The wilderness threats matrix: A framework for assessing impacts

Abstract

A comprehensive framework for assessing threats to wilderness is described. The framework is represented as a matrix of potential threats and attributes of wilderness character. Cells in the matrix represent the impacts of threats on each attribute. Potential applications of the matrix are described. An application of the matrix to the wildernesses in the Forest Service’s Northern Region (northern Idaho and Montana) suggests that fire management is the most significant threat to those wildernesses and that aquatic systems are the most threatened wilderness attribute.

Keywords

impacts, monitoring, assessment, Idaho, Montana

Citation

Cole, David N. 1994. The wilderness threats matrix: A framework for assessing impacts. Res. Pap. INT-RP-475. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Research Station. 14 p.