This document is part of the Wilderness Interpretation and Education Toolbox on http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/
DRAFT
Indian Peaks Wilderness Education Plan
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest and Pawnee
National Grasslands
The Indian Peaks became part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1978.
Many of the peaks within the area were named for American Indian tribes of the west.
The 76,586 acre Wilderness is located primarily within the Arapaho and Roosevelt
National Forest. A portion along the northernmost boundary lies within Rocky Mountain
National Park. The area stretches approximately 18 miles north/south and 15 miles
east/west at its widest point. Elevations range from 8,400 to just over 13,500 feet. There
are a total of seven peaks over 13,000 feet, and approximately 35% of the land area is
above treeline. The icy remains of the last glacial period sculpted out the rugged terrain
of the Indian Peaks leaving over 50 lakes. Chill winds off perpetual snowfields have
created an environment near tree line of stunted trees and alpine plants unusual for this
part of the state.
The Indian Peaks is one of the most popular and heavily used Wilderness Areas in the
country due to its close proximity to the Denver/Boulder metro area. This Wilderness
Education Plan is intended to help protect this beautiful Wilderness Area for present and
future generations.
1. Goals
1. Increase awareness of wilderness history, philosophy, values of wilderness, and
role of wilderness in ecosystem management.
2. Instill and strengthen an appreciation for the value of wilderness resources in
development of a wilderness ethic that results in informed decision making
3. Influence behavioral changes that promote the preservation of wilderness
quality.
4. Demonstrate and promote attitudes and behaviors appropriate to wilderness
resource protection. Promote the sustainability of the wilderness ecosystem by
ensuring its health, diversity and productivity.
5. Recognize the unique characteristics of wilderness that distinguish it from more
traditional and environmental education efforts (historical perspective and
cultural legacy, spiritual and emotional renewal, challenge and risk and
preservation of natural systems).
6. Provide accurate, accessible and meaningful wilderness information via web
pages, trailhead signage, booklets and brochures, and training of internal
personnel with wilderness responsibilities, including VIS and frontliners.
7. Collaborate with stakeholders, other agencies, and publics in fostering
wilderness awareness through the development of partnerships.
Wilderness managers recognize wilderness education as a proactive management tool.
Managers also know that educating wilderness visitors today may reduce, or in some
cases, prevent resource damage in the future. This education plan is a tool for
identifying issues, assigning action items and tracking accomplishments related to the
education of wilderness visitors and land managers on the importance and protection of
the wilderness resource.
2. Issues
The major issues identified for the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area are:
A. Campfires
B. Human waste
C. High visitor use from individuals and organized groups
D. Illegal motorized trespass
E. Dogs
F. Invasive noxious weeds
G. User-created trails/early season impacts
H. Lack of Wilderness appreciation/Lack of understanding of adjacent land
designations.
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3. Impact of Issues on Wilderness
A. Campfires:
Campfires are illegal on the east side of the Continental Divide and at popular
lakes west of the Continental Divide in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, but many
visitors choose to ignore the special order. Campfires are located too close to
water, and are constructed in inappropriate areas, such as above treeline or in
krummholz. Litter is often left behind in the firerings.
Campfires leave a blackened scar that degrades the wilderness character and
visual quality of the immediate area. Campfires also sterilize the soil and reduce
nutrient recycling. A campfire built repeatedly in the same area gives the
campsite a denuded, barren, and unnatural look.
Trees are “hacked on” and/or limbed for fuel. Large down and rotting wood is
often used to construct fires and eliminates an important source for nutrient
recycling. Animals also use these logs for food, protection and habitat.
B. Human Waste:
Some backcountry visitors are not using LNT practices. Toilet paper and
feminine hygiene products are not always packed out. The potential for animals
dig up human waste that is not properly contained in a cathole. Improperly
disposed human waste can lead to water contamination, spread of disease, and
is very unsightly. Urinating on plants and vegetation attracts wildlife, which in
turn may defoliate plants and dig up soil in the area to get to the salts found in
urine.
