1997

A group of concerned citizens got together and discussed their concerns about the rapid loss of California’s natural heritage. In an unprecedented action, these citizens began inventorying all of California’s potential wilderness and wild and scenic rivers.

2000

When the inventorying was near completion, the citizens decided that they needed an organization solely devoted to protecting California's wilderness and rivers. The California Wild Heritage Campaign was founded for this reason.

2001

With the help of the California Wild Heritage Campaign, the citizens were able to finish the inventory. They found 7.5 million acres of potential wilderness and roughly 4,000 miles of potential wild and scenic rivers.

2002

After the incredible efforts of hundreds of volunteers to build a broad base of support for their local areas, Senator Barbara Boxer introduced the California Wild Heritage Act, seeking to protect 2.5 million acres of wilderness and 400 miles of rivers.

The California Wild Heritage Campaign celebrates the results of intense efforts when President George W. Bush signs the Big Sur Wilderness and Conservation Act, sponsored by Rep. Sam Farr and Senator Barbara Boxer. The bill ensures that 55,000 acres on California's Central Coast will forever be protected.

2003

The California Wild Heritage Campaign expands their base of non-traditional supporters. The Campaign engages the hunting, logging, and fishing communities in their preservation efforts.

U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson and Hilda Solis decided to jointly sponsor the California Wild Heritage Act in the House of Representatives.

2004

The California Wild Heritage Campaign Advisory Council is created. The Advisory Council provides expertise to the Campaign and consists of prominent business-owners, elected officials and experts in the fields of wilderness and wild rivers.

2005

The Campaign makes progress on the passage of the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act. Every major constitutional officer in California expressed support for the passage of this inclusive bill.

The Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act is unanimously passed in the United States Senate.

The California Wild Heritage Campaign celebrates when Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs the Cache Creek Wild and Scenic River Bill. This ensures that 31 miles of Cache Creek will be added to California's Wild and Scenic Rivers System.