The National Wilderness Preservation System stretches across the nation
encompassing approximately 91 million acres. It is by means of the 1964 Wilderness Act
that these lands are defined as wilderness. But, does everyone define wilderness in the
same manner as the Wilderness Act? Does simply designating an area as wilderness
determine that this area will be perceived the same way by all? Merigliano (1990) points
out that mere designation of an area as Wilderness does not ensure that desired
environmental and experiential conditions will be achieved. Therefore, who is to say that
with designation all will perceive a wilderness in the same way. The Wilderness Areas o f
the United States are a valuable natural resource capable of providing many pleasures and
benefits to all. Managing these lands has been the responsibility of natural resource
agencies and their staff. It is vital to the preservation of these lands that the perceptions
of both managers and visitors alike be investigated to formulate efficient and effective
management frameworks for each Wilderness Area.