Wilderness Act Turns 50 As Eminent Domain Battle Brews

“The Wilderness Act turns 50 this year, but pending public land acquisitions and possible eminent domain actions by the federal government make the anniversary of the law a controversial one. The legislation allowed for the creation of public lands that “retain their primeval character and influence.” The protective labeling ushered in under the Wilderness Act has not been utilized since 2009.

Wilderness Society Director Paul Spitler deemed the lack of activity by Congress as characteristic of the governing body’s “broader dysfunction.” Spirtler also said, “they seem to have lost the ability to compromise and move forward. Typically the Wilderness Act has been used to designate public lands such as national forests, wildlife refuges, and parks. The battle over the potential use of eminent domain to extend the lands of the California Coastal National Monument area is turning into a heated political debate.”

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Inquisiter 7 January 2014.