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Early applications of wilderness economic research demonstrated that the values of natural amenities and commodities produced from natural areas could be measured in commensurate terms. To the surprise of many, the economic values of wilderness protection often exceeded the potential commercial values that might result from resource extraction. Here, the concepts and tools used in the economic analysis of wilderness are described, and the wilderness economic literature is reviewed with a focus on understanding trends in use, value, and economic impacts. Although our review suggests that each of these factors is trending upward, variations in research methods plus large gaps in the literature limit understanding of long-run trends. However, as new data on wilderness use, visitor origins, and spatially referenced features of landscapes are becoming increasingly available, more robust economic analysis of both onsite and offsite wilderness economic values and impacts is now becoming possible.Management and Policy Implications:Economic analysis informs policy decisions within a benefit-cost framework. Although wilderness economics research has generally shown that the economic benefits derived from wilderness activities have increased substantially since the passage of the Wilderness Act 50 years ago, much less is known about the costs of wilderness preservation in terms of foregone jobs and other economic opportunities in wilderness gateway communities. Federal agency planning for existing and potential wilderness areas would benefit from better information on the long-term and recent trends in wilderness use and value. Agency planning for potential wilderness areas would also benefit from a better understanding of the opportunity costs of wilderness preservation. Better information on wilderness value spillovers to nearby gateway communities could also help local planners address emerging trends in rural and exurban economic development.

Abstract: We examined the geology of a small inland wetland in Hampton, Connecticut to determine its postglacial history and to assess the severity of human impact at this remote wooded site. Using stratigraphic evidence, we dernonstrate that the present wetland was created when sediment pollution from a 19th-century railroad filled a preexisting artificial reservoir, and that the prehistoric wetland was a narrow drainage swale along Hampton Brook. This same, severely impacted wetland was interpreted by the Pulitzer Prize-winning naturalist Edwin Way Teale as a beautiful wilderness area of particular interest. These conflicting perceptions indicate that artificial wetlands can be naturally mitigated in less than a century of healing, even in the absence of deliberate management. We also point out that the “wilderness” value of the Teale wetland was in the eye of the beholder and that unseen human impacts may have improved the aesthetic experience.

Structural analysis of the subalpine forest in southern Alberta shows that the old—growth Picea—Abies forest has succeeded even—aged stands of Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. that became established after fire 150—200 or more years ago. Because P. Contorta regeneration fails beneath its own canopy, an irregular— to uneven—aged understory of Picea engelmannii Parry x P. glaca (Moench) Voss. and Abies lasiocarpa (Hook) Nutt. becomes established. As the even—aged P. contorta overstory ages, sporadic death of overmature trees permits an irregular— to all—aged Picea—Abies forest to emerge and dominate, unless fire reinitiates the succession to even—aged P. contorta. Extensive and frequent fires in the past, mainly initiated by "dry" electrical storms, have prevented long—term successional development and have maintained most of the forest in the early P. contorta—dominated phase of the succession. Introduction of effective fire protection is now permitting progress toward the late successional phases. Widespread development of the Picea—Abies phase and the decadent Abies—Picea phase that follows are forecast. The ecological effects of such fire—protection policies are questioned. A silvicultural program of fire prescription is suggested for the maintenance of the fauna and wilderness value of the mountain national parks. Silvicultural alternatives in harmony with the ecology of the forest are suggested for the implementation of multiple—use policies in the Rocky Mountain Reserve.