Traditional Tools and Skills

Traditional Tools and Skills

The Wilderness Act of 1964

The Wilderness Act of 1964 provides direction related to Traditional Tools and Skills (TTS) in the purpose, definition, and the prohibition of certain uses.

The purpose of wilderness:

SECTION 2.(a) In order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States and its possessions, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition,…

The purpose of wilderness is to guard against the effects of modern civilization and the inherent influences of motorized and mechanized activities by designating some areas to be managed without these influences so they may be in their natural condition. Each use of motorized equipment, while not entirely prohibited, potentially increases the influence of civilization and mechanization on wilderness.

The definition of wilderness:

SECTION 2.(c) A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his works dominate the landscape,…

In the definition of wilderness it is made clear that it is a place that is in contrast, or different, than other places. The tools, works, and developments common elsewhere are not appropriate in wilderness. Every use of motorized equipment leaves less contrast between wilderness and other lands.

Prohibition of Certain Uses:

SECTION 4.(c) Except as specifically provided for in this Act, and subject to existing private rights, there shall be no commercial enterprise and no permanent road within any wilderness area designated by this Act and except as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the administration of the area for the purpose of this Act (including measures required in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons within the area), there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanical transport, and no structure or installation within any such area.

Motorized equipment, motor vehicles, landing of aircraft, and all forms of mechanical transport are prohibited unless they are the minimum required for administration of the area as wilderness. The justification for the use of motorized tools must go beyond describing a method to accomplish an essential project but also prove that it is the minimum tool that will have the least adverse effect on wilderness. The only criteria provide by law is that the an exception for the use of motorized tools, mechanical transport, etc, is that it is in support of administering the area as wilderness. While cost and efficiency are important, they are not the overriding reasons for justifying the use of non-traditional tools. Motorized tools and mechanical transportation devices are prohibited unless there is no feasible, safe way to accomplish the necessary task without them. (See the Minimum Requirements section of this Toolbox for more information.)