1993 Wilderness Myths vs Wilderness Facts
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1993 Wilderness Myths vs Facts
- Myth: Plenty of wilderness is already protected by legislation
Fact: Very little of Alberta's wilderness is protected by legislation. - Myth: If we don't protect wilderness today, we can always save it in the future.
Fact: We are the last generation with the option to preserve wilderness. Time is running out. - Myth: Wilderness is of no value to the local people. It's just for tourists.
Fact: Surveys in Canada and the United States have consistently found that the majority of visitors to wilderness areas reside in the surrounding region. - Myth: Preserving wilderness impedes economic development and progress.
Fact: Preserving wilderness supports environmentally sustainable economic development. - Myth: Wilderness designation of an area will lead to overuse and development.
Fact: Our failure to identify and legally protect wilderness will eventually lead to the loss of that wilderness area forever. - Myth: Preserving wilderness conflicts with the "multiple use" principle for public lands and waters.
Fact: Wilderness preservation ensures the broadest options for the future use of lands and waters. - Myth: Wilderness exists solely as a form of outdoor recreation.
Fact: Wilderness is an entity in its own right. - Myth: Protecting wilderness automatically means an end to hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.
Fact: Designating wilderness areas can protect unique natural ecosystems and also provide outstanding cultural and recreation opportunities. - Myth: Wilderness is only for the wealthy, the young and those with lots of leisure time.
Fact: Everyone can experience wilderness. - Myth: Wilderness is a Pandora's box of insects, disease and fire which can threaten nearby commercial lands.
Fact: Wilderness is a reservoir of natural balances and processes which can benefit nearby commercial lands. - Myth: Most Albertans don't want any more wilderness protected.
Fact: Albertans strongly support the preservation of wilderness. - Myth: There is no end to the amount of wilderness public interest groups want protected from development.
Fact: The maximum that can be protected is only that which exists as wilderness today. - Myth: There aren't any lands left in Alberta pure enough to set aside as wilderness.
Fact: Our remaining wilderness in Alberta is worth saving. - Myth: It is impossible to preserve something as intangible as wilderness.
Fact: Wilderness can be defined, identified and preserved.
