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Exploring The Geography of Hope
In 1960, Stegner wrote his Wilderness Letter to the US Congress in which he made the argument that altered the course of how America viewed public land and wilderness. In the letter he described wilderness as places of spiritual renewal, the birth of awe, and recognition of identity. He concluded, saying we need to preserve wilderness as a means of “reassuring ourselves of our sanity as creatures, a part of the geography of hope.”
A Letter to Congress
I originally set out to make this film as a homage to Wallace Stegner and the enduring words he wrote in his famous 'Wilderness Letter' to Congress in 1960. His poetic appeal for robust and comprehensive conservation efforts of America’s wild lands gave me pause. In this current political climate his words began to take on new meaning. His plea for what wilderness can do for us is more relevant now than ever. Watch the film and take action.