WILDERNESS WHETHER DESIGNATED OR NOT

 At a recent meeting with Forest Service personnel, a discussion about wilderness ensued, which turned out to be quite enlightening.  The initial questions centered on the possibility of additional acreage being recommended for congressional consideration but soon moved to more finite issues. 

 Under the current planning regulations (1982 version), all inventoried roadless areas on the forest are to be evaluated for wilderness consideration.  The evaluative process requires that before any recommendation is made, the land must “meet the tests of capability, availability and need.”  In addition, the land must incorporate wilderness qualities and must offer opportunities and experiences commonly associated with a wilderness environment. 

 Three inventoried roadless areas are currently being evaluated.  They are Tracy Ridge, Minister Valley and Chestnut Ridge, total nearly 22,300 acres.  The interesting thing about the process is if the decision it to move forward with the recommendation, the land will in effect be managed as wilderness whether Congress acts to add it to the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) or not.

 The time is rapidly approaching when alternatives will be placed before the public for comment. Undoubtedly, one alternative will reference the areas cited above for wilderness consideration.  If you feel as I do with respect to productive vs. unproductive lands and their relationship to local culture, customs and economy, you will need to voice your opposition to that alternative. 

 Remember, Congress does not need to pass any laws for this land to become wilderness. All the Forest Service needs to do is simply make the recommendation and the land will henceforth be managed as de facto wilderness.