This research emphasis will focus on developing research and analysis methods to more accurately portray the principle dimensions of human experiences in wilderness and their relative importance to overall quality of visits. There has been a dominant reliance in the past on mailback surveys of wilderness visitors for the wide variety of topics investigated. There are many things that could influence achievement of desired wilderness experiences, including the information that managers provide in preparation for the trip, charging of fees, and personal past use experiences. The role of each of these in forming both expectations and evaluations of current visits can be investigated. The Wilderness Act passed in 1964.
Today there is great concern about changing values of society since that time.
Today some visitors bring celular phones into wilderness, though the majority object to musical radios. There is a dominance of day use in most wildernesses, with the perception that wilderness stays are becoming shorter at many places. Of growing concern to many managers is the increased expression of conflict between various user groups. There is ongoing debate about how to incorporate disparate views about appropriate behaviors and uses of wilderness into management direction. These interests experience conflict in public meetings and on the resource.