Wilderness Defense Toolkit

Department of the Interior Initiates Maneuver That Opens Door to Remove Protections on Country’s Wilderness Areas

What Happened?

On June 10th, the Interior Department initiated the first step of a policy update that is expected to amount to sweeping changes and attempts to strip protection of the country’s remaining natural wilderness areas. The agency launched a 60-day public comment period for the review and revision of policy manuals for management of millions of acres of public land that are designated as wilderness, Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs), Lands with Wilderness Characteristics (LWCs), and recommended Wilderness. The comment periods end August 14th.

In the days leading up to this deadline, we will continue to fight for the continued protections of these Utah monuments. Review our National Monument Defense Toolkit for talking points and campaign guidance.

Resources

• Toolkit to Defend America’s Wild (includes talking points, FAQ, and important links)
• US Department of the Interior Announcement of Review
• Conservation Lands Foundation’s Press Statement
• Wilderness Study Area Fact Sheet
• More Than Just Parks Article: Trump Administration Moves to Close the Door on Future Wilderness
• Center for Western Priorities Article: Interior lays the groundwork for attacks on wilderness and wildlands
• Government Comment Portals:
• BLM Manual 6320 – Considering Lands with Wilderness Characteristics
• BLM Manual 6330 – Management of Wilderness Study Areas
• BLM Manual 6340 – Management of Designated Wilderness Areas
• Fish and Wildlife Service Wilderness Administration and Resource Stewardship
• National Park Service Wilderness Stewardship Policy Review
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We invite the Friends Network to join conservation leaders nationwide in urging the Department of the Interior to uphold existing wilderness stewardship policies. These proven standards protect millions of acres of public lands, preserve critical biodiversity, and support the $1.2 trillion outdoor recreation economy against industrial exploitation. Please sign the national letter to ensure these foundational protections remain in place for future generations.

For questions or to sign on, contact Kara@conservationlands.org.