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In September of 1964, the national “Wilderness Act” was signed into law. Since then, over 100 million acres of wilderness area across the U.S. have been designated for protection under the Act. The Act defines “wilderness” as ‘“an area of undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation.”  It is further described as “an area where the earth and community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” The Wilderness Act provides that this land “be protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions.”  Protection of these lands is important for many reasons. Many people seek these areas out to explore, recreate, or just to escape to nature. For others, the land has cultural and spiritual significance. Protection will keep these places pristine for future generations to enjoy. It will also help preserve the delicate ecosystems that exist in these areas. However, obtaining wilderness designation is no easy task. It requires a coordinated effort on the part of the surrounding community and can take years. If we want more of these areas protected, we must do more to get people involved.

In Montana, there are sixteen designated wilderness areas. Combined, these areas make up less than 4% of the state’s land. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is a uniquely rugged mountain area that stretches 25 miles from south central Montana to northern Wyoming, where it shares its southern border with Yellowstone Park. The area is known for its looming 12,000+ ft peaks, alpine lakes and high plateaus. It is home to Montana’s tallest peak, Granite, which stands at 12,808 feet and to one of the most popular trails in the state known by locals as “‘The Beaten Path.” It is also an integral part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, making it the most biologically diverse wilderness in the state. It is home to grizzly and black bears, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, mountain lion, pronghorn, bison, lynx, marten and more. 

This area was once home to the Apsáalooke (Crow) tribe, whose members believe that the wilderness is the closest thing they can get to co-existing with the land (as they did in the past.) The Absaroka Beartooth wilderness was designated for protection under the Wilderness Act in 1978, after years of hard work by members of the community. It is a perfect example of what land preservation can do to enhance our relationship with nature. 

Today, Montana land is being sold and developed at a rapid rate. Wilderness areas are being replaced by subdivisions. “The last best place” needs our help.  The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness example shows that gaining wilderness status starts with a grassroots movement and takes a sustained community effort to push through the legal process. There are currently 44 pending ‘wilderness study areas’ waiting to be designated. The more people we can get involved in the process, the more likely these areas will gain protection. 

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This is a visual story of the relationship between humans and their environment and the importance of protecting this relationship. The film showcases the revered Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and its backstory to inspire more involvement from our community to protect these areas for ourselves and future generations. Just as we need the wilderness, the wilderness needs our voices. 

Goal:

To demonstrate the importance of preserving wilderness and how people can become involved in the process.  

Specifications:

A 15-45 minute documentary film