Wilderness Act turns 50

Kate Harloe

Kate Harloe Jul 11, 2025

Feb 6, 2018

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                <h1>Wilderness Act turns 50</h1>
                <h2><p>We can't believe it's been 50 years since President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wilderness Act (on September 3, 1964). Where does the time go? The law set aside nine million acres of wilderness, including Mount Adams and Glacier Peak in Washington. It  will no doubt be</p></h2>
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               <p>By <a href="/author/kate-harloe-crosscut-com/">Kate Harloe</a></p> 
              <p><time datetime="2025-02-04T05:00:00-08:00">Feb 6, 2018</time></p>
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            <p>We can't believe it's been <a href="http://earthfix.info/land/article/the-golden-anniversary-for-wilderness-in-america/?ref=dev.cascadepbs.org">50 years</a> since President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wilderness Act (on September 3, 1964). Where does the time go? The law set aside nine million acres of wilderness, including Mount Adams and Glacier Peak in Washington. It  will no doubt be celebrated <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/energy-environment/216427-the-wilderness-act-turns-50?ref=dev.cascadepbs.org">nationally</a> throughout the month, but for a more local view of its legacy, take a look at EarthFix's <a href="http://earthfix.info/land/article/the-golden-anniversary-for-wilderness-in-america/?ref=dev.cascadepbs.org">series</a>. Cassandra Profita's <a href="http://earthfix.info/land/article/why-its-harder-to-create-wilderness-now-50-years-a/?ref=dev.cascadepbs.org">piece</a>, in particular, looks at why it's harder to "create" wilderness now than it was in 1964. An interesting dilemma to ponder as you set off for your weekend hike.</p>
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We can't believe it's been 50 years since President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wilderness Act (on September 3, 1964). Where does the time go? The law set aside nine million acres of wilderness, including Mount Adams and Glacier Peak in Washington. It will no doubt be celebrated nationally throughout the month, but for a more local view of its legacy, take a look at EarthFix's series. Cassandra Profita's piece, in particular, looks at why it's harder to "create" wilderness now than it was in 1964. An interesting dilemma to ponder as you set off for your weekend hike.

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By Kate Harloe

Kate Harloe is Crosscut's Community Manager &amp; Editorial Assistant. After graduating from Hamilton College, Kate completed two seasons of work for the Southwest Conservation Corps before moving