Backpacking in the National Forest Wilderness...a family adventure PA-585

The Wilderness Act of September 3, 1964, established a national policy to secure for present and future generations of Americans the benefits of wilderness. "Wilderness" means different things to different people. That act defines wilderness as Federal land... ". . . where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled (unrestricted) by Man . . . retaining its primeval character and influence without permanent improvements or human habitation . . . affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of Man's work substantially unnoticeable. . . ." Wilderness shaped our national character as our forefathers met and conquered it. The National Wilderness System will assure all Americans of the continuing opportunity to test their pioneering skills unaided by manmade facilities. Also Leopold once expressed the wilderness philosophy this way:

"No servant brought them meals. . . . No traffic cop whistled them off the hidden rock in the next rapids. No friendly roof kept them dry when they mis-guessed whether or not to pitch the tent. No guide showed them which camping spots offered a night-long breeze, and which a night-long misery of mosquitoes; which firewood made clean coals, and which only smoke. The elemental simplicities of wilderness travel were thrills . . . because they represented complete freedom to make mistakes. The wilderness gave . . . those rewards and penalties for wise and foolish acts . . . against which civilization has built a thousand buffers."

Accordingly, when you enter a wilderness you should expect: No piped water, no prepared shelters, usually no toilets, no table to eat your meals from, and no grill to hold your cooking utensils. There will be few trail signs to guide you, so you must know how to follow a map. You will be on your own to a great degree—be prepared to meet the unexpected.