Margaret McKeown, a distinguished judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, has made her mark on several high-profile cases, including siding with Led Zeppelin in a copyright dispute and ruling in favor of Dr. Seuss’s estate in a plagiarism case. However, her most recent celebration is centered around the Wilderness Act, a landmark legislation that has preserved over 112 million acres of federal land.
As chair of the Teton Science Schools’ Murie Ranch Committee, McKeown oversees the historic ranch that served as the home of Olaus and Mardy Murie, pioneers of the modern conservation movement. The ranch, located in Grand Teton National Park, played a crucial role in the development of the Wilderness Act, which was signed into law in 1964.
McKeown’s connection to the wilderness began at a young age, when she attended a fish and wildlife camp in Laramie, Wyoming. This experience sparked her passion for conservation and the great outdoors. “As life gets more compressed and busier, I think I appreciate more and more that there are these areas which are primarily untrammeled,” she said in an interview.
The Murie Ranch, which McKeown stumbled upon during a winter outing, holds special significance for her. The ranch was the site of numerous conservation conferences in the 1960s, where the Muries and other environmental leaders advocated for the protection of America’s wild spaces.
McKeown’s research on the Wilderness Act led her to discover the influential role of Justice William O. Douglas, who urged the Muries to preserve the ranch as an environmental campus. Douglas’s legacy as a conservation champion is chronicled in McKeown’s book, “Citizen Justice,” published in 2022.
Today, the Wilderness Act continues to safeguard America’s most pristine landscapes, ensuring that future generations can experience the beauty and solitude of the great outdoors.
Key Aspects of the Wilderness Act:
– Preservation of Federal Lands: The act protects over 112 million acres of federal land from development and human impact.
– Roadless and Undeveloped Areas: Wilderness areas are free from roads, buildings, and other human-made structures.
– No Mechanized Travel: Motorized vehicles and equipment are prohibited in wilderness areas.
– Conservation Heritage: The act recognizes the importance of preserving America’s natural heritage for future generations.
McKeown’s story serves as a testament to the enduring power of the Wilderness Act and the importance of preserving America’s wild spaces.