Growing pressures on Circumpolar North wilderness: A case for coordinated research and education

Abstract

Pressures are growing on undeveloped (wild) places in the Circumpolar North. Among them are economic development, oil and gas exploration and extraction, development of geothermal energy resources, development of heavy industry close to energy sources, and lack of appreciation for “other” orientations toward wilderness resources. An international seminar in Anchorage, Alaska, in May of 2001, was the first step in providing basic input to an analysis of values associated with Circumpolar North wilderness and the constraints and contributors (factors of influence) that either limit or facilitate receipt of those values to various segments of society. This paper proposes an agenda for research, education, methodology development, and establishment of a cooperative infrastructure for accomplishment of these tasks.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness in the Circumpolar North: searching for compatibility in ecological, traditional, and ecotourism values; 2001 May 15-16; Anchorage, AK

Citation

Alessa, Lilian; Watson, Alan. 2002. Growing pressures on Circumpolar North wilderness: A case for coordinated research and education. In: Watson, Alan E.; Alessa, Lilian; Sproull, Janet, comps. Wilderness in the Circumpolar North: searching for compatibility in ecological, traditional, and ecotourism values; 2001 May 15-16; Anchorage, AK. Proceedings RMRS-P-26. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 133-142.