Statement by Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack on the 100th Anniversary of the Designation of the Gila Wilderness, America’s First Wilderness

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2024 – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack released the following statement in honor of the 100^e anniversary of the designation of the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico, the very first designated wilderness in the world.

“A century ago today, the U.S. Forest Service’s designation of the Gila Wilderness began a national tradition of preserving unique and cherished landscapes. With more than 800 federally designated wilderness areas in the U.S., today encompassing over 250 million acres of protected land, the Gila Wilderness sets a precedent for wildlife and natural areas protection. Wilderness areas are prized for their recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat and contribution to rural economies and protection of precious freshwater resources.

“Today we also honor the indigenous peoples who have managed this landscape for thousands of years, and recognize conservationist and former Forest Service employee Aldo Leopold who proposed protection of the Gila Landscape. First established on June 3, 1924, today the day, the Gila Wilderness covers 559,688 hectares, with the adjacent Aldo Leopold Wilderness adding another 202,016 hectares While the Gila set the stage for numerous wilderness designations through administrative action, it was not until 1964, forty years later, that the Wilderness Act passed. the law was signed into law. President Johnson wants to establish a national wilderness conservation system.

“On its centennial, we celebrate just a moment in the life of this remarkable landscape. The Gila has provided nourishment, inspiration and comfort for thousands of years. As we move forward into this new millennium, as the Gila Wilderness continues its journey and with it, the importance of conserving natural areas, including our wildest places, becomes increasingly apparent. The USDA and its Forest Service are honored to be the latest stewards of this remarkable landscape and ensure its protection for future generations.

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Background information on the Gila Wilderness

Located in the Gila National Forest of southwestern New Mexico, the Gila Wilderness is a remarkable and pristine expanse of protected land that holds a special place in the history of conservation and outdoor recreation in the United States. Established in 1924, the Gila Wilderness was the world’s first designated wilderness area, predating the Wilderness Act of 1964, which paved the way for the creation of many other wilderness areas across the country. The Gila Wilderness and the adjacent Aldo Leopold Wilderness cover more than 750,000 hectares of rugged and diverse terrain and are known for their breathtaking landscapes, including deep gorges, soaring mountain peaks and the Gila River, which meanders through the heart of this country . This area is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers, but also a haven for countless species of flora and fauna, making it an essential part of New Mexico’s natural heritage. With its rich history and pristine beauty, the Gila Wilderness continues to inspire and captivate all who venture into its historic landscapes.

Aldo Leopold, a Forest Service employee working in New Mexico, first initiated a federal wilderness concept. He opposed the proposed expansion of a road network into the backcountry of the Gila National Forest and instead proposed leaving a large area roadless and preserving it for wilderness recreation.

This land was and continues to be the homeland of indigenous peoples for thousands of years, including the Mimbres, Mogollon, Early Puebloan and Warm Spring, Chiricahua, and Chihene Apache. For the Apache peoples, the Gila landscape also represents a painful story of forced removal and dispossession from their ancestral homeland. The Apache peoples faced successive waves of exploitation and subsequent forced dislocation. It was within this complex and fraught context that the US Forest Service first set aside 755,000 hectares as the Gila Wilderness. After numerous changes and adjustments, the original acreage was divided and expanded and is now recognized as the Gila Wilderness at 559,688 hectares and the adjacent Aldo Leopold Wilderness at 202,016 hectares. There are now more than 800 miles of trails in the two wilderness areas combined.

As we face climate change, the science and knowledge of indigenous peoples will be critical to preserving their character. The Forest Service is committed to integrating Indigenous knowledge and Western science as part of our tribal trust responsibilities.

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