The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) warns that a new U.S. Department of the Interior order could weaken wilderness protections on up to 80% of National Park Service lands.
The directive, announced June 13, 2026, initiates a review of wilderness study areas and lands with wilderness characteristics across multiple federal agencies. - The NPCA estimates over 80% of NPS lands have wilderness characteristics and would be impacted.
- The order threatens to overturn 50 years of established wilderness stewardship under Director's Order 41. - A 60-day public comment period will follow the announcement.
- The NPCA vows to fight the rule, emphasizing the importance of wilderness areas in parks like Yosemite, Crater Lake, and Glacier.