Wilderness Messages Available on Land Management Agency Websites

Gareth Hickson, Grand Valley State University

Abstract

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and United States Forest Service (USFS) websites offer different information about the values described in the Wilderness Act. Using a random sample of wilderness areas, I compared these agencies based on existing information found on their websites. I searched for information directly related to the values in the Wilderness Act and I compared each agency website based on specific values and purposes of Wilderness areas. The criteria used for comparison were: appearance of natural forces affecting the area, outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive unconfined recreation, and ecological, geological or other features of value. Once these values have been determined I will then classify the agency website as either anthropocentric or biocentric. Finally I will offer information on specific techniques that may be useful to improve the wilderness message that land management agencies are presenting.

 
Apr 11th, 11:00 AM

Wilderness Messages Available on Land Management Agency Websites

Kirkhof Center 1142

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and United States Forest Service (USFS) websites offer different information about the values described in the Wilderness Act. Using a random sample of wilderness areas, I compared these agencies based on existing information found on their websites. I searched for information directly related to the values in the Wilderness Act and I compared each agency website based on specific values and purposes of Wilderness areas. The criteria used for comparison were: appearance of natural forces affecting the area, outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive unconfined recreation, and ecological, geological or other features of value. Once these values have been determined I will then classify the agency website as either anthropocentric or biocentric. Finally I will offer information on specific techniques that may be useful to improve the wilderness message that land management agencies are presenting.