Why Wilderness?
In order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States and its possessions, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition, it is hereby declared to be the policy of Congress to secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness. –The Wilderness Act
Wilderness Benefits
The environmental, social, scientific and spiritual benefits of wilderness are myriad. Wild places help produce clean water by protecting watersheds; improve air quality by acting as a filter for pollutants; provide critical habitat for threatened or endangered species; maintain biological diversity; offer outdoor recreation opportunities; provide scenic beauty; and serve as a haven from pressures of modern day life.
The Business of Wilderness
Wilderness designation benefits the Eastern Sierra’s economy and leaves a lasting legacy.
- Wild lands generate approximately $700 million per year in economic benefits and support more than 2,800 jobs in Inyo and Mono Counties, according to a recent study.
- Recreation in wilderness and natural areas draws 1.5 million visitors and generates $84 million per year in Mono County.
- Wilderness designation increases the attractiveness of an area to new visitors. A 10% increase in the size of a wilderness area is met on average with an 8.9% increase in visitors.
- In a recent survey, residents of Mono County cited the quality of the environment (87%) and easy access to outdoor recreation (67%) as reasons to live in the area.
- Proximity to wilderness areas increases property values in nearby communities. Towns with some wilderness acreage have a per-acre residential land price almost 19% higher than towns without wilderness.
Read an article from the March 2005 issue of Outside Magazine about the economics of wilderness.