The "adaptable human" phenomenon: Implications for recreation management in high-use wilderness

Abstract

Wilderness managers must balance providing access for wilderness recreation with protecting the special experiences wilderness provides. This balancing act is particularly challenging at popular destinations close to large metropolitan areas. Such destinations provide substantial societal benefits by allowing respite from city life and immersion in natural environments for thousands; however, the thousands that throng to these places detract from the wildness and sense of solitude that wilderness should provide. Managers are left wondering what sorts of experiences are appropriate in such places or, more precisely, what experiences are so inappropriate that restrictive actions should be taken to avoid them. Particularly contentious are decisions about whether or not to deny access to people who want to visit-limiting use in order to protect experiences.

Citation

Cole, David N.; Hall, Troy E. 2008. The "adaptable human" phenomenon: Implications for recreation management in high-use wilderness. In: Weber, Samantha; Harmon, David, eds. Rethinking protected areas in a changing world. Proceedings of the 2007 George Wright Society Conference: 126-131.