Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest

What is a Wilderness Area

Wilderness is defined as a portion of land set aside by the 1964 Congressional "Wilderness Act" that will remain unspoiled for future generations. The "Wilderness Act" gave the U.S. Forest Service a mandate to manage these special lands so they would be "an enduring resource," one that would remain "unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness." In contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate that landscape, a wilderness is recognized as an area '…where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain". Wilderness areas are generally over 5,000 acres in size and may contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.

A Remote Adventure

In the wilderness, you will have the opportunity to experience challenge, self-reliance, and the reward of discovery; but you are also responsible for your own safety. In an area that is unfamiliar or new, there are few posted signs, so you must know how to read a map and use a compass. You may need to be your own doctor and must be prepared for accidents and dramatic changes in weather.

Common Questions Regarding Wilderness

Q. Is hunting and fishing allowed?
A. Yes. Follow state regulations for hunting and fishing.

Q. Is grazing allowed?
A. Yes. Grazing is allowed with an appropriate permit.

Q. Can you backcountry camp?
A. Yes. There are general regulations for wilderness areas. Each wilderness area may have its own set of regulations. Please visit each Wilderness Area webpage for specific guidelines. Leave No Trace techniques are encouraged whenever you venture into the backcountry.

Q. Are mountain bikes allowed?
A. No. No mechanized equipment is allowed including vehicles, chainsaws, bikes, hang gliders, etc..

Q. Are dogs, horses, and fires permitted?
A. Yes. Each wilderness has regulations governing the use of horses, dogs, and having fires. Please visit each Wilderness Area webpage for specific guidelines.

Philosophies behind Wilderness

The philosophy behind Wilderness is a complex issue; however, a look at several viewpoints held by early advocates may help clarify why there was movement towards protecting selected public lands as far back in our history as the 1880's. John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club in 1892, identified the value of wilderness as being experiential. To him and perhaps many people today, the essence of wilderness was freedom, solitude, and the beauty of the mountains. Muir felt these qualifications could satisfy all of man's needs. It was also a spiritual experience. Muir wrote, "Everything seems equally divine."

Bob Marshall, founder of the Wilderness Society in 1935, said that wild scenery was similar to great works of art. Marshall wrote, "…wilderness furnishes perhaps the best opportunity for . . . pure aesthetic rapture."

Wallace Stegner from Stanford University (1962) argued that wilderness should be preserved for sanity's sake. Stegner said that Americans must be able to retreat to a place free from noise, exhaust, and the stinks of human automotive waste.

Others felt that wilderness is a reservoir for renewal of the mind and spirit. It was of great mental and moral value as one had to depend on his own resources to survive. Arthur Carhart, a forest service landscape architect in the early 1900's supported this view when he stated that the rebuilding to the body and spirit was the greatest service obtained from our forests.

A third wilderness theme relates to the scientific values wilderness holds for society. With its generally undisturbed setting, wilderness has been viewed as an important source of information about the world around us, how it evolved, and how impacts and changes effect an unmodified environment. Thus, there was an ecological and ethical justification for such areas

Formal Protection

By the late 1800's selected public lands were protected from uncontrolled development and reserved to benefit the nation. The creation of Yellowstone National Park marked the beginning of a turning point in management of public natural resources. The first public land set aside for protection of wilderness values was made in the Gila National Forest of New Mexico in 1924. Forty years later, the desire to protect the wilderness resource was formalized with the Wilderness Act of 1964. Fifty-four wildernesses totaling 9 million acres were set aside. The act represents a synthesis of diverse philosophical values that evolved over the years and the definition protection in the National Wilderness Preservation System. In addition, there are several agencies which mange wilderness under the regulations set down in 1964.

Today the system comprises over 89 million acres in 465 locations as more were added in following years including 1984. The process of classifications of lands which qualify for inclusion will continue for a number of years

Management

Much debate has centered around the issue of wilderness management, and the debate will continue. The real question however, is not to manage but how to manage.

There are two alternative philosophical notions about wilderness management and the basis for its values. Simply stated, one places more emphasis on managing for use and enjoyment. The other places emphasis on the preservation of natural order and programs the most clearly approximate natural energy flows within wilderness ecosystems. These are polarized views, each with their own argument. It is generally consensus that the philosophy that focuses on preservation is recommended.

Common sense however, denotes the need for responsiveness to local conditions. The framework provided by Congress was for the agencies to do only what was necessary, but restrictions on use may sometimes be required to protect fragile locations.

Before Entering the Wilderness - What You Need to Know

Each wilderness area in the country varies in size, climate, terrain and amount of human use. Due to these differences, each wilderness has unique management needs and regulations. Always check Forest-wide wilderness regulations before beginning your trip. When traveling in the Mt. Naomi or Wellsville Mountains, please adhere to the regulations below:

1. All campsites must be greater than 200 feet away from water sources, trails and other occupied campsites.
2. All litter must be carried out. Do not bury anything other than human waste, which should be buried 6".
3. Horses may be tethered for no more than 1 hours within 200 feet of any water source.
4. Horses may not be tied to any tree for more than 1 hour and must be moved sooner if damage is occurring.
5. All feed and hay taken onto National Forest land must be tagged as "Certified Weed Free" by the county extension agent.
6. Campfires are prohibited where firewood supply is depleted, when fire building threatens wilderness qualities, or for public safety.

For more information on how you can protect these areas with "leave no trace" techniques, try the Leave No Trace web site. Click on "Easy Info" and then on "Rocky Mountains" or wherever you would like to look up, for great information on how to protect your lands.

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