- An Alliance For Community Action
- (970) 256-7650
- info@WesternColoradoAlliance.org
Here’s to the next 50 Years of Wilderness!
Here’s to the next 50 Years of Wilderness!
50 Years ago today President Lyndon B Johnson signed the Wilderness Act into law 
& ushered in a new era of public land management. This historic bill established the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) and set aside 9.1 million acres of wildlands for the use and benefit of the American people. Over the past 50 years as a result of America’s support for wilderness, over 100 million acres have been added to this unique land preservation system. Colorado itself contains over 3.5 million acres of wilderness within 41 separate wilderness areas.
WCC members have been tireless campaigners for wilderness in Colorado since the 1980s. From the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness, we have worked to establish and safeguard these areas for future generations. And today, half a century later, we stand ready to keep the Wilderness movement alive!
Protect the Wild San Juan Mountains!
There are many active land preservation proposals across Colorado, including the San Juan Wilderness Act. This proposal will protect 61,765 acres of unique high elevation lands in southwest Colorado, including the 13,200 acre White house Addition to the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness. For a map of the proposed area and more details, click here!
The San Juan Wilderness Act has broad community support, is sponsored by both Senators Udall and Bennet, and has passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. However, we still need Rep. Tipton to become the House sponsor. Help us harness the momentum of the 50th Anniversary and get the San Juan Act introduced in the House! Contact Rep. Tipton today and ask him to protect the wild San Juan Mountains for the next 50 years and beyond!
Contact Representative Tipton today & urge him to sponsor the San Juan Wilderness Act!
Phone: 970-241-2499
Fax: 970-241-3052
Email: scott.tipton@mail.house.gov
Address: 225 North 5th St, Suite 702
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Celebrate 50 Years of Wilderness with WCC!
We’ve got many upcoming events to honor & celebrate the Anniversary! Read on & hope you can join us!
September 25th: UVA House Party for Wilderness in Montrose!
October 5th: Walk for Wilderness: Fall Colors Hike into the San Juan Wilderness proposed expansion area.
October 12th: WCC Member Wilderness Photo Contest at the WCC Annual Meeting (learn how to submit a photo here!)
Nov 10th-29th: Colorado Wilderness at 50 John Fielder Photo Exhibit at the Mesa County Central Library in Grand Junction.
November 19th: Colorado Wilderness slideshow & presentation with John Fielder in Grand Junction @ CMU, 7pm. VIP event @ Kannah Creek, 5pm.
November 20th: Colorado Wilderness slideshow & presentation with John Fielder in Montrose @ Montrose Pavilion, 7pm. VIP event @ Pavilion, 5pm.
November 21: Colorado Wilderness slideshow & presentation with John Fielder in Paonia @ the Paradise Theater, 7pm
Would you like your own copy of the John Fielder Colorado Wilderness @ 50 Poster? Copies are available at the WCC office! Contact Emily at 970-256-7650 today!
More Information and Resources on the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act:
Wilderness at 50 National Website & Conference
Wilderness at 50 National Facebook Page
Poem by Colorado Poet Laureate Dave Mason
Colorado Public Radio Series on the Wilderness Act
Daily Sentinel Op-Ed by Senator Mark Udall on the Wilderness Act
Cortez Journal Op-ed about SW Colorado Wilderness Proposals
Emily stepped up as our staff director in 2017, but originally joined our team as a community organizer in 2013. Born and raised on the Western Slope, Emily graduated from Colorado State University and then had the privilege of learning from and working alongside organizers in Central and South America as well as Appalachian coal country. They returned to their home state to protect the land they love and work with fellow Coloradans for a healthy, just and self-reliant future for our rural communities. Emily enjoys organizing, exploring the Colorado Plateau, country music and punk concerts with equal passion.