President Clinton establishes Grand Staircase-Escalante National
Monument in Utah.
The Omnibus Parks Act establishes the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
in Kansas, and the Opal Creek Wilderness in Oregon (although Opal Creek will not
meet standards for Wilderness designation until 1998).
Nearly 6 million acres of wilderness are designated, mostly in Alaska
(Noatak Wilderness Area).
Congress Passes Law Increasing Protection in National Wildlife Refuges
There are more than 500 national wildlife refuges, located in all 50 states. Despite their name,
many of these sanctuaries are threatened by military exercises, jet skiing, livestock grazing,
and other activities. The new law, the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act,
sets wildlife conservation as the top priority in the refuge system and provides for more
science-based management and long-term planning.
Ending Gridlock in Major National Parks
A once-in-a-century flood devastated Yosemite Valley in January, causing physical and
economic hardship for many and damaging certain park features and structures. But the
flood also prompted the federal government to move ahead, at long last, with a 1980 plan to
decommercialize Yosemite Valley. Central to that plan is creation of a transportation system
that enables visitors to leave their vehicles outside the park and move into--and around--the
valley on public transportation. Yosemite announced its plan in October. Then, in November,
the National Park Service and the Department of Transportation signed an agreement to
work together to significantly reduce traffic in Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Zion National
Parks.
Funding to Protect Yellowstone, Headwaters Forest, Everglades, and Other Lands
Yellowstone National Park was threatened by a proposed mine just north of its border. Logging
was planned for the Headwaters Forest, the largest privately-owned stand of
ancient redwoods left in California. The Everglades ecosystem needed land bought to help
alleviate serious water quality and quantity problems. Congress appropriated money from the
Land and Water Conservation Fund to tackle all three needs. In addition, money was provided
for acquisition of important natural and recreation areas in 38 other states.
Ban on Oil and Gas Drilling along the Rocky Mountain Front
Gloria Flora, Supervisor of the Lewis and Clark National Forest, announced in September that
no oil and gas development would be allowed along the 70 miles of the Rocky Mountain
Front that lies within that forest. This spectacular area is considered by biologists to rank
within the top two percent of wildlife habitat in the U.S. The oil industry has filed an appeal.
The Opal Creek Wilderness Area in Oregon, at 20,724 acres, is designated by Congress.
President Clinton issues his directive to the USFS to conduct
an EIS leading to possible long-term protection of 50-60 million acres of
roadless lands.
The Dugger Mountain Wilderness Act designates 9,200 acres in the
Talladega National Forest, 70 miles east of Birmingham, AL
Otay Mountain Wilderness, east of San Diego, adds 15,000 acres to the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument, Colorado is
made a National Park. Redesignation addes 22,000 acres of park Wilderness
and 4,700 acres of BLM Wilderness to the National Wilderness Preservation
System.
President Clinton issues his directive to the USFS to conduct
an EIS leading to possible long-term protection of 50-60 million acres of
roadless lands.
The Dugger Mountain Wilderness Act designates 9,200 acres in the
Talladega National Forest, 70 miles east of Birmingham, AL
2000
President Clinton establishes numerous national monuments, including Grand Canyon-Parashant, Giant Sequoia and Canyon of the Ancients.
2001
The U.S. Forest Service, after receiving 1.6 million comments from concerned citizens, sets aside 58 million acres of wild forests to remain undeveloped for future generations. President Bush puts this plan on hold.
The National Park Organic Act creates the National Park Service and establishes the National Park
System in order to conserve scenery,
wildlife, and "historic objects" for
future generations.
Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin calls for national teach-in on the environment to be called "
Over 500,000 acres of wilderness designated in Alabama, Missouri, Montana,
West Virginia.
