The U.S. Geological Survey and wilderness research

Abstract

The land management agencies of the Department of the Interior (DOI), the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management are responsible for 51.5 million acres (20.8 million ha), or 71.5% of the nation's designated wilderness. In addition, the NPS generally manages backcountry lands not designated as wilderness for wilderness values. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) does not manage public lands, but is the DOI agency responsible for "providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life" (USGS, www.usgs.gov/aboutusgs, accessed February 15, 2008).

Citation

Corn, Paul Stephen. 2008. The U.S. Geological Survey and wilderness research. International Journal of Wilderness. 14(2): 24, 33.