Wicked problems in practice: Responding to ecological transformation in wilderness

Area of Science:

• Conservation Science
• Environmental Management
• Climate Change Ecology

Background:

• Wilderness areas in the USA have the highest land protection status.
• Climate change poses significant challenges to wilderness stewardship.
• The 'wicked problem' concept has not been applied to wilderness management contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply wicked problem framing to wilderness management.
• To explore the utility of the resist-accept-direct (RAD) framework.
• To address unprecedented ecological transformation in wilderness areas.

Main Methods:

• Utilized wicked problem framing.
• Applied the resist-accept-direct (RAD) framework.
• Analyzed four illustrative case studies of wilderness management.

Main Results:

• The RAD framework provides a structured approach to wilderness management challenges.
• It clarifies response options: resisting, accepting, or directing ecological change.
• The framework aids in assessing trade-offs for preserving wilderness character.

Conclusions:

• The RAD framework is a valuable tool for wilderness managers facing climate change.
• It helps navigate complex ecological transformations.
• It supports efforts to preserve wilderness character in the 21st century.