Is a virtual wilderness experience really a wilderness experience?

April 18, 2025-

Unless you’re a wilderness practitioner or researcher, you probably haven’t been keeping up with the debate playing out in the pages of the International Journal of Wilderness about the intersection of virtual reality and wilderness.

Through a series of articles, Keely Fisher, a researcher at Ohio State University, and writer Paul Keeling explore how the advent of virtual reality (VR) is impacting our connection to and conceptualizations of wilderness. Through these VR experiences, users can traverse a trail or take in the views from a mountain peak through a “computer-simulated environment using graphics and specialty hardware that allows for a person to control their point of view and creates a completely immersive and realistic experience”.

Fisher points out that people have always related to wilderness through documentation of it, whether in paintings, photos, or video. Experiencing these representations of wilderness can often evoke the same emotions as in-person wilderness experiences, like awe, wonder, and inspiration. Fisher’s research shows that these emotions can also be triggered by VR experiences of wilderness, as can many of the (physical and mental) health benefits of time spent in nature, especially for those not physically able to visit wilderness due to age or disability. In short, Fisher concludes that while VR and real-world wilderness experiences are not the same, VR can evoke some of the same benefits, including fostering a connection between people and wild places which can be important in their protection.

Keeling, on the other hand, views VR representations of wilderness as antithetical to the idea of wilderness itself: “What is admirable and valuable in wilderness are (among other things) the other-than-human forces that have contributed to its making independently of human purposes. A wilderness experience machine, on the other hand, is wholly the product of human purpose, intention, and design, which explain its very existence.” For Keeling, while experiencing the documentation of wilderness through a VR experience may give the viewer some of the same psychological and health benefits as an in-person experience of the same place, the fabrication of the experience is not equal to the experience itself, and while “such virtual wilderness experience might point to real wilderness as something worth connecting to but would not itself be a connection with wilderness at all.”

As is the case for many academic debates, their back and forth becomes semantic at points. But it reminded me of the diversity of perspectives and experiences of wilderness that we often see reflected when talking to our community of Trust supporters and partners. While designated wilderness is defined in the 1964 Wilderness Act, what the concept of wilderness means, and how we experience it, is different for each of us. For some, their connection to wilderness comes from experiences in the wildest landscapes they can find, far from crowded trailheads or cell service. For some, car camping in a state park or a hike on a close-to-home trail evoke the same feelings of appreciation for the natural world that drive their support of wilderness conservation. And for others, it is that wilderness exists absent of people and their experience of it that makes it so valuable. Our own personal relationships to wilderness are also likely to shift over our lifetimes, as our physical abilities may change, as we bring along small children, or as where we live and what is accessible to us change.

One of the most inspiring parts of our work at the Trust are these conversations we have when we sit down with a donor, landowner, agency or community partner and see where our own unique sets of values and experiences overlap with the Trust’s mission. No one perspective is more valuable than another. What is considered wilderness and how we should relate to it isn’t dictated in the pages of an academic journal, it is a reflection of our ever evolving personal and collective understanding of it. So whether the idea of putting on a set of VR goggles to revisit a favorite trail appeals to you personally, it doesn’t mean it can’t be a meaningful experience for someone else. Wilderness itself brings together people with diverse backgrounds and points of view, and we should ensure that we create space in our community of wilderness lovers and advocates where all are welcome.

Join us in welcoming Liz Seger to our staff

April 4, 2025-

We are thrilled to welcome Liz Seger to our staff as our new Director of Philanthropy. Liz lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and brings outstanding experience and expertise in fundraising, as well as a love for wild places, to the Trust.

She holds a B.A. in Russian History and Religious Studies from the University of Kentucky, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. In previous roles she raised funds for higher education and the arts at the University of Michigan. She has also worked in law school admissions and as a public defender.

“Last year I thru hiked the Continental Divide Trail, from Mexico to Canada along the Rocky Mountains. The experience was nothing less than transformative. The beauty of the wild lands of the western United States speaks for itself; what I failed to anticipate was the generosity of the people we met along the way, and their passion for public lands,” she says. In addition to being an avid backpacker, Liz is also a writer of nature essays and fiction.

As our first Director of Philanthropy, Liz will help deepen the Trust’s impact and capacity to protect even more wild places across the country. “The greatest strength of the Trust is our staff – not only are they all smart, creative, and talented individuals, we are a close-knit team that collaborates and supports each other, both in work and life. Liz will be a wonderful addition to this team. I know she will genuinely connect with our community of supporters over their shared love of wilderness and public lands, and help propel the Trust into the future,” says Trust president Brad Borst.

