Wednesday, Sept. 3 marks the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, a piece of legislation that set aside millions of acres of public lands for preservation. In celebration of the anniversary and the recent creation of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, national conservation groups plan to complete conservation projects in 50 “wild places” across the country this year.
Though some projects are focused on conserving rugged wilderness areas, spokesman for the Wilderness Society Michael Carroll said there are diverse projects happening in every state.
“Some of the projects—some in California, some on the east coast, outside of Washington, D.C.—were chosen because they were focused on small-“w” wilderness, wild places right in people’s back yards,” Carroll said. “For most people in this country, a connection to the outdoors starts in those community parks, in those open green spaces right in their back yard.”
The main project for the state of Utah will take place in Ashley National Forrest by the Utah Conservation Corps.
Carroll said an additional purpose for the projects is to encourage youth to participate in conservation efforts. He said engaging young people in the work ensures the next generation of wilderness preservation.
“Public Land Service Corps members are often 17 to about 25. They often are the conduit to getting to even younger people and younger kids,” Carroll said.
When completed, the Fifty for the 50th projects will have improved more than 40,000 acres of land, built 887 miles of trails, planted 325 acres of trees and utilized over 200,000 man hours.