“The federal lands belong to the people. Not the government, not any political administration, and not any special interest groups.”

“The majesty, uniqueness and wonder we find in wilderness is incredible—blasting open our senses and souls.”

“I have had many special experiences in wilderness such as sharing a research excursion with one of my sons in the Weminuche Wilderness in Colorado and experiencing his excitement and development.”

“Wilderness was the only source of safety I felt as a child. I still feel safest in wild places.”

“Taking a wilderness survival course, I learned how to read a topographical map, use a compass, what food non-perishable foods to bring and what foods are available in the natural setting. I learned how to filter water from a stream to make it safe to drink.”

“It was mid-summer in the desert, so reversing my route and swimming those pools on a warm night while looking at a sky full of stars above me is something I will never forget.”

“Protecting wilderness is one of the cheapest, most common-sense things we can do for the rivers, communities, and ways of life that we care about here in Appalachia.”

“Our America is a plethora of wilderness. To maintain nature and keep access safe for people would be a goal. Our future generations will be grateful for the efforts that we make. As we are grateful for our prior generations’ work.”

“My community is committed to defending these wild places not only for us but for future generations.”

“Oregonians love to hike, fish, and enjoy wilderness.”

“I wish that the politicians and bankers conducting land grabs could sit here with me. Maybe they would actually see the land, and feel it. Maybe this quintessential American landscape would become something more than an abstraction to them, more than another profit center.”

“Millions of people visit these wilderness places. Keep them. Support them. Drilling for oil and mining will only destroy them and once gone, that's it.”

“A mountain meadow filled with native wildflowers, clean air, a babbling snowmelt-fed stream, and a pika calling from the scree fields above—there is nothing more authentic than that; there is nothing more worth fighting for.”

“When the bottoms of my feet can feel the dirt, when my nose can smell freshly fallen pine needles, and when my ears can hear various buzzings and bird calls my whole body feels an immense peace.”

“It was a magical, fun-filled trip that is imprinted on my mind, and I will picture the sights, hear the sounds, and smell the scents of the wilderness for the rest of my days!”

“I used to take my young children on walks in wilderness areas to provide them with an understanding of the importance and joy such places can and do bring to our lives. The wonderful memories of those times shall always remain with me.”

“Wilderness is important. It can demonstrate its beauty, inspire us with its significance, and help us have better lives, but it cannot speak for itself. It is up to us to speak for it.”

“Every day that I have spent walking in a forest or a meadow; climbing a hill, ridge, or mountain; or sleeping in a tent or under the stars has restored my soul and helped me to arrive at 83 years of age in good health.”

“You see the pattern leaves make in the breeze, you hear birdsong, you notice the sky and clouds. If it's dark enough you see the forgotten night sky with millions of stars.”