WASHINGTON - March 11 - Today's vote, although a tremendous disappointment to all who value America's public lands, nonetheless demonstrates the broad bipartisan support for wilderness protection. Although it missed a two-thirds majority by two votes, the final tally was lopsided in support of the legislation.

The unprotected wild areas that would be protected by the legislation are not just places where we hike, camp, fish, and hunt with our friends and families. They are places that filter our water, cleanse our air, and temper the effects of global warming. But these last untouched public lands face tremendous development pressures. The broad support in the House and Senate demonstrate the importance of this legislation, and we urge Congress to pass this landmark bill as soon as possible to ensure that these undeveloped landscapes are permanently protected for all Americans to enjoy.

We thank Congressmen Rahall and Grijalva, as well as Speaker Pelosi and the entire House leadership team, for their tireless efforts to advance this legislation.

For more information on the Omnibus Public Land Management Act or today's vote, contact Paul Spitler at (202) 429-2672 or paul_spitler@tws.org.