CONSERVING AMERICA FRESH-WATER ECOSYSTEMS - THE WILDERNESS SOCIETY APPROACH

The Wilderness Society is a national environmental organization in the United States dedicated primarily to protection of public lands. Beca use of growing concern over aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity, the S ociety is involved in a number of freshwater conservation projects. In the Florida Everglades, the Society is part of an environmental coali tion that has succeeded in expanding the national park to help restore natural water flows and is seeking legislation to begin a major redes ign of the region's canal system. In the Pacific Northwest, the Societ y is using its geographic information study to examine the impact of l and use on salmon habitat and populations. Based on evidence of rapidl y declining salmon populations, environmentalists are taking legal act ion to prevent further degradation of aquatic habitats in the Northwes t. Scientific research, testimony, and advice are increasingly needed by environmental advocates seeking to influence public policy.