Читать книгу Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Western Region онлайн

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Using this definition, Congress passed the Wilderness Act of 1964 and created the National Wilderness Preservation System. Included as the only water-based wilderness, the Boundary Waters is one of the most recognized wilderness area in America. Many of the 250,000 annual visitors to the BWCAW are not familiar with minimum-impact camping techniques and the need to protect the natural resources from damage. Litter strewn along portages and left in fire grates; birch trees stripped of bark; red and white pines with carved initials; and fire-blackened areas resulting from campfires left burning are just some of the signs of abuse seen far too often in the BWCAW.

Wilderness areas are managed to protect and maintain the environment in its natural state for our enjoyment and for the enjoyment of generations to come. The responsibility for protecting these areas lies not only with professional managers; All visitors share in this responsibility. You must realize that your place within the wilderness is not as a conqueror, but as a wise keeper and a good steward of this land and water. By ensuring a quality wilderness experience for yourself and others, you will be helping to preserve the area for generations to come.