Quck answer

In America, there are still some wilderness areas that remain untouched by human development. These wildernesses provide important habitats for wildlife, preserve natural ecosystems, and offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, the size and number of these wilderness areas have significantly decreased over time due to urbanization, resource extraction, and other human activities. It is crucial to protect and preserve these remaining wilderness areas to maintain biodiversity and ensure the continued existence of pristine natural landscapes. Efforts are being made to designate new wilderness areas and expand existing ones to safeguard these valuable natural resources for future generations.

---

Have you ever desired to go back in time and experience the life of an explorer? As the United States began to expand westward, vast amounts of unexplored land were waiting to be discovered.

These wild lands had no roads leading into them. Instead, brave explorers had to travel on foot, horseback, or through the numerous rivers that led them into the unknown.

Fast forward to the present day, what do these frontier areas look like now? Unfortunately, very few of them resemble their former selves. Most of these wild areas have been completely civilized.

From the smallest towns to the largest cities, the once-wild areas of the U.S. have been inhabited. While there are still forests and parks where you can escape the busy city life, most of these areas have roads and other signs of human civilization.

The continental United States stretches over 3 million square miles from coast to coast. However, there is very little true wilderness left within this vast expanse. Over four million miles of public roads, nearly three million miles of natural gas and oil pipelines, and over 150,000 miles of high-voltage electricity transmission lines divide the landscape.

So, are there any uninhabited areas left in America? Luckily, the answer is yes! Most experts define uninhabited areas as land that has not been affected by human development. These areas remain untouched by roads, buildings, and other human creations, allowing the natural ecosystems to thrive and support various plants and animals.

Although uninhabited areas can be found in every ecosystem on every continent, they are constantly under threat from ongoing human development. Advocates for these areas continually work to have them protected by governments to preserve them for future generations. Legal measures often restrict the types of human activities that can take place within these uninhabited areas.

In the United States, the Wilderness Act was passed in 1964, establishing the National Wilderness Preservation System. As a result of this act, the U.S. now recognizes over 750 different uninhabited areas, covering a total of over 109 million acres of land.

The largest uninhabited area in the U.S. is the Wrangell-Saint Elias Wilderness in Alaska. This enormous area consists of over 9 million acres of land. In fact, Alaska is home to approximately half of the uninhabited areas in the U.S.

While 109 million acres of uninhabited land may sound like a significant amount, it is actually quite small. If we exclude Alaska, only about 2.7% of the continental U.S. is protected as uninhabited land. This is roughly the size of the state of Minnesota.

Give It a Try

Are you interested in exploring the uninhabited areas? Make sure to check out the following activities with a friend or family member:

Explore the Wilderness

Take a break today! Request an adult friend or family member to accompany you on a hike. Discover a nearby park or forest and embark on a hiking adventure. If possible, aim to reach a secluded spot, far away from any roads or buildings. Take a moment to embrace the tranquility and then discuss the significance of such untouched areas. Enjoy!

Curious about the existence of wilderness areas? Go online and explore the fascinating infographic titled “How Wild Is North America?” Take note of at least five interesting facts and share them with a friend or family member.

Have you ever wondered about the nearest wilderness area to your location? Visit the online Map of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Zoom in to identify wilderness areas in proximity to your residence. Are you surprised by the number and location of these areas? Why or why not?

Wonder Sources

• https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/wilderness/
• https://www.wilderness.org.au/articles/what-wilderness
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2014/03/25/wilderness-area-state-national-forest/6861737/
• http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2016/09/08/catastrophic-declines-in-earths-remaining-wilderness-over-the-last-20-years-study-finds/

FAQ

1. Are there any wildernesses left in America?

Yes, there are still wilderness areas in America. Wilderness areas are protected lands that are mostly undisturbed by human activity. These areas are home to diverse ecosystems and provide habitats for many species of plants and animals. They are important for preserving biodiversity and providing opportunities for outdoor recreation.

2. How are wilderness areas protected in America?

Wilderness areas in America are protected through legislation and management by government agencies such as the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. These agencies enforce regulations to limit human impact and maintain the natural integrity of these areas. Activities such as hunting, mining, and logging are typically prohibited in wilderness areas to preserve their pristine nature.

3. Can people visit wilderness areas in America?

Yes, people can visit wilderness areas in America. However, access to these areas is often restricted to protect their fragile ecosystems. Visitors must follow specific guidelines to minimize their impact on the environment, such as staying on designated trails and packing out all trash. Permits may be required for certain activities, such as camping or backpacking, to ensure that the number of visitors is regulated.

4. What are the benefits of preserving wilderness areas in America?

Preserving wilderness areas in America has numerous benefits. These areas serve as important habitats for endangered species and contribute to the overall biodiversity of the country. They also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Wilderness areas are often considered to have intrinsic value, as they represent untouched natural landscapes that are increasingly rare in today’s developed world.

5. How can we help protect wilderness areas in America?

There are several ways individuals can help protect wilderness areas in America. One way is to practice Leave No Trace principles when visiting these areas, which involves minimizing environmental impact and leaving the area as pristine as possible. Supporting organizations that work to protect wilderness areas through donations or volunteering is another way to make a difference. Additionally, staying informed about proposed legislation or policy changes that may impact wilderness areas and advocating for their preservation can also be impactful.

6. Are there any threats to wilderness areas in America?

Yes, wilderness areas in America face various threats. Climate change can disrupt ecosystems and alter the habitats within these areas. Human activities outside of the wilderness areas, such as pollution and resource extraction, can also have indirect impacts on the fragile ecosystems within them. Additionally, illegal activities such as poaching or vandalism can directly harm wilderness areas. It is important to address these threats and implement measures to protect and preserve these valuable natural landscapes.