American wilderness: a resource of multiple and evolving values

A review of the meaning of wilderness in the American cultural context indicates multiple and evolving values or products of our wilderness resource. These values, articulated by American philosophers, writers, poets, and statesmen, include independent thought, freedom, primitivism, simplicity, inspiration, spiritualism, nationalism, utilitarian values, virile sport, humility, mental health, ecosystem preservation, land rights, land stewardship, land ethic, and connection with ancient rhythms and spaceship earth. Since the passage of the Wilderness Act of 1964, wilderness resource managers have tended to emphasize the recreational values of wilderness. In the future, the spiritual values, preservation of natural ecosystems, land stewardship and land ethic values, and connections with the world wilderness community will likely become more important.

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