National Wilderness Preservation System
Quick Summary
The National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) is a U.S. government system established by the Wilderness Act of 1964. This landmark legislation set aside 9 million acres of land, protecting them from development and creating a process for preserving additional areas. The NWPS aims to maintain large tracts of public land in their natural state, free from intrusive human-made structures like roads and buildings.12
The creation of the NWPS was a significant achievement for the environmental movement, though it faced opposition from those who favored resource development. Since 1964, over 100 million acres have been added to the wilderness system, safeguarding these natural areas for ecological and recreational purposes.1
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