Full course description
Course summary:
This course will introduce you to the topic of visitor use management (VUM) in wilderness, explain why it is necessary, review relevant laws and agency policies, and examine the challenges of VUM in wilderness, including threats to the biophysical and social components of wilderness resources.
From delicate cave formations vulnerable to human touch to popular whitewater rivers, every wilderness provides opportunities for visitors to explore and experience wild and natural environments. Visitor use of wilderness also leads to impacts on the wilderness resource that require careful management. But that management also has effects. This course examines the need for, regulation of, and possible effects of VUM in wilderness.
Course objectives:
After completing this course, learners should be able to:
- Recall relevant portions of law and agency-specific policy.
- Define visitor use management.
- Explain why visitor use management is needed.
- Identify the challenges of managing visitor use and the potential threats to the wilderness resource that accompany it.
Recommended background
There are no prerequisites for this course; all are welcome.
Course topics include:
- Definition of Visitor Use Management
- Purpose of Wilderness
- Management of Wilderness
- Visitor Opportunities
- Threats
- Process Review
Elements of the course:
- Informational text
- Interactive practice activities
- Supplemental reference materials
- Final assessment
This course is self-paced, allowing learners the flexibility to complete the course as quickly or slowly as they need.
After completing all course content and activities, you will complete a final quiz to demonstrate your understanding of key course concepts. Upon successful completion of the quiz, you will be awarded a certificate of completion.
Course creators:
This course was designed and developed jointly by the Arthur Carhart Wilderness Training Center and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University.
How to access:
Upon enrolling, you will receive instructions and the link to the Canvas course. Note: When you register, you will receive an email invitation. Be sure to accept that invitation, or Canvas will not allow you to open the course modules.
Enrollees can move through content modules at their own pace within the course timeframe.