Wild And Roadless…For Now

It is exactly these places we consider our sanctuaries.

It may be the scientist in me, but I don’t like to dive too deep into these philosophical discussions without laying the proper groundwork. It is important to reflect on the English definitions of the words road and wild. (English is the language I am writing in, and each language may have varying definitions and meanings based on values and perspectives.)

Oxford Dictionary Definitions-

Road: 1. A wide way leading from one place to another, especially one with a specially prepared surface which vehicles can use. 2. A series of events or a course of action that will lead to a particular outcome.

Wild: 1. (Of an animal or plant) living or growing in the natural environment; not domesticated or cultivated. 2. (Of a place or region) uninhabited, uncultivated, or inhospitable.

Wild can refer to behavior, it can represent an ecosystem or landscape. Wild is often paired with free which is an interesting thought on its own. The Oxford Dictionary has a very human-centric definition for wild, implying that without human on the one side you would not have wild on the other. This way of thinking seems to mean that in fact we are so disharmonious with the natural world as humans that we are apart from or separate. Wild is natural, humans are not. 

I like to imagine that wild spaces are capable of returning humans  to their wild and natural state. As a river guide of almost 20 years now, I have seen it countless times. Just by simply being in wilderness or a natural ecosystem, we are transported to our flow state. Many cultures believe that wild and natural lands are not only important to preserve, but they hold healing powers. In Japanese culture, “Shinrin Yoku” (Forest bathing) is prescribed and practiced for optimal health. In Sweden and Norway, living close to the natural world is a shared value; “Friluftsliv” (open air life), where a deep connection with nature results in a healthy physical and spiritual existence. 

While current proposed policies threaten our wild wonderlands, we are forced inward yet again to ponder the importance of these free and uninhibited lands. I have been trained to talk about the economic value of keeping wild lands wild- because isn’t this the number one thing driving policy and decision makers these days? But truthfully, the peace and solace that come from simply being in a wild and unbothered swath of land is enough for me. There is NO monetized amount that compares to the clear mind that results from only nature sounds and the genuine laughter of my children playing in the dirt (not induced by some insanely fast paced cartoon). There isn’t a bribe large enough that would make me give away what’s left of a balanced and healthy wild ecosystem. Wild and roadless lands are ethereally above the human construct of transactional monies, they always have been. This is why it is hard to argue its value in the context of capitalistic currency.

Isn’t it important to see beyond capitalistic values? All that is truly meaningful in human life is not tradable in a marketplace; family, connection, community, sense of purpose, love, health personal growth and on and on…Wild and roadless environments should be valued with the same regard, and are deeply connected to each of these values. Wilderness is fiercely connected to the health of the individual, and the health of the earth. The health of the earth and the human are demonstrably connected and inherently inextricable.

The more we dissect wild spaces, the more we disconnect the balanced ecosystem we are a part of, disturbing migration patterns, polluting watersheds and aquifers, disrupting microbiomes and draining soil of its fertility. Noise and light pollution are two things we don’t take into account enough, and both can be detrimental to our ability to clear the mind and see the stars that are always there, begging us to dream. Increasing numbers of roads are robbing us of these magical experiences which are a part of the mystical side to life that is necessary for emotionally wellbeing. So many people cannot see the stars any longer due to light and air pollution. When you go roadless with the intent of seeing the stars, it will make you feel like a protector of earth’s unique perspectives, some we are losing.

Whatever wild truly means to the human, there is something to be said for roadless lands. The more we encroach into the wild, the less wild there will be, until finally one day we will no longer know the meaning. I know, I know, a critic will be quick to point out that roads can help us to protect the wilderness when it is threatened by unruly fires and that logging is paramount in a healthy forest. There is truth in those claims, and an entire industry dedicated to a healthy human-controlled forest, but so far in our human history roads are indiscriminate about who travels them and whether their intentions are well meaning or self-interested. When you build a road, we will come…all of us

It is a tumultuous time to be human, but when we are out in the wilderness, it all seems quite pleasurable and simple. “They” keep telling us to be present, but the modern world makes it just about impossible with a ping and a ring or poke and a prod every other second. Journey to the wild and roadless land with curiosity and a gentle spirit to observe, instead of alter or extract. Go to the places where being present is inherent. You will find your flow state if you wander enough. Since the modern world we live in is begging me to say this- We CAN materialize the economical value in wild and roadless. Recreational and mindfully designed tourism is a huge industry. On the other hand, and true to my heart, stewardship of wild lands transcends economy, it survives our entire species.

What do wild and roadless places mean to you? Are they deep dark mysteries, are they forbidding or threatening? Do they feel like returning home or an adventure to sate your hungry soul? We invite you to think about this topic, for wild and roadless places are what burns our fire. Wild and roadless is how we earn our living; mentally, physically, spiritually and economically.