A political cultural map to future wilderness, monument and park designation

Abstract

This research examines western American political (sub)culture as it pertains to past and future wilderness, monument and park designation. It thus provides a sort of rough map, or cultural compass, in determining the most likely political obstacles (other than political institutions) and detours in the creation of new nonmultiple use areas. It explores landmarks such as Western environmental public opinion, the Western federal presence, the West seen as plundered province, bumper-sticker economics, differences between de facto and de jure wilderness designation, and others. Like all maps, it also attempts to point the way towards the least bumpy, unobstructed and democratic route that future wilderness proponents may want to take.

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

Nie, M. A. 2000. A political cultural map to future wilderness, monument and park designation. 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. 251-257