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As declared in the 1964 Wilderness Act:
The benefits of an enduring resource of Wilderness areas shall be secured for the American people of present and future generations, in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness.
Wilderness shall be “an area of undeveloped land retaining its primeval character and influence [that] generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable; [and] has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation…
In light of these values, we seek to collectively create and enact a new Wilderness ethic for the hyper-connected age, consistent with the values of the 1964 Wilderness Act.
NIWC envisions:
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Wilderness that remains experientially distinct from everyday life— where we can reclaim our attention and safeguard our intention from the distraction and stimulation of connected technologies; and where we preserve that experience not just for ourselves, but future generations.
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A future where coming generations have the opportunity to access primitive Wilderness experiences untethered from invasive technology—where visitors encounter genuine solitude, self-reliance, and the unknown rather than constant connectivity, with communication devices limited to essential safety needs.
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A collaborative space for fostering dialogue, education, and collective action that preserves the integrity of designated Wilderness, where unlikely allies work together to address emerging technological threats before they become crises; and in which we reinvigorate our consideration of others and the value of the shared Wilderness experience.​
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Empowered agencies and entities tasked with managing and protecting designated Wilderness rigorously responding to rapidly evolving impacts to the spirit of Wilderness, supported by and accountable to robust stakeholder partnerships.
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An increased cultural commitment to the importance of technology-free experiences for human physical and mental health, relational well-being, privacy, and freedom of thought.
"Any argument of a sensitive nature should begin with the statement: “we are all hypocrites.” We are all content with our lower and upper limits and tend to disagree with those whose limits differ from ours."
- The Organic Treadmill: and Other Great Powers of Wilderness
by Steve Zettel
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