Wilderness Legislation: History of Release Language, 1979-1992 (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
March 1, 1993 |
| Report Number |
93-280 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Ross W. Gorte, Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division; Pamela Baldwin, American Law Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
The 1979 Forest Service study of potential national forest wilderness was challenged successfully in court. Congress responded by developing release language that: (1) prevents judicial review of that study; (2) guides the timing of future wilderness review; and (3) provides for management of undesignated, potential wilderness areas prior to such future reviews. Other agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management, have also reviewed the wilderness suitability of their lands, and release language might also be relevant to their situations. This report provides a history of the several forms of release language introduced since 1979, and examines whether release language is still relevant and adequate.