C. Increasing Use/Organized Groups:
Due to the close proximity of the Wilderness to the Front Range population of
over 2 million and growing, there is high visitation occurring in the wilderness,
especially on weekends. This high use is having a negative affect on the resource
and the wilderness experience.
There is increasing pressure from large organized groups (6 – 12 people) visiting
and requesting to visit the wilderness. These groups tend to be larger than the
average group size, and combined with the high visitor use already occurring is
having a negative impact on the resource and the experience of other visitors.
Although the group size limit is 12 and a permit is required for organized groups
visiting the IPW anytime of year, often groups ignore or are don’t take the time
to read the regulations at the trailheads regarding organized groups.
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D. Illegal Motorized Trespass:
Illegal motorized use has been on the rise in recent years as OHV’s have become
more popular and snow-machines have increased in power and efficiency.
Motorized use violates the Wilderness Act. The boundary of the Wilderness is
very close to some popular 4-wd roads. Some of these areas are above
timberline, in these sensitive alpine areas.
Motorized users are often uninformed and some are blatant violators. There is a
lack of law enforcement to educate or issue citations. Signs and boundary
markers get shot up/torn down, or are insufficient.
E. Dogs:
Unleashed dogs frequently harass other visitors and their dogs, including stock.
Dog poop along the trail smells, attracts flies, is unsightly and generally detracts
from the wilderness experience of others.
Dogs sometimes harass, injure, and occasionally kill wildlife. Loose dogs often
become separated from their owner and lost. Noise from barking affects the
wilderness experience for others. If uncontrolled dogs encounter wildlife, such as
larger animals or porcupines, their safety is in jeopardy.
F. Noxious weeds
Non-native invasive weeds replace native vegetation and impact wildlife habitat.
This alters natural ecosystem, increases erosion, reduces wildlife and livestock
forage, changes wilderness character and has social impacts.
Noxious weeds have been introduced into the wilderness most likely by visitors
and/or livestock. The weed infestations in the wilderness have occurred near
popular trailheads and along trails near the wilderness boundary.
G. User-Created Trails/Early Season Impacts:
User-created trails are an increasing problem. These trails occur mostly in
popular areas, such as peaks, lakes and streams. They result in are vegetation
loss, soil erosion, and affects the wilderness character and visual quality of the
area. Widespread “spaghetti” trails affect the feeling of solitude, and are a
potential for increased wildlife disturbance. Social trails are a result of high use,
improper travel techniques, lack of a properly designated trails and uninformed
users.
Early season impacts are caused by visitors coming from lower elevations to visit
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the high country during times of snowmelt. Visitors are often not prepared for
“winter-like” conditions during the late spring and early summer months. Trails
are often muddy and covered with snowdrifts. As a result, visitors walk around
the mud and snow, to avoid getting their feet wet, widening trails, trampling
vegetation and creating lasting scars on the landscape.
H. Wilderness Awareness
Many wilderness visitors are not aware of what wilderness designation means,
both legally and ethically. Many do not understand wilderness values and the
importance of practicing LNT principles, which often results in unacceptable
physical and social impacts to the area.
4. Key Messages:
A. Key messages for campfires:
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Campfires are illegal in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. (talking points or bullets
about impacts from campfires)
Use a stove (talking points about the benefits of stoves versus campfires)
Target audience: Wilderness visitors, hunters, outfitter and guide permittees.
Backcountry wilderness visitors, outfitter and guide permittees.
B. Key Messages for Human Waste:
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Use a cathole, 6-8 inches deep, 4-6 inches wide. Use a stick to stir in soil when
you are done and cover with at least 2 inches of topsoil and camouflage the
surface.
Disperse waste, not concentrate.
Choose an area 200 feet from water, trails, campsite.
Use natural toilet paper such as rocks, sticks and pinecones. If using toilet
paper, pack it out in a plastic bag.