If you would like to connect with Liz, you can reach her at Liz@wildernesslandtrust.org

Meeting a standard of excellence through land trust accreditation

March 21, 2025-

You may have noticed this seal of accreditation on our website or outreach materials in the past. Awarded by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, it is given to land trusts meeting the highest national standards for excellence and conservation permanence, demonstrating sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship. The Wilderness Land Trust is proud to have earned it through hard work, and to be in the company of so many other wonderful accredited conservation organizations.

The Trust was first accredited in 2008, and renewed in 2013 and 2020. We’re pleased to announce that we’re currently pursuing our third renewal. The renewal process is rigorous, as the accreditation commission conducts an extensive review of our policies and programs.

As part of the renewal process, the Accreditation Commission invites public input from our community of landowners, partners, and supporters. Signed, written comments are relating to how The Wilderness Land Trust complies with national quality standards addressing the ethical and technical operation of the Trust are welcome (Find the full list of standards here).

To learn more about the accreditation program and to submit a comment, visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org, or email your comment to info@landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be mailed to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, Attn: Public Comments, 36 Phila Street, Suite 2, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Comments on The Wilderness Land Trust’s application will be most useful by April 15, 2025.

Thirteen properties protected in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains

March 7, 2025-

In southwest Colorado, the Uncompahgre Wilderness meets the American Flats, Handies Peak, and Red Cloud Peak Wilderness Study Areas in the high peaks and sweeping vistas of the San Juan Mountains. Remnants of the area’s rich mining history scatter the mountainsides, including the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway— 63 miles of old mining roads turned off-road vehicle destination, which winds through seven ghost towns and traverses two high passes. In addition to OHV users, the area draws recreationists of all kinds, with several 14,000’+ peaks, the famous views and summer wildflower displays of American Basin, Lake Fork of the Gunnison River, and many alpine lakes.

Two years ago, the Trust purchased a group of 17 properties adjoining the Red Cloud and Handies Peak Wilderness Study Areas. With access from the Alpine Loop byway, these properties were at high risk of development for cabins, resorts, and other commercial recreation uses. We recently built off the success of that project with the purchase of another 13 properties in the same area.

Looking at a map there are no shortage of private properties within the surrounding public lands. But with these projects we have strategically targeted properties within or adjacent to the wilderness study areas (WSAs). WSAs, managed by the BLM, are areas with “a minimum size, naturalness, and outstanding opportunities for recreation which make them eligible for designation as wilderness.” In 1976, Congress directed the BLM to evaluate all of its land for the presence of wilderness characteristics, and identified areas became WSAs. The establishment of a WSA served to identify areas for Congress to consider for addition to the National Wilderness Preservation System. Until Congress makes a decision to add or end consideration of a WSA, the BLM manages the area to ensure its suitability for designation as wilderness is not impaired.

Removing private inholdings, and their uses which are incompatible with wilderness, from proposed wilderness areas such as WSAs is important in paving the way for them to potentially become designated wilderness one day. With 30 properties total now protected in these potential wilderness areas, together we have made real progress in unifying this landscape, which will not only aid in its future prospects of designation, but have the immediate benefit of preserving almost 300 acres of fragile alpine ecosystems, creaks, and public trails.

Join us in welcoming Jordan Jimmie to our Board of Directors!

February 7, 2025-

The Wilderness Land Trust is excited to welcome Jordan Jimmie to our Board of Directors!

Jordan is a proud Diné (Navajo) raised in Flagstaff, Arizona. Near his childhood home, he grew up exploring Coconino National Forest with friends, which cultivated a reverence for our environment and a yearning for adventure. Jordan witnessed a small stream transform into a roaring torrent near Oak Creek Canyon in high school which encouraged him to study hydrology at the University of Arizona, earning a bachelor’s degree. Following college, he went on to earn a master’s degree in Forestry at the University of Montana – Missoula (UM), and another master’s degree in Biological and Ecological Engineering at Oregon State University (OSU).

His thesis at UM modeled the implications of surface water delivery in the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project with the then-recent enactment of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes water rights settlement and compact. His work at OSU looked into the drainage time of applied surface water to an active aquifer recharge project located in the lower Toppenish Creek watershed in Yakama Nation.

