2022 National Wilderness Month Proclamation

Hikers enjoy the scenic views of the Buffalo National River Wilderness.

Jeff Rose

"... our Nation’s wilderness boasts national treasures that provide opportunities for discovery, wonder, and serenity. They are also the current and ancestral homelands of Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples, many of whom have deep cultural, historic, and spiritual connections to these places. During National Wilderness Month, let us express gratitude for lands and waters that remain in their natural condition, acknowledge the importance of making public lands accessible to all Americans, and rededicate ourselves to conserving and protecting the earth for future generations."

Did you know over 80 percent of all National Park Service (NPS) lands are managed as wilderness? President Biden has proclaimed September 2022 as National Wilderness Month and the NPS is joining in recognizing this important month! Throughout September, we will celebrate our federal wilderness areas and the 58th anniversary of the Wilderness Act.

The Wilderness Act established the National Wilderness Preservation System. Wilderness areas are designated by an act of Congress and this designation provides the highest level of legal protection for our federal public lands in the United States.

Duration:

2 minutes, 50 seconds

The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the National Wilderness Preservation System, a national network of more than 800 federally-designated wilderness areas. These wilderness areas are managed by the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and US Forest Service.

Wilderness is more than just forested mountains - NPS wilderness protects deserts, alpine meadows, tundra, lava beds, sand dunes, swamps, and coasts. Much of this diverse wilderness also reflects thousands of years of human residence, further strengthening our connection to these special places. Wildernesss stewardship builds upon the legacy of shared connections between people and the land. Existing long before national parks and federal wilderness areas, the rich cultural traditions of indigenous people and later immigrants with lands now managed as wilderness is important to recognize and respect.

Wilderness offers many benefits for everyone. These dynamic areas offer places for improved mental and physical health, clean air and water, habitat protection, and support community-based economic vitality. Together, the benefits of wilderness show that wilderness is good for us, our communities, and our planet.

The NPS invites everyone to celebrate National Wilderness Month with us this year. To learn more about wilderness, visit NPS.gov/wilderness and check out our America's Wilderness webisode series to virtually visit the wilderness of Fire Island National Seashore, Congaree National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, and many more!

And remember, if you're able to get out and explore a wilderness area, help ensure that everyone has a positive and inspiring experience by Recreating Responsibly and practicing Leave No Trace ethics and principles.