ABSTRACT
A program of applied research focused on management of wilderness and wildlands has been conducted since 1967 by the wilderness research work unit, a unit of the Intermountain Forest & Range Experiment Station in Missoula, Montana. Ecological research is aimed at the wilderness objective of maintaining natural ecosystems wherein the imprint of man is substantially unnoticeable. A large part of research has focused on the management of wilderness campsites and camping— a key element in any effective wilderness management program. One of the major goals of wilderness management is preservation of natural conditions. The Wilderness Act states that management is to keep man's imprint "substantially unnoticeable." Trade-off is the keyword in the management of wilderness camping. Steps taken to control environmental impacts can have adverse impacts on the experience of visitors; conversely, management that caters to and facilitates recreational use can lead to undesirable or unacceptable impacts.
