Land Use Classifications

Quick, what’s the difference between a National Park and a National Monument? If there is a Wilderness Area in a National Park, what does that mean?

There is a continuous spectrum of land use classification from urban areas all the way to wilderness areas in terms of protection and preservation of the wild character of the land and animals. As a hiker or backpacker you’ll frequently encounter the following classifications. Importantly, within each type there is often a different process to apply for a use permit.

Wilderness areas are the most preserved and protected areas. This designation is an overlay on National Parks, National Forests and BLM land. In other words, a National park can have a wilderness area within it or adjacent to it. No motorized or mechanized vehicles are allowed so you’ll sometimes see work crews maintaining trails using picks and shovels. Some of the most desirable areas to backpack are located within wilderness areas. Go to the web site listed below and check out the Wilderness Links on the right pane for a good description of wilderness.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/recreation/wild/index.shtml

National Parks are the most visited areas. They attract many international visitors who believe that national parks represent the crown jewels of American’s lands. National parks require the approval of Congress, which can be a lengthy process. National Parks get a big chunk of funding. The first NP was Yellowstone.

National Monuments are created by an executive order of the President of the United States. This has been done when Congress has moved too slowly and the land would be ruined by the time that it’s declared a national park. National Monuments get less funding and less protection than a National Park. Examples of National Monuments include Cabrillo NM in the Point Loma community of San Diego, Canyon de Chelly in Arizona, and the Grand Staircase-Escalante NM in Utah. Most people expect the Grand Staircase-Escalante NM to be the next NM to be promoted to NP status. Death Valley NP was a NM for many years before becoming a NP.

National Forests allow for some diversity of uses though not as diverse as BLM land. There are significant national forests surrounding California’s NPs. For example, National Forests connect and surround Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon NPs. National Forests are popular with hikers because they are largely wooded or forested areas.

BLM land represents about 13% of the total land surface of the United States. BLM land is managed for multiple uses such as energy, livestock grazing, recreation, and more. BLM manages the Wild Horse and Burro program, and other programs you might not think of.

It can be complex when traveling by foot. For example, starting out in the Inyo National Forest at Whitney Portal, you quickly enter the John Muir Wilderness, which contains Mount Whitney. Upon hiking to Trail Crest you can hike north to Mount Whitney, or continue to hike west and descend into Sequoia NP. So, nine miles after Whitney Portal you have travelled in three different land use classifications, each of which has its own set of rules.