Wilderness: It's not what you think it is

[cdaxena]

What Wilderness is:

• As defined in the 1964 Wilderness Act, wilderness is undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence. The natural forces prevail, without man's influence. Man is a visitor who doesn't remain and his works are substantially unnoticeable. It provides outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation.
  
• The Act prohibits commercial enterprises, structures, roads, motorized transportation. It then goes on to enumerate a few, limited exceptions allowing such activities as outfitter-guide services and administration.
  
• The main focus of wilderness management is perpetuation of its wilderness character. Wilderness is a place where the natural forces prevail and fire is among those forces. While fire was historically suppressed, it is now permitted to more nearly play its natural role.

Credts:

Responsible Idahoans
1810 W State St PMB #316
Boise ID 82702

[cdaxena]

What wilderness is not:

• Wilderness is not for most types of recreation. A limited amount of recreation can take place there, and only the most primitive kind.
  
• Wilderness is not managed for wildlife, stable ecosystems or rare. And for endangered species, nature rolls the dice. Species come and go as they have for eons. Fires may destroy old growth harboring spotted owls, landslides or siltation from flash floods may ruin endangered salmon habitat or make it inaccessible. Wilderness provides habitat for wildlife, but it can't be managed to benefit any species.
  
• Wilderness designation does not assure things will stay as they are. The land and living things it supports are dynamic, in constant flux.
  
• Wilderness designation does not insulate it from outside influences. Exotic plants invade, such as spotted knapweed displacing native species.
  
• Urban air influences nearby wilderneses. Passing aircraft produce sounds of the modern world.
  
• Wilderness does not necessarily confine its natural processes within its borders. Insect and disease outbreaks can escape into surrounding lands. The same is true of fires. Smoke from wilderness fires can blanket entire regions for months, making the air barely breathable and devastating tourism.
  

Credits:

Responsible Idahoans
1810 W State St PMB #316
Boise ID 82702

[cdaxena]

What are the choices?

• People promoting more designated wilderness tell us we have two alternatives: wilderness or unfettered development. In fact, we have an infinite number of alternatives between these two extremes.
  
• Many laws and regulations protect federal lands. Actions affecting those lands must pass high standards of environmental protection and public review.
  
• Careful planning will help assure these lands and the ecosystems they support will be sustained for present and future generations.
  
• Management emphasis can vary from leaving the land undeveloped to building roads and harvesting treess. Managers have access to a full toolbox of management options that wilderness denies them.
  
• They can enhance endangered species habitat and actively protect it. They can prescribe and ignite fires needed for fuel management. They can thin dense stands of trees salvage dead tees and remove barriers to endangered salmon. They can manage for a variety of recreation experiences.

Credits:

Responsible Idahoans
1810 W State St PMB #316
Boise ID 82702

[cdaxena]

What can you do?

• Every few years another campaign starts to designate more wildernesses. It seems there is never enough. New designations include agonizingly crafted accommodations, agreements and compromises often conveniently forgotten as soon as the law's ink is dry.
  
• There are several area currently being consideration for Wilderness designation. Is this in the best interest of our land, its resources, and we the people.
  
• Contact your congressman and let them know how you feel about designating more wildernesses. We all want those treasurers protected. Wilderness is not the best way. Management under BLM and Forest Service management have served these lands well and will continue to do so.
  

Credits:

Responsible Idahoans
1810 W State St PMB #316
Boise ID 82702