Research Note INT-RP-475
The Wilderness Threats Matrix: A Framework for Assessing Impacts
Conclusions

This matrix of potential threats to attributes of wilderness character can be a useful tool to wilderness managers. It can be used to evaluate the significance of threats to wilderness and to set management priorities. It can be used to identify critical research gaps. It also can be used to identify the types of impacts that need to be monitored. These priorities can be assessed either for individual wildernesses or for larger regions.

In Northern Region wilderness, the most significant threat to wilderness character is the suppression of natural fire. The most threatened wilderness attribute is aquatic systems. The most critical research needs would appear to be research on fire, aquatic systems, and ecosystems and landscape patterns and processes. In other parts of the country and in wilderness managed by other agencies, other threats and attributes will be more important and in more need of study. Each region would profit from assessing threats to wilderness in the manner reported here.

The conclusions reported here are the collective informed judgments of a group of regional experts. The uncertainty of these conclusions reflects the inadequate attention given to wilderness threats and the lack of extensive data. The threats matrix is a conceptual framework that forces us to take a more comprehensive perspective than we have typically taken. This is merely the first step toward a more comprehensive view of wilderness management. That view will be necessary if we are to approach the lofty goals established by the Wilderness Act.

Questions or Problems with this Publication?

Title: Conclusions: INT-RP-475 - The Wilderness Threats Matrix: A Framework for Assessing Impacts
Electronic Publish Date: October 31, 1996
Expires: Indefinite
Last Update: January 15, 2002

Questions about RMRS or this Web site?
Contact Us!