Wasted Trails magazine March 2014 vol 10 | Page 38

the

Chronicles of Del Albright
Ambassador: Blue Ribbon Coalition

WILDERNESS
Wilderness and access to public lands are very controversial today. The two terms, Wilderness and access,
have become nearly mutually exclusive. Wilderness is designated by Congress. Access to Wilderness is by
muscle power (no motorized or mechanized access -- no mountain bikes). Wilderness Study Areas are a stepping stone interim mearsure, for the most part, and eventually lead to more Wilderness.
Wilderness areas that we consider legitimate, should be based on the 1964 Wilderness Act (original legislation) and NOT the current radical dreams of some anti-access groups who think land use means no use. The
original Act was not that bad and is supported by many OHV and recreation groups.

In May 2002, there was a huge push by the anti-access folks for more Wilderness. More of
these “pushes” happen every year. Oregon’s “