[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WILDERNESS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PATRICK MEEHAN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50th 
anniversary of the Wilderness Act.
  President Johnson signed the Wilderness Act in 1964 to permanently 
protect some of America's most beautiful wild places. The Act has so 
far protected 757 wilderness areas, accounting for a total of 109 
million acres.
  The National Wilderness Preservation System--comprised of four 
federal agencies--was established to monitor and protect these 
untrammeled spaces. In Pennsylvania alone, the NWPS has designated more 
than 9,000 acres of wilderness, including the Allegheny Islands and the 
Hickory Creek wilderness areas. These protected lands are void of 
construction, roads and permanent structures. Wilderness lands are also 
void of any logging and mining activities.
  The NWPS not only protects the resident wildlife and natural 
ecosystems, but it also supports outdoor recreation activities and 
jobs. Wilderness areas provide tremendous opportunities for hiking, 
camping and fishing. Yet we are just visitors to these lands.
  Mr. Speaker, the Wilderness Act and the National Wilderness 
Preservation System have helped to protect our nation's last remaining 
unspoiled lands and waters for the past 50 years. I celebrate the 
Wilderness Act and look forward to the excellent work the NWPS will 
continue to do in the years to come.

                          ____________________