Wilderness and the Changing American West

"an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeledby man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." --1964 Wilderness Act

In this thoughtful assessment of wilderness management policy andpractice, geographer Gundars Rudzitis explores the ongoingconflicts over the protection/exploitation of our westernwilderness areas. He separates the romantic myth of the Wild Westfrom past and present realities, and considers the influence of thetraditional self-image of the Westerner on wilderness managementpolicy. Rudzitis also explores the role of Native Americans andwhat their traditions can teach us about wildernessmanagement.

While clearly on the side of preservation--he rails against thepractice of placing wilderness areas in the care of governmentagencies that also promote the interests of the corporate resourceindustries--Professor Rudzitis approaches the subject with ascientist's devotion to the facts. He assesses crucial issuesevenhandedly and offers honest appraisals of new and emerging landmanagement trends, including ecosystem management and theprivatization of public lands. He calls for the dramatic andcontroversial changes necessary to protect our wildernessheritage.

Wilderness and the Changing American West is essential reading forpublic policymakers; land management, wildlife, park andrecreation, and economic development officials; environmentalists;and everyone interested in the preservation and/or use of thisprecious national treasure.

GUNDARS RUDZITIS, PhD, is Professor of Geography at the University of Idaho. He received his doctorate in geography from the University of Chicago, where he also studied economics.