Natural Resource Conservation, Policy, and Law

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts, legislation, and natural features related to wilderness and conservation.

Wilderness

An area where humans are visitors who do not remain, characterized by a primeval character and no human habitation or development.

Wilderness Act of 1964

Legislation that officially recognized existing wilderness areas and maintained primitive areas, also provided a review of road-less areas for potential wilderness.

Gila Wilderness

Designated in 1924 by Aldo Leopold, it was the first wilderness area established in the United States, measuring 27 miles North to South and 39 miles East to West.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

Established in 1964 to purchase land, water, and wetlands primarily funded by fees from offshore drilling and some taxes, with the goal of conserving natural spaces.

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968

Legislation that set aside segments of rivers for recreational and conservation purposes, ensuring the preservation of habitat and maintaining free-flowing states.

Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area

The most visited wilderness area in the United States, covering 1.09 million acres and featuring 1,175 lakes and 1,200 canoe routes.

Eastern Wilderness Act of 1975

Legislation that aimed to identify and protect wilderness areas in the Eastern United States, adapting standards for smaller and restored lands.

Death Valley

The largest wilderness area in the United States at 3.32 million acres, known for its extreme weather conditions and lowest terrestrial point in the Western Hemisphere.

Sailing Stones

Unique geological phenomena in Death Valley where stones move across the desert floor, leaving trails due to a combination of ice and wind.