In their own words: wilderness values of outfitter/guides

Abstract

A case study of conflict between outfitter/guides and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service was conducted in the summer of 1996. This research found variations in wilderness values among outfitter/guides operating in the Sierra Nevada region. Results from the interviews conducted in this study show divergence between two types of guides. The stock-based guides (also known as packers) had a more utilitarian view of wilderness, disregarding some ecological considerations and emphasizing the wilderness experience, as the most valuable asset to wilderness. The mountaineering guides focused on the wilderness experience as well as on preserving the wilderness resource. Both packers and mountaineering guides wanted to act on their wilderness values through volunteer work for the resource management agencies. Mountaineering guides also imparted their wilderness values to their clients through education.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Parker, Julia Dawn; Avant, Bill. 2000. In their own words: wilderness values of outfitter/guides. In: McCool, Stephen F.; Cole, David N.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-3. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 196-201