Threats to Wilderness Ecosystems: Impacts and Research Needs
Cole DN and Landres PB. 1996. Threats to Wilderness Ecosystems: Impacts and Research Needs. Ecological Applications. 6(1):168-184
One of the purposes of designated wilderness areas is protection of natural ecosystems. The ecological integrity of wilderness is threatened by direct and indirect effects of human activities both internal and external to wilderness. This paper reviews current knowledge and critical research needs for some of the most significant threats to wilderness ecosystems: (1) recreational use and its management; (2) livestock grazing and its management; (3) fire management; (4) introduction of alien species; (5) diversion and impoundment of water; (6) emission of atmospheric pollutants; and (7) management of adjacent lands. Some threats cause disruptive localized impacts, others have a widespread effect. Other threats are significant because they threaten rare or irreplaceable ecological attributes. Ecological science needs to be applied to improve evaluations of wilderness conditions, improve efforts to protect wilderness ecosystems from further degradation, and improve efforts to restore the integrity of disturbed systems.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Cole, David; Landres, Peter
- Units
- VOYA
- Keywords
- Air Pollution, Disturbance, Ecology, Ecosystems, Exotic Species, Fire Management, Human Impact, Land Management, Management, Protection, Recreation, Water Impoundment