Funding strategies for wilderness management

Abstract

Funding wilderness protection will continue to be a challenge for public land managers. With continuing competition for federal funds and balanced budget goals, other sources of funds may be necessary to supplement annual federal appropriations. This paper identifies and evaluates five potential funding strategies and provides examples of each that are currently in use (or could be used) in the US and other nations. The strategies are: federal funding reform, general public funding, public investment and donations, private initiatives, and capturing ecosystem service values. The paper concludes that a combination of strategies would most likely be appropriate, with the strategies selected depending on regional considerations and wilderness condition.

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

Alkire, Carolyn. 2000. Funding strategies for wilderness management. 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. 169-179