What activities are prohibited in wilderness areas?
Wilderness areas are managed to retain their natural character, and are closed to activities that may harm the ecological integrity of the landscape. According to the Wilderness Act, “there shall be no temporary (or permanent) road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanized transport, and no structure or installation within any such area.” The Wilderness Act also prohibits commercial activities, except those necessary to enhance visitors’ enjoyment of wilderness areas.
Wilderness areas are managed to retain their natural character, and are closed to activities that may harm the integrity of the landscape, such as logging, road-building, and use mechanized vehicles like snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, dirt bikes, and mountain bikes, except in emergencies. Commercial activities that do not enhance visitors’ enjoyment of wilderness areas are also restricted.
