What is a “roadless area?
Conservationists often use the terms “roadless area,” “unprotected wilderness,” “de facto wilderness,” and “potential wilderness” interchangeably. These phrases generally apply to areas that meet the Congressional definition of wilderness, but have not yet been designated. That is, they contain all of the attributes of wilderness areas, but remain open to uses that degrade their natural character.
Roadless lands in the National Forest are generally areas that are free of roads and development. The “Inventoried Roadless Area” (IRA) was originally defined and protected by Presidential mandate, and exemplifies the difficulties associated with administrative designation. Currently, there is no protection in place for roadless areas, though there is a campaign for Congressional action. For additional information and history of roadless areas, visit the Wilderness Society’s page on Roadless Forests.
