What is Wilderness?

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of a wilderness area?

It is an area with abundant natural resources.

It is an area with a mix of natural and developed land.

It is an area with dense human population.

It is an area with minimal human impact. (correct)

What is the purpose of the Wilderness Act?

To designate and protect wilderness areas from human development. (correct)

To allow for the development of roads and buildings in natural areas.

To promote tourism in national parks and forests.

To reduce the number of wildlife refuges in the United States.

Who wrote the Wilderness Act?

Howard Zahniser (correct)

President Lyndon B. Johnson

A group of senators

A committee of environmental organizations

What is the result of wilderness areas being protected by the Wilderness Act?

They are protected from human destruction and development. Signup and view all the answers

What is one benefit of wilderness areas to humans?

They provide clean water through natural filtration. Signup and view all the answers

Where can wilderness areas be found?

In national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and the Bureau of Land Management lands. Signup and view all the answers

How many areas and acres of land are protected by the Wilderness Act?

757 areas and over 109 million acres Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main benefits of wilderness areas for scientific research?

They offer undisturbed regions for environmental and conservation studies Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the 'Leave no Trace' policy in wilderness areas?

To encourage the removal of all traces of human presence Signup and view all the answers

What is a major concern for wilderness areas due to their proximity to cities and towns?

Water and air pollution from surrounding industrial and agricultural activities Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique feature of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness?

It has over 2,200 campsites mainly accessible only by canoe Signup and view all the answers

What is a common activity enjoyed by visitors to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness?

Rock climbing at Cashmere Crags Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of wilderness areas for biodiversity?

They provide habitats for endangered species to thrive Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for visitors to wilderness areas to spread their visits throughout the week?

To avoid overcrowding and minimize environmental impact Signup and view all the answers

What is a common species seen in the Sandia Mountain Wilderness?

Hawks and golden eagles Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is Wilderness?

Wilderness is a region or tract of land that has not been disturbed or developed by humans.
It has no signs of human presence, including roads, buildings, pipelines, or powerlines.
Wilderness areas are untamed, natural, and untouched areas that provide resources for various plants and animals.

The Wilderness Act

Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.
Written by Howard Zahniser, executive director of the Wilderness Society.
Allows for parts of the United States to be designated as wilderness areas.
Created the National Wilderness Preservation System, which provides long-term protection to wilderness areas in their natural state.
Protects 757 areas and over 109 million acres of land in 44 states and Puerto Rico.

Benefits of the Wilderness Act

Provides clean water by naturally filtering out pollutants.
Supports biodiversity and habitats for plants and animals.
Serves as natural laboratories for scientific studies.
Offers natural outdoor classrooms for education and recreation.
Allows for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.

Concerns for Wilderness

Water and air pollution from nearby cities and industrial activities.
Effect of greenhouse gases on air and water quality.
Measures must be taken to protect wilderness areas from these impacts.

Wilderness Areas in the U.S.

Millions of people visit wilderness areas every year.
Visitors can enjoy nature through various activities, from short visits to multi-day backpacking trips.
Examples of wilderness areas include:
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota.
- Sandia Mountain Wilderness, New Mexico.
- Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington.