Sixteen Days In The Bob Marshall Wilderness

Sixteen Days in the Bob Marshall Wilderness By: David J. Stoltzfus From a small Amish town near Lancaster to the wide open West, David J. Stoltzfus makes his way to the Montana wilderness for the hiking trip of his life: two weeks in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Located just south of Glacier National Park near the Flathead Indian Reservation, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, named for an early conservationist and co-founder of The Wilderness Society, encompasses over a million acres of rivers, mountains, and wild country. Miles from civilization, camping under the stars and fishing for his dinner, Stoltzfus ruminates on the deep connection between ourselves and the earth. Part travelogue, part theological review, Sixteen Days in the Bob Marshall Wilderness captures one man’s incredible experience in the wild.

This study describes the trip and visitor characteristics, evaluations, and preferences of day users in wilderness, by contrasting them with overnight users. Data from the Three Sisters (OR), Desolation (CA), Bob Marshall (MT), Charles Deam (IN), Caney Creek (AR), Shining Rock (NC), and Cohutta (GA) Wildernesses are presented. Primary conclusions were that: (1) day users and overnight users are not profoundly different; (2) day users are more tolerant of relatively crowded conditions and less likely to see an immediate need to limit use (at least in places that receive substantial day use); (3) day users are typically as experienced in wilderness travel, and as attached to wilderness and supportive of wilderness protection as overnight users; (4) day users may be as interested in a wilderness experience as overnight users, although there is some evidence to the contrary; and (5) day use of wilderness might be considered less wilderness dependent than overnight use. Implications related to meeting the needs and desires of day users and the management of wilderness trails and destinations that receive heavy day use are discussed.

A look at how America has preserved more than 100 million acres of diverse wilderness areas in 44 states, now protected in our National Wilderness Preservation System. Discussion of current visions valuing wilderness and its place in our culture.

The 2nd edition of Fodor's guide to Montana and Wyoming has been redesigned and updated to appeal to today's travelers.

Montana offers a wealth of outdoor fun for the active traveler, from skiing and snowmobiling to fly fishing and horseback riding. With stunning scenery and colorful history, the state is one of the most appealing in the US. And the best part: it's rarely crowded!