June 1957 (age 58)

On June 20, Sigurd testified in Washington before the Senate Interior Committee on the bill to establish a national wilderness preservation system. Citing the research of psychologist KarlMenninger, he said that "wilderness has a direct impact on public welfare and, particularly, mental health." On June 25, still in Washington, Sigurd attended the meeting of the Wilderness Society's executive committee. The meeting's minutes say that "Mr. Olson commented, with reference to changes in the [wilderness preservation system] bill, that we might (1) omit the names of specific areas; (2) spell out more clearly a multiple use concept; (3) cut down the length of paragraphs on use of areas; (4) leave out or modify the National Wilderness Preservation System Council; (5) arrange a series of full dress conferences between the Forest Service and the Park Service and sponsors of the bill. The issue of proposed statehood for Alaska also came up. Olaus Murie, who had a lot of experience in Alaska, reported mixed sentiment among Alaskans and that he didn't like the current bill. Howard Zahniser said Murie should write up a resolution. George Marshall said the Wilderness Society could take a stand on particular features of the bill, but would be getting out of its field in opposing statehood. Sigurd agreed, and then others did too.

June 1972 (age 73)

On June 3, Sigurd received an honory doctor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.