What is the difference between national parks and wilderness areas

Congress can also designate public lands as national monuments. These trails follow a route of national significance in American history. Some trails that you can follow today include the Pony Express and Lewis and Clark. The Wild and Scenic River System was established by Congress to preserve rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values.

Article What is Wilderness. Jason Kauffman. Today, about million acres of federal wildlands have been permanently protected as wilderness, parks, refuges or other protected areas. Wilderness designations Wilderness areas are designated by Congress on federal public lands. National forests Our national forests — home to clean water sources and incredible recreation opportunities. Wilderness is in the arid deserts, cypress swamps, alpine meadows, sandy beaches, and rocky crags.

From Alaska to Florida, wilderness protects some of the most diverse and sensitive habitats in our country. It offers refuge for wildlife and a place to seek relaxation, adventure, or something in between for us. What does wilderness mean to you? The Wilderness Act of established the National Wilderness Preservation System, a national network of more than federally-designated wilderness areas. Explore different NPS wilderness areas and learn about some of the ways people connect to these special places.

Are you in the mood for adventure? Quality time with loved ones? National Parks Poster by J. Sequoia and Yosemite followed, both designated as national parks in the year In , the Organic Act led to the creation of the National Park Service, a bureau of the Department of the Interior, to protect all designated national park land. Today, a total of Of the National Forests: In , the Forest Reserve Act allowed the president to designate public land reserves. Fourteen years later, the Transfer Act placed these reserves, which were renamed national forests, under the auspices of the Department of Agriculture.

The U. Forest Service was created within the department specifically to regulate and manage these lands. Similar to national parks, land preservation is one of the primary functions of national forests.