Cultural Wilderness: How the Historical Evolution of American Wilderness Values Influence Cultural Resource Management within Wilderness Areas in National Parks

This thesis is divided into five chapters that will provide a conceptual framework for understanding the evolving concept of wilderness in the United States, and the ways in which that concept has advanced or impaired preservation policy within designated Wilderness areas.The perceived conflict between wilderness and culture has changed over time and created disconnect between cultural and natural resource management in National Parks, an issue that has only recently come into view. Understanding the relationship between wilderness and culture is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of how these two resources are intrinsically linked, shaped, and defined by one another. The continuing shift in wilderness values has redefined the relationship between wilderness and culture as two components of a larger Cultural Wilderness Landscape. By regarding wilderness and culture this way, solutions can be formed to help solve the management issues at stake.