Abstract
Arguments for and against Wilderness designation often revolve around decidedly unecological themes, such as commodity values, recreational opportunities, and esthetics. Yet one of the strongest arguments in support of Wilderness is ecological: the preservation of biodiversity. Wilderness Areas are important reservoirs of biodiversity, and their value increases as unprotected wildlands are developed. However, in recent years some writers have argued that Wilderness preservation is counterproductive to good wildlife management. Upon closer examination, it can be shown that: (1) most of the ecological arguments against Wilderness are unsubstantiated or inaccurate: and (2) the Wilderness Act provides sufficient flexibility to address the major management issues that are likely to arise in Wilderness Areas.
Recommended Citation
Wilcove, David S.
(1990)
"The role of wilderness in protecting biodiversity,"
Natural Resources and Environmental Issues: Vol. 0, Article 7.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/nrei/vol0/iss1/7