Minimize the chance of water pollution, minimize the chance of anything or
anyone finding the waste, maximize the rate of decomposition.
Do not urinate on plants and other vegetation; instead go on non-vegetated
areas such as rocks, far from a water source.
Target audience: Wilderness visitors, hunters, outfitter and guide permittees.
C. Key Messages for increasing use/organized groups:
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Many wilderness visitors are not necessarily seeking a wilderness dependant
experience; their needs can be met outside wilderness.
Group size limit for Indian Peaks Wilderness is 12, must adhere to this regulation.
Emphasize opportunities outside of Wilderness
Permit/Quota systems may be coming to help disperse larger groups to avoid
frequent encounters with other groups/visitors
Emphasize how groups/visitors can reduce their impacts (mid-week, time,
location, behavior, practice LNT)
Target audience: Wilderness visitors, outfitter and guide permittees.
D. Key Messages for Illegal motorized trespass:
Mechanized and motorized transportation is illegal in wilderness. (Refer to R2 I&E
Plan for the Prevention of Snowmobile Trespass).
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What is Wilderness? Here are the rules.
Stay on designated trails/areas/roads outside of Wilderness
Present opportunities outside of Wilderness
How motorized use impacts wilderness and visitors. Biological affects on wildlife
through noise and snow compaction. Social impacts include ruining solitude and
hunting (scare animals, limits opportunities, unfair). Physical impacts include
soil, vegetation and water.
Consequences could mean a $5000 ticket, 6 months in jail, and impounding your
machine.
Target audience: Mountain Bikers / ATV/ 4-wd drive enthusiasts, hunters.
E. Key Messages for Dogs
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Dog card messages
Unleashed dogs harass, injure, and sometimes kill wildlife and stock
Uncontrolled dogs can create unwelcome noises which can disturb visitors to the
Wilderness
Dog – Human conflicts can lead to human – human conflicts
Dog feces is unsanitary, creates odors, attracts flies, and is unsightly
Diseases can be transmitted to coyotes and wolves from dogs
To avoid these problems, consider leaving your dog at home
If you decide to bring your dog train your dog, leash your dog, and muzzle your
dog (if necessary)
Know the dog regulations for the area you are visiting
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Target audience: Dog owners planning on or visiting the wilderness.
F. Invasive Plants:
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Impacts of non-natives on ecosystem.
Ways to reduce impacts.
Identification and documentation protocols for use by agency personnel
How people can prevent/stop introduction and spread of noxious weeds by:
a) Weed-free feed required
b) Visitors and outfitters reporting noxious weed infestations
c) Effective ways to treat different weeds (internal audience- crews, etc)
d) Wash equipment and undersides of vehicles at trailheads, check your
clothes for weeds/seeds before entering the wilderness.
e) Reseed disturbed areas (internal, contracts, adjacent landowners)
 Weeds can change the Wilderness character
a) Wildlife
b) Erosion
c) Ecosystem change
Target audience: Stock users, hunters, wilderness visitors, outfitter and guide
permittees.
G. User-Created Trails/Early Season Impacts:
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Seasonal trail closures as needed
Consider alternative trails that are less muddy, snow-free, and user friendly
Be prepared for different conditions in the high country, wear proper footwear.
Travel on durable surfaces
Stay on designated routes if one exists
Use limits may be coming
Emphasize sensitive vegetation/ short growing season
Target audience: All wilderness visitors.
H. Lack of Wilderness Appreciation/Lack of understanding of adjacent
land designations:
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Wilderness is special place.
Wilderness values transcend recreation.
Wilderness is a full partner in the Forest Services’ multiple use mission.
Wilderness is designated by congress to be preserved in its wild state for the use
and enjoyment of future and present generations.
Wilderness provides:
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a. an opportunity for solitude and primitive recreation,
b. physical challenge,
c. mental stimulation and inspiration,
d. open space and wildlife habitat
e. undisturbed landscapes/ecosystems
f. scientific study
g. escape from mechanization, technology, etc.
