Wilderness Character

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wilderness

NPS / Christina

The term "wilderness character" was first referenced in the 1964 Wilderness Act. The Act states that federal agencies, like the NPS, are responsible for preserving the wilderness character of wilderness areas.

Wilderness character is a holistic concept based on the interaction of (1) biophysical environments primarily free from modern human manipulation and impact, (2) personal experiences in natural environments relatively free from the encumbrances and signs of modern society, and (3) symbolic meanings of humility, restraint, and interdependence that inspire human connection with nature.

This includes intangible qualities like developing a connection with nature, inspiration, relaxation, or a sense of adventure. Wilderness character also includes five tangible qualities associated with the biophysical environment:

 

An elk and his harem

NPS / Honeymoon

Natural Quality

Ecological systems are substantially free from the effects of modern civilization.

This quality recognizes the importance of healthy, intact ecosystems and challenges us to limit our negative effects on the functionality of these systems.

 

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Wilderness

NPS / Gary

Untrammeled Quality

Wilderness is essentially unhindered and free from the intentional actions of modern human control or manipulation.

This quality recognizes the importance of people co-existing with our planet, where people practice humility and are very selective and thoughtful about actions we take that might interfere with the rest of the natural world.

 

Little Missouri River running through the badlands of Theodore Roosevelt National Park

NPS / Jeriann

Undeveloped Quality

Wilderness is essentially without permanent improvements or the sights and sounds of modern human occupation.

This quality recognizes that while developments, like structures or use of motorized equipment, are very important and appropriate in many places, wilderness gives us a chance to consider more traditional ways of interacting with the rest of the natural world.

 

Recreation on the Little Missouri River

NPS / Teddy

Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality

Wilderness provides opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation.

This quality recognizes many recreational activities are appropriate and compatible with wilderness, especially those that rely on human power and give us a chance to 'unplug.'

 

Petrified Forest

NPS / Todd Schroeder

Other Features of Value Quality

Wilderness may also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.

This quality recognizes the centuries-old and rich cultural traditions of indigenous people and other residents to lands now managed as wilderness. These important cultural and historical connections can be explored in this quality, along with the values we place on things like scenery, science, and education.