What is wilderness? The Wilderness Act of 1964 defined wilderness as "An area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." The Act goes on to describe wilderness as "an area of undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation." Wilderness areas usually measure at least 5,000 acres, provide opportunities for backcountry recreation, and may contain outstanding social or ecological values. It is pristine federal land that is given the fullest protection so it cannot be degraded by mines, oil drilling, tree deforestation, or mechanized transportation within its area of protection except for safety concerns.
Why wilderness? Because wilderness areas directly contribute to the quality of life that we as Californians enjoy. Our national forests are the source of nearly 60% of California's clean water supply and improve our air quality by acting as a filter for pollutants. California's wilderness draws millions of equestrians, hunters, anglers, hikers, backpackers, whitewater boaters, campers, birdwatchers and other outdoor enthusiasts each year by providing valuable recreational opportunities.
Many regions of California depend upon the economic benefits from these and other forms of tourism, which create four times as much economic benefit as national forest logging. Visitors to wilderness areas generate needed jobs and revenue for our communities. Permanently protecting these lands works to safeguard the quality of life of nearby residents that could be lost if a local mine were built, causing, air, traffic, and noise pollution. Furthermore, by designating federal lands as wilderness, studies have shown that it can increase property values and make the community a more desirable place to live.
Santa Clarita has its own share of wild public lands and trail systems that currently are in need of protections - places like Santa Clarita Canyons, Piru Creek, potentially the longest free flowing year-round river in southern Californiaand a great trout haven, or Pleasantview, one of the last ranges of the Bighorn Sheep. Currently Congressman McKeon has committed to reintroducing a bill in this Congressional Session that will protect parts of the Eastern Sierras. Please consider writing him a letter to tell him how much you appreciate his interest in wilderness, and especially in preserving the Eastern Sierra.
Communities located near designated wilderness areas enjoy many other benefits as well. Wild and scenic areas provide a source of quiet beauty and tranquility associated with a lack of pollution, crowds and noise that cannot often be found elsewhere. These areas are home to native plants and animals currently in danger from high-impact land use, such as: overgrazing, road construction and vehicle use, logging and mining. By designating federal land as wilderness, we ensure native life has the opportunity to thrive by protecting natural ecosystems. By designating the pristine federal lands around Santa Clarita, wilderness will prevent things like the Cemex Mine or Elsmere Dump, both places the City of Santa Clarita has spent millions of tax-payer dollars to prevent. As a result, Elsmere canyon was preserved, and dedicated just this last week.