Luna Leopold, son of Aldo Leopold, contribute to this issues Soul of the Wilderness. He talks about the experience of fear in a wild-landscape, and the clarity this provides in the context of modern life, science and technology. A team of authors (Arsuffi et. al.) provide a stewardship article on the San Marcos River Wetlands Projects, including restoration efforts and environmental education projects.
A very interesting study is featured in the Science and Research section of this IJW. “Health-Related Knowledge and Preparedness of High-Altitude Wilderness Hikers in Colorado,” surveyed 126 hikers in Rocky Mountain National Park as to their knowledge of common wilderness-related illnesses and their level of preparedness for these issues. A large percentage of those interviewed were not prepared or knowledgeable about high-altitude risks. The majority of respondents were not adequately acclimated to the altitude prior to beginning their excursion.
In the International Perspectives of this IJW, Andrew Muir describes Imbewu and the Opinion Leader Programmes of the Wilderness Leadership School. Both of these programs are aimed to rekindle the bond between South Africans and their land, a bond alienated by policies of colonization and apartheid. Also in this issue, John Shultis reviews two books: “Wilderness by Design: Landscape Architecture & the National Park Service,” by Ethan Carr; and “Building the National Parks: Historic Landscape Design and Construction,” by Linda Flint McClelland.
Keith Kilbrun presents highlights from a Wilderness Therapy Conference at the University of Idaho in “Wilderness for Healing and Growing People.” And, Kenton Miller contributes to International Perspectives with commentary on the ecological services provided by wilderness and how these services support natural and human communities. He emphasizes that “For long-term survival, and therefore service to people and nature, these key sites (protected areas) need to be established and managed within a network of reserves connected by biodiversity-friendly corridors.”
WILD’s President, Vance Martin contributes a feature titled “The Trail Ahead” in this issue of the IJW. He calls upon readers to provide feedback and responses to their view of wilderness – especially with regard to the never-ending tightrope walk between the (perceived) needs of wild nature and the needs of humankind fulfilled by wild nature. Also in this issue, H. Ken Cordell and Jeff Teasley present the results from the USA National Survey on Recreation and Environment. One finding of the survey showed that in 1994-1995 almost 95% of the US population participated in some form of outdoor recreation.
Managing Editor Michelle S. Mazzola captures some adventures of the IJW executive editors in the wilderness. Quotes from Alan Watson, John Hendee and others tell the story of wilderness advocate who “walk the walk.” Kristi de Groot presents highlights from the First Latin American Congress on National Parks and Other Protected Areas. Cuban Protected Areas, held 21-28 May 2977 in Santa Marta, Columbia. Participants discussed issues including: International Guidelines for Land Designation and Management, Indigenous Groups within National Parks and Protected Areas and Community-Based Conservation.