Fi gure 3. --Fail ure to 

 manage use has se- 

 verely damaged nat- 

 ural qualities and 

 processes at many 

 locations such as 

 this campsite in the 

 Selway-Bitterroot 

 Wilderness . 



These different management techniques can be arrayed along a continuum ranging 

 from those that are lighthanded and subtle to those that are authoritarian and heavy- 

 handed. Gilbert and others (1972) have described this continuum as ranging from manipu- 

 lative to direct controls. To the maximum extent possible, we believe managers should 

 attempt to utilize the more subtle, lighthanded systems so as to preserve the independ- 

 ence, spontaneity, and freedom from regimentation that are major parts of the wilder- 

 ness experience (Lucas 1973) . But the time will come, and has already come in some 

 locations, where direct rationing of use will be necessary. Our discussion assumes that 

 the more subtle measures have failed to control use impacts and that more direct forms 

 of use control are needed. And we are not alone. A major recommendation of the 

 President's Advisory Panel on Timber and the Environment (1973, p. 46) noted: 



That some system must be established in all wilderness areas to limit use to 

 the reasonable carrying capacity of the area, having in mind primarily the 

 nature of the wilderness experience. Unless such limitations can be devised and 

 enforced, the Panel sees little national gain from the withdrawal of additional 

 forest land for wilderness use since in a relatively few years, overuse could 

 destroy its wilderness character. 



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