Spatial Relationship between Exurban Development and Designated Wilderness Lands in the Contiguous United States

摘要

Public lands provide recreational opportunities and preserve historic and ecological values. Increases in low-density residential development in the contiguous United States pose a threat not only along the boundaries of national parks and forests, but also around uniquely valuable Wilderness areas. Development within and around protected lands can affect land management and landscape ecology by fragmenting forest and wildlife habitat, diminishing air and water quality, and limiting recreational opportunities and access. Exurban and rural sprawl particularly affects wilderness areas because land development is inconsistent with the nature of wilderness and its associated values. This research uses U.S. Census and land ownership data to identify National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) units with exurban or urban housing densities and large amounts of surrounding private land. Identifying NWPS units within 10 miles of the Wilderness boundary that are most likely to experience housing density increases will assist in the management and protection of these valuable lands.