Wilderness based ecosystem protection in the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States

Abstract

Wilderness is a source habitat for grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) populations in the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States, helping sustain these indicators of ecosystem health. The spatial distribution of grizzly bear mortalities has changed since the end of legal hunting seasons, increasing the source potential of wilderness habitat. Due to its fragmented spatial distribution, wilderness alone cannot sustain viable populations, and wilderness refugia must be linked through strategies that include restoration. A wilderness-based reserve network of 140,000 km2 is proposed as a foundation for ecosystem protection. A legislative version is before the U.S. Congress as The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act, H.R. 488.

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

Bader, Mike. 2000. Wilderness based ecosystem protection in the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States. 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. 99-110