Threats to wilderness ecosystems: impacts and research needs

Author(s): Cole DN, Landres PB

Abstract

One of the primary purposes of designated wilderness areas is protection of natural ecosystems. However, the ecological integrity of these most protected of public lands is threatened by direct and indirect effects of human activities both internal and external to wilderness. Accelerated research programs on threats to wilderness are needed to realize the purposes for which wilderness was established and to improve our understanding of natural ecosystems. This paper reviews current knowledge and critical research needs for some of the most significant threats to wilderness ecosystems: (1) recreational use and its management; (2) livestock grazing and its management; (3) fire management; (4) introduction of alien species; (5) diversion and impoundment of water; (6) emission of atmospheric pollutants; and (7) management of adjacent lands. Some of these threats cause highly disruptive localized impacts, whereas some have a more widespread effect. Other threats are highly significant because they threaten rare or irreplaceable ecological attributes. Ecological science needs to be applied to improve evaluations of wilderness conditions, improve efforts to protect wilderness ecosystems from further degradation, and improve efforts to restore the integrity of disturbed systems.

Similar Articles

Ecosystem service bundles for analyzing tradeoffs in diverse landscapes

Author(s): Raudsepp-Hearne C, Peterson GD, Bennett EM

Ecosystem services in urban areas

Author(s): Bolund P, Hunhammar S

Benefits of restoring ecosystem services in urban areas

Author(s): Elmqvist T, Setälä H, Handel SN, Van Der Ploeg S, Aronson J, et al.

Ecological and aesthetic values in urban forest management

Author(s): Tyrväinen L, Silvennoinen H, Kolehmainen O

Urban green infrastructure and urban forests: a case study of the Metropolitan Area of Milan

Author(s): Sanesi G, Colangelo G, Lafortezza R, Calvo E, Davies C

Combining ecological and recreational aspects in national park management: A choice experiment application

Author(s): Juutinen A, Mitani Y, Mäntymaa E, Shoji Y, Siikamäki P, et al.

Using choice experiments to value the environment

Author(s): Hanley N, Wright RE, Adamowicz V

Valuing the diversity of biodiversity

Author(s): Christie M, Hanley N, Warren J, Murphy K, Wright R, et al.

Valuing wetland attributes: an application of choice experiments

Author(s): Carlsson F, Frykblom P, Liljenstolpe C

A new approach to consumer theory

Author(s): Lancaster KJ

A law of comparative judgment

Author(s): Thurstone LL

Marketing models of consumer heterogeneity

Author(s): Allenby GM, Rossi PE

Mixed MNL models for discrete response

Author(s): McFadden D, Train K

Effects coding in discrete choice experiments

Author(s): Bech M, Gyrd-Hansen D

Evaluating natural attractions for tourism

Author(s): Deng J, King B, Bauer T