State-of-the-wilderness reporting in Ontario: models, tools and techniques

Abstract

State-of-the-environment reporting is used by organizations to inform people about the status of natural resources and health of ecosystems, to recognize and respond to changing environmental conditions and to help citizens better understand their relationship with the ecosystems in which they live and work. The status of wilderness is an important part of state-of-the-environment reporting. Recent opinion polls and consultations on Crown land use planning have confirmed that Ontarians value wilderness and remain concerned about its future. This paper reviews the history of wilderness protection in Ontario and proposes a framework for state-of-the-wilderness reporting. The framework is based on a definition of wilderness and the identification of specific wilderness characteristics.

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

Davidson, Robert J.; Gray, Paul A.; Boyd, Sheila; Cordiner, George S. 2000. State-of-the-wilderness reporting in Ontario: models, tools and techniques. 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. 111-119