Wild ground in a hot debate

If he were pointing and clicking today, this would be one of Henry David Thoreau’s favorite websites. A sprawling but well-organized community of information and resources, www.wilderness.net brings environmental research, policy and politics together with enthusiasts of the outdoors. The site and its deep network of links is a hub for the debate over the proper uses of our wild places, the challenges of keeping them untrammeled and the ways we can enjoy them.

Among the many questions asked here is “What is wilderness?” Mountain bikers and hikers have radically different views of that on a lively bulletin board.

The site offers information on trips and expeditions, audio-video files and opportunities for volunteering as well as a sizable photo bank of wild land imagery.

With the Wilderness Act of 1964 celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, this is a good place to find out about events celebrating our natural wonders.

-- Michael Koehn