Take a hike: Explore 2 million acres of wilderness

A bill recently advanced in the Senate (S.22) would protect more than 2 million acres of wilderness in 9 states, granting the highest levels of protection to lands in California, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Michigan, Virginia, and more. Although I haven't read the full 1,300 pages of this measure (!), I think this is good news for families, since having beautiful, clean outdoor spaces to enjoy is an ideal way to promote health and fitness.

"Today is a great day for America's public lands," said the bill's sponsor, Senator Jeff Bingaman, a Democrat from New Mexico, in a news release. "This big, bipartisan package of bills represents years of work by senators from many states, and both parties, in cooperation with local communities, to enhance places that make America so special."

What do you think? Does your family enjoy hiking, biking, or camping in national parks, whether close to home or farther away?

_{Photo courtesy Erica Greis}