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THERE ARE MANY symbols of America. The bald eagle. Uncle Sam. But none is more inspiring than the vast tracts of wilderness that symbolize the wide openness of our democracy and the rugged individuality of our national character.
Forty-five years ago the Wilderness Act was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. What a great day. With the stroke of a pen, millions of acres of wild and free country were preserved for Americans to explore and treasure.
Originally, the law protected 9 million acres in 54 wilderness areas. After passage this year of the bipartisan Omnibus Public Land Management Act, designated wilderness areas cover 109 million acres in 758 areas.
Another remarkable thing about the federal wilderness preservation program – it’s one of the few issues that has consistently enjoyed bipartisan support. Every president since its inception has signed laws that increased the country’s wilderness holdings. President Reagan, in fact, signed more wilderness protection laws than any other president.
This weekend as we celebrate Labor Day, we should celebrate passage of the Wilderness Act, too, by taking a walk on the wild side somewhere.