http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=99681.0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2009

Contact: Kristina Johnson
541-914-9744


             President Obama to Sign Historic Wilderness Bill

Washington, D.C. - Today, President Obama is set to sign the biggest public
lands protection bill in decades. The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of
2009 will safeguard millions of acres of new wilderness, protect hundreds
of miles of rivers, expand trails, and keep important habitat in Wyoming
safe from oil and gas leasing.

For more information on the bill, go to:
http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=98581.0


       Statement of Sierra Club Public Lands Director Athan Manuel:

This is a historic day for conservation. For years, volunteers and
conservationists from coast to coast have worked tirelessly to make this
happen. This is the most important lands protection legislation in decades.

By signing this bill into law, President Obama ensures that our children
and grandchildren will be able to enjoy America's last, best wild places.

This bill helps guarantee that future generations will be able to hike in
pristine forests from California to West Virginia. They'll be able to fish
America's untouched rivers, watch antelope migrate through Wyoming, and
take their families camping in the stunning Rocky Mountains.

In these tough economic times, our public lands are more crucial than ever.
Wilderness, rivers, trails and parks support important tourist economies
across the country. This legislation will help protect the tourist dollars
and jobs that hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation generate.

As global warming changes wildlife habitat and food sources, it's more
important than ever that we take care of our last remaining wild forests
and rivers. If we hope to help wildlife adapt and survive global warming,
we have to protect the corridors where they migrate and the places where
they raise their young.

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