Public Lands S.O.S.

Getting It Right

It's not all bad news. Some parks have managed to overcome a history of environmental challenges to champion effective and progressive conservation strategies. Discover how two such parks, California's Redwood National Park and South Africa's Imfolozi, have faced down the threats to get back on the green track.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Wildflowers Photo Gallery

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America nicknamed itself "The Beautiful" in 1893. And, thanks to generations of wilderness gurus, environmental activists, and everyday nature lovers, 84 million acres of national park lands and another 192 million acres of national forests—not to mention the countless wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, and state and local parks—are now protected to keep that adjective in evergreen association with the country.

But some of these protected areas are in danger of getting ugly. Here we profile five, from the thirsty Everglades to Utah's fossil-fuel-rich wilderness canyons. Make no mistake—this isn't a definitive list of parks crying out for eco triage. However, their stories highlight a need to initiate conservation strategies before negative adjectives replace the proud boast of a century before.