About The Book:
Wilderness areas are areas of undeveloped Federal land that retain their primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which are protected and managed to preserve their natural conditions. These areas are established as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. They are owned or administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, or the National Park Service.
     Wilderness was created for the use and enjoyment of the American people. Yearly, over 12 million people visit wilderness to hike, ride horses, hunt, fish, ski, float, take pictures and stargaze, to name a few. Many people who visit wilderness are inspired and humbled by the feeling of being part of something larger than one's self. Wilderness is a haven for self-discovery and rejuvenation. Wilderness areas have a positive impact on local and regional economies. Counties with wilderness generally have higher income and employment growth rates. From sales to service, the economic benefits of wilderness influence every avenue of business that relies on this resource.

WILDERNESS AREAS   The Wilderness Act of 1964 established the National Wilderness Preservation System. As defined by Congress, this is untrammeled, undeveloped, and natural, and offers outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation.

ECOTOURISM   This book serves to promote the global policies of ecotourism. Ecotourism may be defined as travel to natural or cultural sites which informs the visitor, conserves the site, and benefits the local economy.

About The Author:
The author has brought together his skills as a career graphic artist, photographer, and publications designer to produce comprehensive and useful travel and recreation guides with technical prowess. The author's passion and creative insight in discovering and experiencing nature, the environment, national and regional parks, and wildlife from the active reader's perspective should encourage enthusiasm and anticipation in the reader through his writing.
   Our natural and scenic wonders are to be "discovered and experienced by everyone", and his "what to see and what to do" writing style and format is born from the thirst to experience and discover the world around him.
   Over the years, Mark has operated as a patent draftsman, and contracted as a technical illustrator and book and magazine designer for the National Academy of Sciences. In 2003 Mark authored and published this first book, "Discovering the C&O Canal", the definitive resource and activities guide for one of our country's beloved National Historical Parks, located in Washington, D.C. and Maryland.

Quick Facts on this book:
  The book includes 793 pages, containing 44 chapters representing the states that have recognized "Wilderness Areas".
  The book includes 47 full-color, full-page photographs.
  These pages provide useful information on the features and activities for each Wilderness Area, with descriptive icons for ease of use and quick cross-reference between Wilderness Areas.
  The cost of the book is $24.95 US. It is available from the publisher by direct mail on CD or Flash Drive in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word format (with additional shipping and handling charges).