Update: May 26, 2006 Previous Updates:
NLE/CRSreports/05Jan/RS22025.pdf
Abstract: The Wilderness Act generally prohibits commercial activities, motorized uses, and
infrastructure developments in congressionally designated wilderness areas. However,
the Wilderness Act and many subsequent laws designating wilderness areas also contain
provisions authorizing activities that do not conform with these general prohibitions.
The general prohibitions and the authorized uses are important, because controversies
persist over permissible and prohibited activities in wilderness areas, and because bills
often seek to modify existing areas or activities. This report will be revised periodically.
[read report]
Topics: Public Lands, Legislative