Recently, after reading the book "Abundance" by Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson, I was left with the unsettling realization that the approach to protect wilderness by creating scarcity (by restricting access to it) may result, or it may be already resulting, in a similar cultural and political backlash as the one sweeping through the country.
For a while, the Blue Ribbon Coalition has been running extremely effective campaigns against SUWA's and BLM's restriction access policies. The campaign's effectiveness seems to be rooted in the powerful feeling we all get when we get told "no access for you", to places that are touted as "our places" i.e Public Lands.
What is Wilderness?
There is the simple dictionary definition: An uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.
But for the context of recreation in the outdoors, this is more appropriate:
The Wilderness Act of 1964 (United States): This landmark legislation provides a more specific legal definition, describing wilderness as:
"...an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain."
"...an area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions..."
Additionally, the Act notes that wilderness areas should generally appear to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation
A deep dive into this concept in this previous post:
Understanding Wilderness Preservation
https://adolfoisassi.substack.com/p/understanding-wilderness-preservation?r=rhvf
What is the idea of abundance?
An abundance mindset is the belief that there is enough wealth, happiness, and success in the world for everyone. It's a perspective that views life's possibilities as limitless, encouraging us to approach situations and challenges with optimism and generosity.
What is the book "Abundance" about?
"Abundance" by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson argues that the United States suffers from a self-imposed scarcity in crucial areas like housing, infrastructure, and clean energy. This shortage isn't due to a lack of resources or technological limitations, but rather the result of outdated regulations and a political mindset focused on preventing negative outcomes rather than actively building a better future.
Klein and Thompson contend that well-intentioned rules and processes, often originating from the 1970s, have become obstacles to progress. These regulations, while initially designed to address specific problems, now stifle development, drive up costs, and delay essential projects. They argue that a "liberalism that builds" is needed – a shift in focus from obstruction to active creation and problem-solving.
The authors call for an "Abundance Agenda" that prioritizes managing the trade-offs between regulation and social advancement. This agenda involves re-evaluating existing rules, streamlining permitting processes, and fostering a political environment that encourages building and innovation. Ultimately, "Abundance" advocates for a paradigm shift towards a politics of plenty, where the focus is on actively creating the resources and infrastructure needed for a thriving society. -- (by G-AI)
How can the premise of the book "Abundance" be applied to restrictive wilderness preservation regulations?
The "Scarcity" of Access and Resources: Just as Klein and Thompson argue that we create artificial scarcity in housing or infrastructure, overly restrictive wilderness regulations can be seen as creating an artificial scarcity of access to and potential use of these natural areas. This can manifest as limitations on recreational activities, scientific research, or even sustainable resource management practices that might be compatible with wilderness values.
Outdated "Regulations" and Mindset: Many wilderness preservation regulations were established decades ago, often with a primary focus on preventing any human impact. While the initial intent was crucial for protecting pristine areas, the "Abundance" framework suggests these regulations might not always be the most effective or nuanced approach today. A mindset solely focused on preventing negative outcomes might overlook opportunities for positive engagement, sustainable use, or management practices that could enhance both human enjoyment and ecological health.
Focus on "Prevention" over "Building": The core argument of "Abundance" is the need to shift from a politics of preventing bad things to a politics of actively building good things. In the context of wilderness, this could mean moving beyond simply restricting access and development towards actively managing these areas for a broader set of values. This might include carefully planned ecological restoration, sustainable recreation infrastructure, or collaborative research initiatives that benefit both conservation and public engagement.
Trade-offs and Re-evaluation: Klein and Thompson advocate for a constant re-evaluation of regulations to ensure they are still serving their intended purpose and aren't unnecessarily hindering progress. Applying this to wilderness means asking whether current restrictions are the optimal way to achieve conservation goals or if there are alternative approaches that could allow for more access or sustainable use without compromising core wilderness values. This involves acknowledging and managing the trade-offs between preservation and other potential benefits.
"Liberalism that Builds" in Conservation: Instead of a purely exclusionary approach to wilderness, the "Abundance" lens could encourage a "conservation that builds." This might involve building more accessible trails (where appropriate), developing educational programs to foster stewardship, or even exploring carefully managed and limited resource use that could fund conservation efforts. The focus shifts from simply drawing lines on a map to actively creating a positive relationship between people and wild spaces.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge a key difference. While "Abundance" often focuses on the built environment and economic growth, applying its principles to wilderness requires a strong commitment to ecological integrity as the foundational value. The goal wouldn't be to exploit wilderness for purely economic gain but to find ways to responsibly and sustainably interact with these areas in a way that benefits both people and nature, potentially challenging some long-held assumptions within the preservation movement.
Time to imagine a different approach?
In the countries that I have visited, wilderness looks more...domesticated, and in smaller pockets. The lack of know-how to visit with low-impact practices seems to be substituted with "visit within the painted lines" infrastructure. This may be the inevitable future. Preventing the awful degradation due to high-visitation is a tough problem. Scarcity is a reactionary tool, maybe it is time to dream something more proactive.