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There's been progress toward seeing that nature and culture are not opposing terms, and that wilderness is not the only kind of landscape for environmentalists to concern themselves with.

Madam Speaker, I have spent more than half my life as a member of the Resources Committee. In that time I have supported numerous wilderness designations. In fact, I cannot recall ever opposing a wilderness bill.

Millions of Americans each year use our national forests to go hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, swimming, horseback riding, and canoeing.

As one who has often felt this need, and who has found refreshment in wild places, I attest to the recreational value of wilderness.

Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.

I realize the answer is not to create wilderness and walk away.

I think true wilderness can still be found, but it's hard to reach and dangerous when you get there, which is probably why it still exists.

Wilderness designations should not be the result of a quid pro quo. They should rise or fall on their own merits.

Wilderness is harder and harder to find these days on this beautiful planet, and we're abusing our planet to the point of almost no return.

Wilderness is not defined by the absence of certain activities, but rather by the presence of certain unique and invaluable characteristics.