areas are welcome.