May 13, 2013
by Caroline Pufalt, Sierra Club Missouri Chapter Conservation Committee Chair
In 1964 Congress passed the Wilderness Act, thus the venerable law will turn 50 years old in 2014.
Congressionally designated wilderness areas in Missouri include: Piney Creek, Bell Mountain, Devil’s Backbone, Paddy Creek, Rockpile Mountain, Mingo, Hercules Glade, and the Irish Wilderness.
The Sierra Club, along with many other citizen groups and governmental entities, are planning activities in celebration. The anniversary provides an opportunity for the Club to underscore the importance of preserving our existing wilderness areas and of adding additional areas (such as
the Big Springs Wilderness along the Current River) to this system. Ideas for marking this event include hikes to MO Wilderness areas, photo contests and displays, and educational events. If you would like to be involved in Sierra Club activities for the Wilderness Celebration, please contact cpufalt@sbcglobal.net.