In 1989 the U.S. Government enacted the Nevada Wilderness Bill, expanding the one existing Wilderness Area (Jarbidge) and creating thirteen new areas. The estimated total of was over eleven times the area that had previously been under wilderness protection.
The following Wilderness Areas were expanded or designated in the Humboldt National Forest:
The following Wilderness Areas were designated in the Toiyabe National Forest:
Finally, the Boundary Peak Wilderness was created in the Inyo National Forest, protecting approximately in the northern section of the White Mountains in western Esmeralda County. Additional areas are under consideration for designation as Wilderness Areas - for more information link to the Nevada Wilderness site listed below.
center|thumb|350px|Ruby Mountains Wilderness, Nevada
There are 16 official wilderness areas in Lincoln County that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. All are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Several extend into neighboring counties (as indicated below).
White Pine County is home to a number of designated wilderness areas. They were created on December 20, 2006, by the "White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2006."[1] About half are integral parts of Humboldt National Forest. The rest are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. One is shared between the two agencies. Some extend into neighboring counties, as indicated.