Wilderness Heroes

John helping plant native plants at Murderer's Creek

Wilderness advocates and wildlife advocates would seem to be natural allies and partners in conservation efforts, and while they are in many places, it is not always the case. However, if John Crafton with the Redmond Chapter of the Oregon Hunters Association has his way, these partnerships will become the rule. Crafton grew up on a ranch in the central Oregon town of Fossil. He’s been hunting since birth and grew up living off the land. His family raised their own vegetable garden and hunted their own meat.

Roberta Salazar of Taos, New Mexico, understands better than most that the future lies in the hands of our children. Ten years ago, Roberta made a personal commitment to ensure that Northern New Mexico kids grow up recognizing the importance of protecting the land and healthy ecosystems that we depend on. She gave up her work as a wildlife biologist for the federal government to devote her time to connecting young people with nature.

When many of us think about Vail, Colorado, we envision the fancy vacations, the world-class ski resorts, spas and shopping, and the luxury real estate that characterizes so many resort towns. Another common impression of this region is the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding mountains and landscapes of the White River National Forest. It is the wild character of this forest that activists and organizations alike are working to protect in order to preserve forever this region’s natural beauty, wild character, and incredible wildlife habitat.

A love of the quiet hunt, photographing nature, and a belief in protecting the beautiful places left in South Dakota has led Terry Mayes, a retired highway patrolman, to become a leader in the effort to protect grasslands wilderness in southwest South Dakota.

Terry was born and raised in central South Dakota, spending his youth in Onida and graduating from Northern State University in Aberdeen. Upon graduation, Terry embarked on a 31-year career working for the South Dakota Highway Patrol, retiring as commander of the western part of the state.

Wilderness heroes, starting 3rd from left: Connie Harvey,
Dan Yetter, Lynn Ryan, Fred Lavigne, Evelyn McKinnon

Over the past month, millions of PBS viewers have had the opportunity to see Forever Wild: Celebrating America’s Wilderness, a new film that emphasizes the vital role grassroots volunteers and organizations play in protecting America’s wilderness heritage.

On September 29, the Campaign for America’s Wilderness held a special Washington, D.C. premiere screening, which five of these wilderness heroes attended as honored guests.

Governing Council and staff of The Wilderness Society, meeting
near "Old Rag" in Shenandoah National Park in 1956

The death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy reminds us of the important roles that he and President John F. Kennedy played in the enactment of the Wilderness Act of 1964 — and reminds us, too, of so many other wilderness heroes whose memory lives on through their achievements in wilderness conservation.

Smoke Elser

Legendary outfitter Smoke Elser is being honored this month for his lifetime of work to protect Montana's amazing wild places.