On June 3, 1924, the Gila Wilderness Area was designated the world’s first wilderness area at the urging of Aldo Leopold, an American author, scientist, ecologist, forester, and environmentalist. Early in Leopold’s career, he was assigned to hunt and kill bears, wolves and mountain lions in New Mexico. He soon discovered that man does not need to have dominance and that predators are necessary in the balance of nature.
Leopold believed in land ethics. One of his philosophical ideas was that a community is more than just human elements, a community includes soils, waters, plants, and animals; collectively these items make up the land. Having the Gila Wilderness designated a wilderness area ensures that the region will remain in a natural state and impacts of human activities will be minimal.
Located in southwest New Mexico, the Gila Wilderness area covers 558,014 acres of mountainous ranges, rolling hills, deep canyons, creeks and hot springs. It is part of the 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System which ensures this system of lands will continue to provide clean air, water, and habitat critical for rare and endangered plants and animals.
Gila Wilderness Area is located in the Gila National Forest which consists of over 3 million acres of land. This area is home to the Gila Cliff Dwellings which is now considered a National Monument. These cliff dwellings were excavated and carved into the mountains by a prehistoric North American Indian people, the Mogollon tribe.
The wilderness areas are meant to be enjoyed and explored. With extensive trails for hiking and backpacking, as well as opportunities to climb, kayak, star gaze, horseback riding, and rafting. To keep Gila Wilderness Area as natural as it can, visitors are asked to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. The seven main principles include: plan ahead and be prepared, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors. Following these guidelines will help maintain this years for generations to come.
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