Currently, Jordan resides in Portland, OR, and is a Water Resources Designer at Otak, Inc. He fully enjoys spending time outdoors and is particularly keen on backpacking, trail running, angling, and exploring new areas in Oregon. Jordan can also be found weightlifting, reading about Native American history, and listening to music.

Join us in welcoming Jordan to our board of directors! We look forward to the leadership and expertise he will bring to the organization.

Public access to Colorado’s Chicago Basin protected!

January 24, 2025-

For most visitors, the hike to Chicago Basin in Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness starts on the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as it winds 30 miles through the mountains. From the train stop, the Needle Creek Trail climbs steadily for 6 miles till the valley opens up into the sweeping views of Chicago Basin and the surrounding peaks. Due to its convenient access from the train and to its iconic 14,000+ ft peaks, the basin is a popular destination, with heavy use through the summer months for hikers, backpackers, and mountaineers.

Most of those visitors who come to Chicago Basin for the scenic beauty and quiet solitude of the wilderness are unaware that the trail they’re traversing crosses several privately owned inholding properties where that experience is not guaranteed. Without the protections of the surrounding wilderness, these properties could be developed with cabins, resorts, or mining and timber operations. Suddenly their wilderness experience could be dominated by the buzz of chainsaws, the thwomp of landing helicopters, or even the trail blocked and closed to the public. This lingering threat to public access, as well as the integrity of the fragile, high alpine ecosystem has driven our work in the Weminuche, along with wilderness areas across the county.

The Trust recently protected our 15th property in the Weminuche Wilderness with the acquisition of a 30-acre private inholding property with both Needle Creek and the Needle Creek Trail running through it. With flat, buildable stream-side sites the property was at risk of development. Now protected, public access on the trail to Chicago Basin has been ensured for future generations to enjoy. Needle Creek is an important tributary to the Animas River. This water source, along with vibrant aspen groves that stretch from the creek up the slopes of the Needle Mountains, create habit for a wide range of wildlife. The Needle Creek property scores high for climate change resilience, biodiversity, and landscape connectivity, all important conservation values that will be protected as wilderness.

Now that the property has been acquired by the Trust, we will begin restoration work this summer to remove the remnants of a hunting camp left by a previous owner to restore it to its wilderness character prior to transfer to public ownership and addition to the wilderness. This project builds off the nearby 7-acre Emerald Lake property that the Trust acquired in 2018 and transferred to be added to the wilderness area in 2023.

California’s Mount Lassic Wilderness now complete with last remaining inholding removed!

January 10, 2025-

The Wilderness Land Trust recently acquired the last remaining inholding in northern California’s Mount Lassic Wilderness, completing the wilderness area by removing the lingering threat of development on the 160-acre Bear Creek private inholding property. This is the 18th wilderness area the Trust has completed.

The Mount Lassic Wilderness is of significant ecological importance, with several uncommon habitat features. Rare alpine vernal pools and unusual serpentine soils have created unique habitat conditions home to rare species. The endangered Lassics Lupine depends on the sufficient snowpack and shelter from summer heat found in the Mount Lassic Wilderness to survive. The area is also home to the northern spotted owl, blue grouse, marten, fisher, mountain lion, black bear, and goshawk. Old-growth forests of Douglas fir, incense cedar, and Jeffery pine cover much of the area.

The 160-acre Bear Creek property includes tributary streams to the Wild and Scenic Van Duzen River. The Van Duzen River, as well as the Eel River which it flows into, host healthy salmon and steelhead runs. The salmon and steelhead populations are not only important species in the ecosystem, they support recreational and subsistence fisheries. The Van Duzen and Eel River host both summer and winter runs of steelhead, but as their waters warm due to climate change, the health of the fishery has become stressed. Juveniles require cold temperatures to survive, making cold water tributaries such as found in the Bear Creek property an important refuge.

With acquisition of the Bear Creek inholding property complete, we will now begin the process of transferring it to the Six Rivers National Forest. The Wilderness Land Trust has previously protected 253 properties totaling over 37,000 acres in 44 wilderness areas across California.

2024 by the numbers: Celebrating a year of wilderness wins

December 27, 2024-

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re celebrating another year of successful projects protecting the wilderness you love across the country.

