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Wilderness Facts

What is wilderness?

Wilderness is typically a large area shaped by natural processes and forces of evolution.  Although there are several legal definitions, wilderness regions usually allow traditional low-impact recreation such as hiking, canoeing, remote camping, fishing, hunting and bird watching. Wilderness areas generally do not allow logging, mining, or the use of motorized vehicles.

How large should wilderness areas be? 

Biologists have estimated that a minimum size of 100,000 to 250,000 acres is necessary for a wilderness area in the North Woods to maintain viable populations of all species within an ecosystem and to preserve the delicate balance of nature. This allows for enough habitat for wide ranging species such as bear, moose, lynx, hawks and eagles.  This also protects wildlife populations from natural disasters and may help them adjust to climate changes.

How much wilderness exists in Maine?

Only 2% of Maine’s 22 million acres is protected as wilderness. The largest is Baxter State Park, which has slightly over 200,000 acres. A small portion of the White Mountain National Forest and the Debsconeag Lakes are also protected as wilderness.  The usage of Baxter State Park is so heavy that the quality of the wilderness experience is being severely degraded. A logical solution is to create more wilderness, so that visitors to the North Woods can disperse and have less impact.

How will protecting wilderness affect northern Maine’s economy?

Most studies of the impact of wilderness (or protected regions like parks) indicate that the local economy is either stimulated or unchanged. The boost to current and new businesses that cater to wilderness recreation (also known as nature-based tourism) would diversify the northern Maine economy and would help make it more resilient to external economic forces.  Finally, there are over 15 million acres of North Woods in Maine.  These vast forestlands can support both wilderness protection and a healthy, sustainably managed timber industry.

Aren’t things fine just the way they are?

No.  Over 94% of Maine is privately owned.  Only 5.5% is publicly owned with guaranteed access. Historically, large, locally owned timber companies allowed public access for traditional use. There have been significant changes in land ownership over the past few years, however, with over 4 million acres changing hands.  This has led to loss of public access, development of remote pristine lakes and ponds, and fragmentation of wildlife habitat. There has been a surge in big land purchases by “kingdom buyers” and intense liquidation harvesting.  Maine is in danger of losing its wild natural heritage.

What is the difference between wilderness and ecological reserves?

Wilderness designation allows for the highest level of protection of natural ecosystems without activities such as logging and the use of motorized vehicles.  Ecological reserves allow for the regulated use of motorized vehicles, some logging and limited construction of buildings and facilities.

Can’t we just use conservation easements to protect wilderness?

Conservation easements are effective at preventing development and providing public access to land, but easements do not provide wild forests.  Timber harvesting is not compatible with wild forests and north woods easements typically leave most timber harvesting rights with the landowner.  Wilderness is the most effective way to restore wild forests.

Will recreation and access be allowed in wilderness?

Public access and recreation are key components in public lands that function as wilderness.  Recreation such as hiking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, and birding are perfectly compatible with wilderness. These activities will be enhanced by the increased peace and solitude provided by wilderness areas.