ABSTRACT
In the opening section the Act declares establishment of a National Wilderness Preservation System, with component units to be designated by Congress and administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people. A component of the wilderness system must be an area of undeveloped federal land "retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions." Some uses are specifically prohibited, including permanent roads, temporary roads, motor vehicles, motorized equipment and motorboats, landing of aircraft, other forms of mechanical transport, and permanent structures and installations. The Forest Service implementation of the Wilderness Act was highly institutionalized from the very first. In short, the agency committed itself to impeccable compliance with the letter of the law and fulfilled it thoroughly insofar as the primitive areas and wilderness areas are concerned.
