Wilderness

Wilderness is land that has not been significantly modified by direct or indirect human activity.

For most of human history, the greater part of the Earth's terrain was wilderness, and attention was focused on the settled areas. During the 19th century, it became clear that in many countries, wild areas had either disappeared or were in danger of disappearing, which gave rise to the conservation movement.

The creation of national parks, beginning in the 19th century, were sufficient to preserve some especially attractive or notable areas for recreation, but the pursuits of commerce and recreation resulted in continued development of previously untouched areas.

In the 20th century the concept of wilderness areas was formally defined, and areas were set aside in which human modifications are highly restricted.

As awareness of the ecological need for wilderness areas has grown, so have the needs of mankind and the perceived need for development. Given a finite pool of pristine land, even moderate compromises have the effect of shrinking the existing areas of wilderness.

See also

• Park ranger

External links

• Wilderness Survival Guides (http://www.wildernessmanuals.com)
• Tom Brown's Tracking, Nature and Wilderness Survival School (http://www.trackerschool.com)
• Survive Outdoors (http://www.surviveoutdoors.com)

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