Where did wilderness come from?
wilderness (n.) c. 1200, “wild, uninhabited, or uncultivated place,” with -ness + Old English wild-deor “wild animal, wild deer;” see wild (adj.) + deer (n.). Similar formation in Dutch wildernis, German Wildernis, though the usual form there is Wildnis.
What is wilderness and why is it important?
Wilderness areas are important because they provide long-term protection to the last of our nation’s wild landscapes — places that possess spectacular beauty, offer outstanding solitude, support native plants and animals, protect valuable water resources, shelter ancient cultural artifacts, provide opportunities for …
How much land is considered wilderness?
There aren’t many corners of the world left untouched by humanity. Recent research has highlighted that just 23% of the planet’s land surface (excluding Antarctica) and 13% of the ocean can now be classified as wilderness, representing nearly a 10% decline over the last 20 years.
What percentage of wilderness is left in the world?
The most recent efforts to map wilderness show that less than one quarter (~23%) of the world’s wilderness area now remains, and that there have been catastrophic declines in wilderness extent over the last two decades. Over 3 million square kilometers (10 percent) of wilderness was converted to human land-uses.
Why do we need to protect wilderness areas?
Wilderness protects watersheds that provide clean drinking water to surrounding communities. Wilderness filters and cleans the air we breathe. People depend on wilderness for their favorite recreation opportunities, such as: nature walking, wildlife watching, hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and camping.
What is the biblical meaning of wilderness?
The wilderness is a locale for intense experiences—of stark need for food and water (manna and quails), of isolation (Elijah and the still small voice), of danger and divine deliverance (Hagar and Ishmael), of renewal, of encounters with God (Moses, the burning bush, the revelation of the divine name, Mount Sinai).
What is the largest wilderness in the world?
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia. The stunning, lunar-like salt flats in the southwest of Bolivia are the largest in the world, covering 3,860 square miles. June and July are arguably the best months, when the whole area appears blindingly white. After the rains, the salt “desert” resembles a giant mirror.
What is not allowed on designated wilderness land?
Under 36 CFR 261.18, the following are prohibited in a Wilderness: • Possessing or using a motor vehicle, motorboat or motorized equipment except as authorized by Federal Law or regulation. Possessing or using a hang glider or bicycle. Possessing or using a wagon, cart, bicycle or other vehicle.
When was the Alaska Land Use Plan adopted?
Adopted in 1995, this plan addresses approximately 451,000 acres of state uplands, plus tidelands and submerged lands totaling 933,000 acres along the Gulf of Alaska and Icy and Yakutat bays. After the plan was adopted]
What is the purpose of planning in Alaska?
Planning is a way of sorting through the possibilities for using state land and choosing those with the greatest benefits for all Alaskans. Most importantly, planning is a way of making these decisions not only for the public, but with them.
How much land does the state of Alaska own?
The plan boundary covers 19 million acres of state lands, both uplands and tidelands. The state is the predominant land owner within this area, although there are substantial holdings of native and federal land.
When was the Kuskokwim area plan amendment adopted?
The Amendment to the Kuskokwim Area Plan (KUAP) and Land Classification Order SC-88-001-A21 were adopted on July 10, 2019. The area of plan amendment includes blocks of state-owned and state-selected lands and navigable waters within Management Units 10 and 11 of the KUAP.