On
the simplest level,
wilderness is land
intended to provide
opportunities for
respectful public
use, enjoyment of
quiet and solitude,
and understanding
of the values of the
wild.
Technically,
wilderness is defined
by the National Wilderness
Preservation Act of
1964, as an area of
undeveloped federally
owned land, designated
by Concress, that
has the following
characteristics: it
is affected primarily
by the forces of nature,
where man is a visitor
who does not remain.
It may contain ecological,
geological, or other
features of scientific,
educational, scenic,
or historical value.
It possesses outstanding
opportunities for
solitude or a primitive
and unconfined-type
of recreation. It
is an area large enough
so that continued
use will not change
its unspoiled, natural
condition.
In
practical terms, wilderness
is simply land managed
in a way that allows
for long-term continuation
of natural ecosystems,
and the preservation
of places that are
scientifically, geologically,
or historically unique.
Although
motor vehicles (and
mountain bikes) are
not allowed in wilderness
areas except under
special circumstances,
wilderness is widely
used for hunting,
fishing, horseback
riding, hiking, backpacking,
and camping. Mining
is conducted on preexisting
claims. Grazing continues
where it is already
established. Wilderness
areas provide the
settings for many
of Utah's most unusual
guided adventures.
What
is allowed in wilderness
designated areas (permits
may be required):
hunting and fishing,
livestock grazing
where already established,
mining on preexisting
claims, camping, rafting,
kayaking, and canoeing,
guiding and outfitting,
scientific studies
and educational programs,
foot and horse travel,
control of wildfires,
insects and disease
outbreaks.
What
is not allowed in
wilderness designated
areas: use of mechanized
transport except in
emergencies or medical
transport, road building,
logging and similar
commercial uses, new
mining claims, any
new development of
dams, reservoirs or
power lines, except
in an emergency when
the president authorizes
them in the national
interest.
In
Utah, the U.S. Forest
Service administers
774,520 acres of wilderness
across the state,
in the following 13
blocks:
•
Deseret Peak Wilderness
Northern Utah
25,500 acres |
•
High
Uintas Wilderness
Eastern Utah
456,705 acres
|
•
Lone
Peak Wilderness
Northern Utah
30,0888 acres |
•
Mt.
Nebo Wilderness
Central Utah
28,000 acres
|
•
Mt.
Naomi Wilderness
Northern Utah
44,350 acres |
•
Ashdown
Grove Wilderness
Southwestern
Utah 7,000 acres
|
•
Mt.
Olympus Wilderness
Northern Utah
16,000 acres |
•
Box-Death
Hollow Wilderness
Southwestern
Utah 25,814
acres
|
•
Wellsville
Mtns Wilderness
Northern Utah
23,850 acres |
•
Pine
Valley Mtns
Wilderness
Southwestern
Utah 50,000
acres
|
•
Timpanogos
Wilderness
Northern Utah
10,750 acres |
•
Dark
Canyon Wilderness
Southeastern
Utah 45,000
acres
|
•
Twin
Peaks Wilderness
Northern Utah
11,463 acres |
|
The
Bureau of Land Management
(BLM) administers
two wilderness areas
in Utah:
•
Beaver
Dam Mtns Wilderness
Southwestern Utah
2,600 acres |
•
Paria
Canyon Wilderness
Southwestern Utah
20,000 acres |
In
addition, the BLM
currently manages
3.2 million acres
as Wilderness Study
Areas.
