On September 3, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill creating the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) protecting an initial 9.1 million acres for the American people. The original pact set aside 13,400 acres in North Carolina to create Shining Rock Wilderness and 7,655 acres as Linville Gorge Wilderness. Revisions to the bill in 1975 brought in an additional 18,600 acres.
With strong support from the NC Sierra Club, the NC Wilderness Act was passed on June 19, 1984, bringing in a whopping 68,700 acres of designated wilderness and preserving an additional 25,816 acres as wilderness study areas. Today, North Carolina protects nearly 130,000 acres in 12 Wilderness Areas across the state.
We think that’s worth celebrating – all year long! Watch for more information and special events around the state to recognize these wild areas in NC and the people who help protect them. If you have a suggestion, a story or photo to share, or if you’d like to help plan the party, contact Nancy Card at nostalgicnan@gmail.com.
Our Wild America
Check out the Sierra Club Our Wild America campaign!
NC Central Piedmont Group of the Sierra Club 