Wilderness Laws: Permitted and Prohibited Uses

Publication Date: January 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Environment

Type:

Abstract:

The Wilderness Act generally prohibits commercial activities, motorized uses, and infrastructure developments in congressionally designated wilderness areas. However, the Wilderness Act and many subsequent laws designating wilderness areas also contain provisions authorizing activities that do not conform with these general prohibitions. The general prohibitions and the authorized uses are important, because controversies persist over permissible and prohibited activities in wilderness areas, and because bills often seek to modify existing areas or activities. This report will be revised periodically.