This ongoing writing will attempt to explore land use comparisons between our Wilderness Areas, National Parks, National Recreation Areas, and National Monuments, specifically in relation to the debate concerning conservation and preservation, and based upon actual experience on the ground. See archived posts for introduction and definitions.
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (Arizona)
Early on in his travels he encountered the “debate” directly. Crossing the enormous dam he was overwhelmed by the immense human playground the adjoining reservoir had created. The gate fee allowed him to drive right down the dunes and camp at water’s edge. Around him his fellow campers were enjoying a festive atmosphere, similar to a crowded day at the beach. In front of him was what once was the Colorado River, now resembled a large lake. This is an example of a federally controlled, intensely managed, multiple use land designation; the National Recreation Area.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (Utah)
Riding north into Utah, it took a while to realize that there was no particular “monument.” While sipping coffee at a remote general store he was told, “It’s sort of all around”. Sure enough. He discovered many square miles of wild lands. Hike where you choose but do not expect any marked trails or even signage at the significant natural areas as delineated on the topography map.
One such area, though both natural and historical, is the Old Paria Town site. Located a mile and a half off the paved road, access is limited to hiking or a very rough ride. Upon returning from his hike he noticed a couple in a minivan. They asked “is it worth the walk?” He tried to explain the value and the effort to experience it. They said goodbye and drove off down the paved highway. Is there a relationship between easy access and public use?
Ashley National Forest (Utah)
It quickly became apparent that the best places to camp were in the national forests. Camping is allowed anywhere within the national forest for no fee, and in this case, a very pristine setting.
The fact that the Uintah Wilderness boundary is adjacent to this national forest is evidence that Congress and agency knew not where to strike the delineation line. Camped right at the confluence of the Yellowstone Creek and Swift river provided a great opportunity to run the rapids in his sturdy Old Town canoe. It was much to his surprise, while navigating a swift section of water, that a cattle rancher had strung a barbed fence line across the width of river. He was forced to the shore. Is this not a public river?
Uintah Wilderness Area (Utah)
Just a simple sign post marks the beginning of the wilderness. Hiking on the trail thickens and becomes nearly non existent in less then two miles. After that, one is left to his own devices. And devices such as a GPS unit are invaluable.
Camped at a small remote lake, he realized he was short on food supplies. Fortunately, his collapsible fishing rod caught two fine trout for dinner. Moments later, where he thought he was completely alone, a ranger, who had been spying on him from across the water, approached the campsite. He arrested him for “wanton destruction of a natural resource”. True story. He had caught a protected species of trout, restricted solely for the local Native Americans.
The next morning he traveled twenty five miles by dirt road to the town of Minnela, the county seat. After a long discussion with the Judge, concerning why her grandchildren can no longer catch crayfish without a permit as she had done as a child, she let him go. If the wilderness areas cannot remain wild, where then?
Glacier National Park (Montana)
As opposed to Yellowstone or Yosemite, Glacier does not offer long lines at the park entrance. A well managed system moves patrons through quickly. However, once inside, the tram-like procession with the other autos was unlike any previous experience on public lands. Stopping at each scenic vista is required just to take in the grandeur fittingly preserved by Congress in 1910. This stopping and pausing behavior is mimicked by others and soon a group of cars form a “tourist pack”. This can only be avoided by leaving the car behind and hiking in to see the land from a different vantage point.
It appears that the needs of most attendees are met by our national parks, considering the full spectrum of access available. Should such a large amount of engineering and capitol be exhausted to provide such easy access, when the same scenery could be simply viewed in a coffee table book? (Elitist commentary)
