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Featured Content

Can We Make Wilderness More Welcoming? An Assessment of Barriers to Inclusion

A committee of individuals from systemically excluded groups published a peer-reviewed assessment of barriers to inclusion in wilderness communications. Understanding different interpretations of wilderness can help broaden traditional narratives to respectfully include diverse experiences.

Wilderness 60

​​In 2024, the United States is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Explore here for communications materials, interpretation, and events that look toward the future of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

No Drones in Wilderness

Flying drones responsibly means flying them on non-wilderness public lands. Learn why drones are prohibited in wilderness.

Maps

Wilderness areas, America's wildest public lands, are rare, but they provide essential benefits like outdoor recreation and clean air and water. An interactive map and printable wall map help you explore wilderness areas near you.

Dogs in Wilderness

Bringing your dog on a wilderness trip can be rewarding, but can you? Or should you? Learn about how to safely enjoy time in the wilderness with your dog and when to leave your dog at home.

How to get a Job Working in Wilderness

Have you ever thought about a career working in the wilderness? Learn about different types wilderness employment and how to get hired.

Mission

Connecting federal employees, scientists, educators, and the public with their wilderness heritage

About Us

Wilderness.net is a website formed in 1996 through a collaborative partnership between the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation's Wilderness Institute at The University of Montana, the Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center and the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute. The latter two partners are the wilderness training and research arms of the Federal government, respectively. The program's day-to-day activities are overseen by a working group and steering committee with additional oversight provided by the federal interagency National Wilderness Steering Committee and Wilderness Policy Council. The website educates hundreds of thousands of visitors annually about the benefits of wilderness and stewardship of wilderness under the Wilderness Act.

In 2017 Wilderness.net became Wilderness Connect in an effort to bring all of the program's communications tools — website, community of practice, e-newsletter, social media channels — under a singular brand.