ABSTRACT
We have heard a lot about the steady growth in the use of areas in the National Wilderness Preservation System, and the difficulty in some areas of attaining the primary goal of wilderness management to maintain or restore the unique character and values of wilderness areas within the system. It is important to discuss ways the wilderness manager can be helped by the public in managing that same public. Wilderness management agencies have come a long way in educating the public about the purposes of wilderness and about the various management programs and techniques utilized. Public involvement has been an important factor in the allocation process for most wilderness areas. For most wilderness areas, public involvement has been extended to the area of wilderness management planning. Volunteers serve as portal guards and patrol rangers to collect information and educate the wilderness user.
