The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: an exploration of the meanings embodied in America's last great wilderness

Abstract

The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has been the subject of more than 50 major studies investigating the bio-physical resources potentially threatened by oil development. This continuing project investigates the more elusive qualities at risk: the set of meanings this place holds for those who value it as wilderness. Findings indicate that these meanings may also be diminished or dispelled by the potential introduction of new technologies, public uses or management actions that leave no footprint, some as intangible as the mere naming of a mountain. A network of fourteen meanings is described to provide a framework for interpreting the wilderness experience visitors seek and discover here, and for understanding the refuge’s emergence as a symbolic landscape of national significance.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 2: Wilderness within the context of larger systems; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Kaye, Roger W. 2000. The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: an exploration of the meanings embodied in America''s last great wilderness. In: McCool, Stephen F.; Cole, David N.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 2: Wilderness within the context of larger systems; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-2. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 73-80