This year we protected 42 properties totaling 2,073 acres from Alaska to Virginia. With the threat of development removed, they will remain open for wildlife to roam, resilient habitats to thrive, and people from all walks of life to explore. The monetary value of these lands is over $37 million, but the real value that they bring to our lives through clean air and water, solitude, and inspiration is so much greater. In this fast-changing world, their intrinsic value surpasses any dollar amount.

So we celebrate these end-of-year accomplishments with the pride of a job well done, and as a reflection of the collective impact of our dedicated community of partners and supporters. But we also reflect on them knowing that their totals fall short in telling the real story of our work. That story is one of long days spent in the field, in landscapes from desert to high alpine, along rivers and coast, through conditions from sunny blue skies to pouring rain and snow. It’s the story of a relationship built with a landowner over 20 years that leads to them finally choosing a path of conservation for the land they and their family have loved for generations. And it’s a story that’s not just ours, but shared by dozens of partners, from local organizations to tribes to federal agencies, and hundreds of generous supporters from around the country.

When you give to the Trust you support not just the land acquisitions and transfers, but all the work that leads to them: the field work and relationship building, the habitat restoration and helping to guide agency policy, the title work and appraisals. It is only with your support that we can share these end-of-year accomplishments.

If you haven’t yet donated, please consider making a gift before the end of 2024.

Celebrating 94 acres protected in Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

December 14, 2024-

The Payette Land Trust and Wilderness Land Trust recently partnered to protect a 94-acre private inholding within Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.

At 2.3 million acres, the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states and is home to over 180 miles of the free-flowing Salmon River. Its large, connected habitats are rich in biodiversity with over 280 species of mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

The Annie Creek property is located near the western edge of the wilderness area, approximately 40 miles from McCall, Idaho. Surrounded by the steep, forested terrain characteristic of the wilderness area, the Annie Creek property includes gentler slopes and flat potential building sites, which along with its proximity to a well-maintained road made it particularly vulnerable to development. Private inholdings within designated wilderness, such as Annie Creek, carry none of the protections of the surrounding lands, and can be subject to further development. The property was purchased from a private owner by the two land trusts with the goal of permanent protection from development, and was made possible by generous support from the Leuthold Foundation.

“The fast pace at which Idaho is changing requires voluntary partnerships between private landowners, organizations and foundations to conserve Idaho’s natural beauty. We are proud to work with the Wilderness Land Trust and the Leuthold Foundation to conserve this unique property into the future”

-Payette Land Trust Executive Director, Craig Utter

“Thanks to our partnerships with the Payette Land Trust and the Leuthold Foundation, this special place will be protected for future generations to enjoy in one of America’s most iconic wilderness areas”

-Wilderness Land Trust President, Brad Borst

Annie Creek is the 12th property protected by the Wilderness Land Trust in Idaho, totaling over 1,300 acres.

Giving thanks this holiday season

November 27, 2024-

As our staff steps away from the office this week to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all that we have to give thanks for. We are so grateful for the fulfillment of mission-driven work, the community that makes it all possible, and the wild places that have shaped each of us throughout our lives and led us to this work. From all of us at the Trust, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!

Brad- This holiday season, I am most thankful for our generous donors who provide the critical financial resources that we need in order to pursue our mission. They routinely welcome me into their homes or to sit down and share a meal, share their personal experiences that connect them to wilderness, and offer all that they can to support what we do. All of them are more than supporters of The Wilderness Land Trust. They are family and I remain forever grateful for their generosity.

Aimee- I’m thankful for all our partners who make our work possible—most recently the Mad River Hot Shot Crew who got me into the last inholding in the Mt. Lassic Wilderness last week in the snow, just beating out the atmospheric river coming in off the Pacific, so we could move forward on the project this winter!

Margosia- I’m thankful for the wonderful coworkers, family, friends, and dogs who I get to spend time with exploring the wild places we work to protect!

Kelly- I am thankful for a mission and vision I am inspired to work towards, project partners and supporters who help us achieve it, a team that makes the job fun, and site visits! I am very grateful for site visits.

Lisa- I’m thankful for the extraordinary generosity of our donors, who continue to hold wilderness close to their hearts and support with trust with an unwavering commitment. Together, we add to wilderness year after year, growing what we all have to be grateful for!

Tasha- This year I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow at an organization where I am passionate about the mission. I am beyond grateful to the amazing and wonderful staff at the Trust that have been so inviting and encouraging in this new work adventure.

 

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