Wilderness areas are special and sometimes fragile areas.
Entering a wilderness requires a large amount of responsibility toward protection
of the resource.
If a person chooses to go to a wilderness they must adhere to the regulations
and the Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.
Messages on the different adjacent designations, regulations, and activities
allowed.
Target Audiences: All wilderness users, as well as potential advocates that do not visit
wilderness.
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5. IMPLEMENTATION
Issue
Action Item
A. Campfires
Post Trailhead w/
Regulations and LNT
Backcountry contacts
Regulation Compliance
B. Human
Waste
C. Increasing
use/Organized
groups
D. Illegal
Motorized
Trespass
Organization
Level
Target
Date
Campfires
Wild Rangers
6/15
Wild Rangers
Wild Rangers
Completion
Date
Ongoing
Ongoing
Human Waste
Post
Trailheads
w Wild Rangers
6/15
Regulations / LNT
Backcountry contacts
Wild Rangers
Ongoing
Post Regulations and
LNT
Manage
Organized
Group Use thru Permit
System / Special Use
Permits
Contact Organizations
about LNT info and
Regulations
Contact Organizations
for Volunteer Projects
Increasing use/Organized groups
Wild Rangers
6/15
VIS/Front Desk Year
Personnel,
Round
Permit
Administrator
Year
VIS, Wilderness
Round
Managers
VIS, Wilderness Year
Managers,
Round
Volunteer
Coordinator
Monitoring
Sign maintenance
Track # Contacts
Compliance versus
non-compliance
and # Citations
Sign Maintenance
Track visible
indicators
Sign Maintenance
Track# of Permits
Issued
Track
#
of
Organizations
contacted
Track
#
of
responses
(positive/negative)
Illegal Motorized Trespass
Post signs/check
boundary signs
Backcountry contacts
Wild Rangers
and OHV crew
Wild Rangers
and OHV crew
6/1
Sign Maintenace
On-going
Regulation Compliance
Wild Rangers
and OHV crew
Wild
Manager/Travel
Manager
Wild
Manager/Travel
Manager
On-going
Track # of contacts
And
report
of
motorized trespass
Track # of citations
Spring
/
On-going
# of contacts, # at
presentations
1/1
# of brochures
Contact OHV groups
Contact State OHV
Registration Office, get
them brochures, Local
Outlets
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Dogs
E. Dogs
F. Invasive
Plants
Post Trailheads
Backcountry contacts
Regulation Compliance
Wild Rangers
Wild Rangers
Wild Rangers
Dog Cards
Wild Rangers, Ongoing
VIS/Front Desk
Trails/Early
Season
Impacts
Backcountry contacts
esp. livestock users
Post Trailhead with
Noxious Weed Info
Forest
Service
Identification
and
documentation
Local Horse
Organizations
Wild Rangers
Ongoing
Track # of Contacts
Wild Managers
Ongoing
Sign Maintenance
Ongoing
Map location,
species, extent etc.
