Search

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.

The article informs about the Increasing development in Tasmania national parks is driving higher ecotourism. Topics include Aboriginal community of lutruwita knows their responsibility to care for this cultural landscape; and economically driven tourism-related decisions could be jeopardising the natural and cultural values of the island's protected areas.

The article reports that the Tiger Moth bi-plane took off from Hobart airport bound for Canberra with the fate of the pilot Max Price and passenger Brenda Hean, an advocate to save Lake Pedder an ancient and stunning glacial lake formed within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

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.

Byline: Fergal MacErlean Glen Affric is the most beautiful of all the Scottish glens. Possessing great character and wilderness value, it has golden eagles, deer, endangered wildcats and a large [...]

The article focuses on the high noise levels in the U.S. and Mexico border in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona. It says that the National Park Service and the National Sounds Program found out that high noise levels due to generator machines and surveillance activities commissioned by the Department of Homeland Security have affected the area. It adds that further monitoring will be conducted to protect the Sonoran pronghorn and the wilderness value of the national monument.

An essay is presented on the origin of the U.S. federal government agency National Park Service and the formation of the Hetch Hetchy Dam in Yosemite National Park in California. Topics discussed include an overview of the conservation and forestry movement in the country, the loss of Yosemite's pristine wilderness, and the opposing concepts of conservation such as utilitarian conservation.

The author focuses on the Antarctic transport and the use of icelandic-designed modified Toyota Hilux for South Pole during the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition. It presents views of Kim Crosbie, environmental operations director at the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, on the issue. It also discusses the development of transport vehicles in Antarctica and the absence of guidelines to regulate their use.

The article presents a case study on wilderness management and efforts to prevent wolf extinction in Isle Royale National Park (IRNP), a US national park which is federally designated wilderness. It further discusses the Isle Royale case and considers this as an important example of increasing environmental challenges and requires an understanding of nature wilderness in order to maintain our relationship with nature.

Focuses on the ten threatened natural areas in the United States and how backpacking enthusiasts can do to help save and protect them. Efforts in the Congress to save the areas; Agency managing the area; Threats facing the area; Best hiking trails; Contact information.

Focuses on the Victoria Falls with reference to its environmental threat to Zimbabwe and Zambia. Back information on the falls; Indepth look at a warning from the World Conservation Union in relation to Victoria Falls; Discussion on the tourist industry in Africa.

STORY BY ELSPETH CALLENDER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW NEWTON At the eastern end of Granite Beach, near the South Coast Track’s south-eastern terminus, fresh water cascades off a cliff onto smoothed [...]

By RYAN HANSEN Caden taking in a majestic sunrise over Byangee Mountain and the Clyde Gorge, with Didthul/Pigeon House Mountain on the horizon The Budawangs, NSW. A region with a [...]

Gov. Gary R. Herbert sent a strong message to Washington during his State of the State address in January. 'I remind Washington,' he said, 'we are a state, not a [...]

I am a conservationist and a farmer, a wilderness advocate and an agrarian. I am in favor of the world's wildness, not only because I like it, but also because [...]

This article examines how Bureau of Land Management personnel interpreted roads in the context of wilderness policy implementation. It assesses ambiguity of and change in policy using three frames work [...]

Shell Canada Ltd. deepened a natural gas well in western Canada from 12,054 feet to 18,241 feet by using a wider liner inside the drilling equipment casing. The 5.5-inch liner enabled Shell to drill a 4.75-inch hole, which was necessary to deepen the well. The authorized cost for the project was $3.85 million, compared to the $8 million or more that it would have cost to drill a new well. Details of the drilling equipment's design are presented., Thin-walled, slim hole liner equipment can save $3-4 million per well in deep reentry applications by allowing existing wells to be deepened or sidetracked rather than drilling new wells from [...]

Wilderness. There was a time when the beauty of the land was everywhere, running on for miles in any direction. Today not much wilderness remains. And wild, untamed places shrink […]

In May 1996 I visited wondrous Victoria Falls, on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border, for the third time in the past five years. On this most recent visit I was overwhelmingly dismayed […]

Mixed messages on the green energy front proliferated last week, with the government announcing [pounds sterling]2 million in grants for solar power schemes while Scottish ministers refused an application by [...]

The political furor that has erupted over proposals to allow exploration and development on the coastal plain of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge soon will reach fever pitch. At stake [...]

Abstract The notion of sustainable development has become, over the last fifteen years, an integral part of international environmental law and policy. It is recognition that environmental issues do not [...]

The FMK is a double-action-only 9mm pistol with 10+1 capacity built on a polymer frame. The gun comes with fixed 3-dot sights and 18 inserts so the pistol can be [...]

The Cape York Land Council has lodged a native tide claim application for Shelburne Bay oil behalf of the Wuthathi people, the traditional owners of the area on the east [...]

The stunning scenery and wildlife of Victoria Falls make it irresistable to tourists but the industry is growing at a rate which threatens the site itself. ANDREW MELDRUM reports on [...]