chapter 4 420 extended

Flashcards covering the evolution of wilderness protection in the US, from early regulations to the Wilderness Act of 1964, including its sections and key provisions.

What was the significance of the L-20 Regulation (1929)?

It was the first systematic protection of undeveloped lands, viewed as a temporary 'holding action'.

What was the minimum size requirement for lands under the L-20 Regulation?

230,000 acres.

What activities were allowed under the L-20 Regulation?

Logging, roads, and grazing.

How did the U-Regulations (1939) differ from L-20 in terms of allowed activities?

U-Regulations banned logging, roads, and mechanized use, offering stronger protections, but still allowed grazing, mining, and water projects.

What were the three categories of undeveloped lands under the U-Regulations?

Wilderness, Wild areas, and Roadless areas.

What was a key distinction in the creation of The Wilderness Act (1964) compared to earlier regulations?

It was created by Congress (Legislative Branch), providing permanent statutory protection, unlike L-20 and U-Regulations which were Executive Branch actions.

What is the primary advantage of the Wilderness Act being created by Congress?

It provides permanent statutory protection, meaning it cannot be undone by agencies.

What system was established by The Wilderness Act?

The National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS).

What was the minimum size requirement for areas designated as Wilderness under The Wilderness Act?

5,000 acres.

Who was the primary author of The Wilderness Act?

Howard Zahniser of The Wilderness Society.

According to Section 2 of The Wilderness Act, what was the purpose of the Act?

To preserve areas in their natural/untrammeled condition for current and future generations, in response to rapid development and population growth.

Which types of lands qualify for Wilderness designation under Section 2?

Only federal lands.

What does 'untrammeled' mean in the context of The Wilderness Act?

Free from human control or manipulation, emphasizing keeping wilderness wild, not just 'natural'.

What are the four criteria for designating Wilderness, as outlined in Section 2 of The Wilderness Act?

1. Natural (substantially unnoticeable human impact). 2. Opportunities for solitude or primitive/unconfined recreation. 3.
   ≥5,000 acres or enough to preserve unimpaired. 4. May contain ecological, scenic, scientific, or historical values (optional).

What comprised the 'Instant Wilderness' areas upon the passage of The Wilderness Act in 1964?

All USFS administratively designated areas existing at that time, totaling 54 areas and 9.1 million acres.

Which agencies were immediately tasked with reviewing lands for suitability for the NWPS under Section 3?

USFS, NPS, and FWS.

When was the BLM included in the Wilderness review process, and what was their responsibility?

Not until FLPMA 1976; they had to review lands and manage them as non-impairing until reviewed.

What are some core prohibitions in Wilderness areas as stated in Section 4 of The Wilderness Act?

No permanent roads, commercial enterprises, motorized vehicles, or mechanized equipment.

What are the general exceptions to the prohibitions in Wilderness areas?

Minimum tool for management, health/safety, or pre-existing uses.

What are the six public purposes for which Wilderness areas are administered, according to Section 4?

Recreation, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical.

Under what condition are motorboats and airplanes allowed in Wilderness areas?

They are allowed where pre-existing before the Wilderness designation.

What were the rules regarding mining in USFS Wilderness areas after the Act's passage?

New mining was allowed until December 31, 1983; older claims remained valid.

Is grazing permitted in Wilderness areas, and if so, under what condition?

Yes, if it was established before the area's designation.

What rights do private landowners with property (inholders) inside Wilderness areas have?

They have a right to 'adequate and feasible access' across the wilderness.

How did the permanency of protection evolve from L-20 to The Wilderness Act?

L-20 was temporary, U-Regulations were administrative only, and The Wilderness Act provides permanent statutory protection.

How did the restrictions on use differ between L-20, U-Regulations, and The Wilderness Act?

L-20 allowed logging, grazing, roads. U-Regulations banned many uses but had loopholes. The Wilderness Act established firm prohibitions in law.

What was the evolution in the stated purpose of wilderness protection from L-20 to The Wilderness Act?

L-20 focused on recreation, education, inspiration. U-Regulations protected naturalness and primitive travel. The Wilderness Act adopted a biocentric purpose: untrammeled, preserving ecosystems, with recreation only if consistent.