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Soil

Introduction

Soils are integral to the preservation of wilderness character, forming the foundation for life and ecological processes. The Wilderness Act emphasizes the importance of protecting "natural conditions" and maintaining "primeval character and influence." Natural processes like erosion and deposition shape wilderness soils over time, contributing to the unique character of these landscapes. However, human activities that disrupt these processes may degrade wilderness character and require thoughtful management. This Soil Toolbox explores the critical role of soils in wilderness, their connection to wilderness character, and strategies for minimizing human impacts while maintaining or restoring soil health.

The Role of Soils in Wilderness

While not explicitly mentioned in the Wilderness Act, soils are fundamental to preserving the natural conditions it mandates. They underpin the biological and physical processes that sustain wilderness ecosystems and contribute to its primeval character. Natural forces like erosion, floods, and landslides shape soils over time, playing an essential role in a self-sustaining wilderness. Yet, human activities—such as accelerated erosion or soil compaction—can disrupt these processes, degrading wilderness character. Management actions may be required to mitigate such impacts and restore soils to their natural condition. 

Soils and Wilderness Character

Wilderness character is defined by five qualities: Untrammeled, Natural, Undeveloped, Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation, and Other Features of Value. Soils are most closely linked to the Natural and Untrammeled qualities, with important considerations for the Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality. 

  • Natural Quality: This quality involves "retaining its primeval character and influence" and being "protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions" (Section 2c). Natural soils have intact horizons (layers), support flora within their natural range of variability, and are shaped by natural processes such as erosion and deposition. This includes how water and wind shape topography, as well as the way biological activity transforms mineral soil into a dynamic mixture of organic matter, gases, and liquids. In arid ecosystems, biological soil crusts add unique value, stabilizing soils and supporting native biodiversity. While natural processes should proceed uninhibited, managers must address human-caused impacts to protect the wilderness character. For example, mitigating trail erosion or restoring soil health after mining activities may be necessary to restore a wilderness to its natural state.

  • Untrammeled Quality: This quality reflects ecosystems "untrammeled by man," free from intentional human manipulation. For soils, this means allowing natural processes—such as erosion, deposition, and soil crust formation—to occur without interference. However, where human activity has caused severe degradation, limited intervention may be justified. For example, breaking up compacted soils from past vehicle use or restoring soil horizons disrupted by mining can address human-caused impacts while maintaining the broader integrity of the wilderness. Such actions must be carefully balanced to ensure they align with the principle of minimal human control.

  • Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality: Recreational activities, while essential to the enjoyment of wilderness, inevitably affect biophysical resources, including soils. The Wilderness Act recognizes the dual mandate of protecting wilderness and providing "opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined types of recreation" (Section 2c). To preserve wilderness character, agencies must minimize recreational impacts on soils while enabling responsible use. Soils underpin scenic landscapes and recreational opportunities, which underscores the need to balance visitor use with the protection of ecological integrity. 

 

Management Regulations, Policies, and Practices

  • FSM 2320, 2323.38 - Visitor Management to Protect Wildlife or Fish Resources through 2323.42 Policy
  • FSM 2500 - Watershed and Air Management

BLM

  • FSM 2320, 2323.38 - Visitor Management to Protect Wildlife or Fish Resources through 2323.42 Policy
  • FSM 2500 - Watershed and Air Management

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