Introduction

Section 2 (c)(2) of the Wilderness Act defines Wilderness as an area that “has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation.” Recreation is again listed in Section 4 (b) as one of the six stated public purposes for Wilderness. It is important to remember, however, that recreation is not the dominant purpose of Wilderness, as illustrated in a Congressional statement of Howard Zahniser, author of the Wilderness Act, “ Recreation is not necessarily the dominant use of an area of wilderness. This should be clearly emphasized…The purpose of the Wilderness Act is to preserve the wilderness character of the areas to be included in the wilderness system, not to establish any particular use.”

The popularity of Wilderness recreation is growing nationwide. For many people, recreation is the preferred medium for their Wilderness experience. Wilderness is an oasis in an increasingly hectic world, a place where visitors can reconnect with their humanity, challenge themselves, and view the larger community of life to which they belong. There is an element of self-discovery in Wilderness recreation, as voiced by Howard Zahniser in The Need for Wilderness Areas, “But Wilderness vacations have those overtones that make them more than narrowly recreational. They are more likely to be joyous than merry, more refreshing than exciting, more engrossing than diverting. Their rewards are satisfactions. There is likely to be a seriousness about wilderness recreation and an earnestness among those who seek it.”

Though the importance of Wilderness recreation is undeniable, it is completely dependent upon the preservation of the very wilderness character that makes it unique. Faced with a growing number of users, Wilderness will steadily degrade unless concrete steps are taken by land managers and visitors alike.

Land Managers

Land managers have a legal obligation under the Wilderness Act to preserve wilderness character. Despite this mandate, studies show that Wilderness is steadily degrading. The very popularity of Wilderness poses threats to its existence, resulting in a loss of solitude, the proliferation of signs, trails, campsites, and bridges, the use of fixed anchors, and large numbers of visitors and pack stock.

Agencies appear to be largely in a state of paralysis in terms of how to address the increasing demand for recreation. Faced with powerful user-groups, managers are often reluctant to institute guidelines that, while protecting wilderness character, might be viewed as unpopular. Perhaps more troubling is some managers seeming intent to trammel. These managers view Wilderness as a recreational playground that needs “improvements” to make it more accessible and rewarding to the public. Such attitudes only compound the threats posed by recreation, and lack the humility and restraint vital to preserving wilderness character.

To arrest this trend of degradation, land managers must reconnect with the purpose and intent of the Wilderness Act which, above all else, mandates the protection of wilderness character. This can only be accomplished through an understanding of what constitutes wilderness character, and by taking concrete steps that promote its preservation.

Wilderness Visitors

It is important that Wilderness visitors limit their own impacts by adopting a code of ethics for Wilderness use. Visitors should be educated as to the unique intent and purpose of Wilderness, and approach their visit with restraint and humility. All efforts should be taken to leave no trace, respecting wildlife and other’s opportunities for solitude. Wilderness was set aside by the Wilderness Act not only for present populations, but also for future generations, who have just as much right to experience unaltered Wilderness as we do today.