Ongoing
Track # of User
Groups
Spring
/
Ongoing
# of Presentations
and # of trainees
ongoing
Track # of Hits
User-Created Trails/Early Season Impacts
Post Trailhead w/
Regulations and LNT
Backcountry and VIS
contacts
News releases, Flyers
Internal training for
Wilderness volunteers
Internet
H. Lack of
Wilderness
Appreciation/
Lack of
understanding
adjacent land
designations
Sign Maintenace
# of Contacts
Compliance versus
non-compliance,
and # of citations
# of cards issued
Invasive Plants
Wild Rangers,
All field going
personnel
Weed
Managers, Wild
Managers
Internal Presentations Weed
for FS personnel and Managers, Wild
volunteers
Managers
Internet
Web master
G. UserCreated
6/1
Ongoing
Ongoing
Wild Rangers
6/1
Wild Rangers,
Ongoing
VIS
Wild Managers, Spring
/
VIS,
Early
Summer
Wild Managers Spring
webmaster
Spring
Sign maintenance
# Contacts
# News Releases
and flyers
distributed
# of Presentations
and # of volunteers
trained
# Hits
Lack of Wilderness Appreciation
Post signs/check
boundary signs
Backcountry contacts
Wilderness Education
Materials
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Wild
6/1
Rangers,
and OHV
crew
Wild
Ongoing
Rangers and
OHV Crew
VIS, Wild
Ongoing
Rangers
Sign Maintenance
Track # Contacts
Track various
education materials
used and dispensed
Contact Organized
Groups and O/G
Permittees
Internal Presentations
for FS personnel and
volunteers
Internet
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Wild
Rangers,
Special Use
Administrato
r
Wilderness
Managers
and Rangers
webmaster
Spring
Ongoing
/
Track # contacted
Spring
Ongoing
/
# of personnel and
volunteers trained
ongoing
# of Hits
References:
Wilderness Act of 1964
The foundation of wilderness education can be found in the 1964 Wilderness Act. The
Act states:
“there is hereby established a National Wilderness Preservation System to be
composed of federally owned areas designated by Congress as ‘wilderness
areas,’ and these shall be administered for the use and enjoyment of the
American people in such a manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use
and enjoyment as wilderness and so to provide for the protection of these areas,
the preservation of their wilderness character; and for the gathering and
dissemination of information regarding their use and enjoyment as wilderness.”
National Strategy
In 1991, a National Strategic Plan for Wilderness Education was developed. This plan
states that the Forest Service is at the forefront of Wilderness management and uses
education as a primary management tool.
The Wilderness education program
exemplifies the Agency’s role as a wise steward of wild lands and will fulfill the Forest
Service’s mandate to preserve Wilderness quality. A high quality, fully supported
wilderness education program, targeted both within the agency and at our publics, will:
1. Foster knowledge and understanding of wilderness values.
2. Influence behavioral changes that promote the preservation of wilderness
quality.
3. Instill and strengthen a wilderness ethic that results in informed decision making.
4. Carry wilderness values to those who do not experience wilderness through
visitation.
5. Create a constituency, which supports Forest Service wilderness management.
Forest Service Manual Direction 2323.12(2) - Policy
Use information, interpretation, and education as the primary tools for management of
wilderness visitors.
The Chief’s 10-Year Wilderness Challenge Action Plan
The 10-year challenge has set a goal of having all wilderness areas accomplishing 6 out
of 10 BFES elements by 2014 and to have this make a difference on the ground. One
of the 10 elements is the completion and implementation of a wilderness education plan
for each wilderness.
Rocky Mountain Region Action Plan
The Regional Wilderness Education Action Plan is tiered from the National Wilderness
Education Strategy. The Regional Strategy states that the future of wilderness
protection lies in our ability to educate the American public to the values and benefits of
Indian Peaks Wilderness Education Plan
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wilderness. Wilderness managers recognize wilderness education as a preventive
management tool. Managers also know that educating wilderness visitors today can
reduce or, in some cases, prevent resource damage in the future and save money in
the long run. The Regional Action Plan has three areas of emphasis in FY2004. These
areas are:
1 Education Plans, from the 10-year Wilderness Advisory Group
(WAG) Challenge,
2 40th Anniversary Events, from the 10-year Wilderness Advisory Group
(WAG) Challenge,
3 Attending R2 Wilderness trainings
Signed __Christine M. Walsh__________
Christine M. Walsh, Boulder District Ranger
_ Date Feb/2005
Signed
Craig Magwire
Craig Magwire, Sulphur District Ranger
Date Feb/2005
Signed ____Glen Cook_____________
_
Date Feb/2005
Glen Cook, Recreation Planner, Boulder Ranger District
Signed __Mike Ricketts__
Mike Ricketts, Sulphur Ranger District
Indian Peaks Wilderness Education Plan
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Date Feb/2005