You are likely here because you have chosen a life that involves the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, (The Frank). Over 125 years ago the federal government began toying with and implementing the notion of “Public Land” and its preservation. One of its main venues became the USFS and subsequent National Forest(s). About 100 years ago two “Primitive Areas” were established in central Idaho. About 60 years ago Congress created “Wilderness Designation.” And about 45 years ago Congress created the Frank.

Each one of these events caused quite a stir with all of the current players of the time. While there were many in agreement of such moves, there was surely equally as much consternation, many times leading to very heated local, regional, and national debates—even violence at times. Regardless of where you stand on these issues now, or how you would have stood back then, you are most likely currently reaping rewards in some fashion from those actions.

 

It is now 2025, and the Frank is in need of its next conversation(s), debate(s), action(s) and protection(s). There is no way that the actors of the past could have anticipated what and/or how technology would impact the “Wilderness Experience” that they all tried so very hard to preserve for us. What they probably did allow for and probably assumed, was that folks like us would be there to act accordingly when the “next time” came. Well, it’s here!

 

You needed only to watch the T-Mobile ad during this year’s Super Bowl or see any of the most recent cyber commercials to know that as of this moment and moving forward, essentially anyone with a modern cell phone will have complete WiFi and phone service virtually anywhere, anytime—even in our remote wilderness areas.  

 

Wilderness has been around for 60 years. We’ve seen a few changes, a few threats, and many challenges. Until now those things have been met fairly successfully without actually having to address the Act itself. Actions such as… restricting the “wheel,” “Pack it In, Pack it Out,” “Leave no Trace,” firepans, porta-pots, no drones, no hang-gliding—all have been fairly simple actions to implement, and over reasonably short periods of time, have become workable standards for users. Will the fix(es) be as simple this go around?  We can’t be sure, but I for one don’t believe so.

 

Below, I have included a link to purchase my book, “The Organic Treadmill, and Other Great Powers of Wilderness.” I have done so for three very good reasons. First, although full of stories, satire, and sarcasm, it also provides an in-depth telling of my opinion on the subject. Second, I hope it shows my dedication and willingness to address this situation in a substantial manner. And third, I would hope for it to inspire you and others to engage, voice your own opinions, and/or even write your own “better” book on the subject. The book is made up of three primary parts. Parts one and two are essentially stories to substantiate my opinions reflected in part three. Therefore, if you don’t care for my backcountry yarns… you should skip to part three and my opinion on the future of Wilderness. 

 

I have created the “Not in Wilderness” Coalition (NIWC). By its mere title it infers more than just one old outfitter in Challis, Idaho. We have attempted to reach out to all of the players of the Frank that we could come up with. Although dedicated to the core on finding the best answer(s) to this conundrum, I am weak in the technological aspects to bring this coalition to life and its ability to perform moving forward. I foresee website(s), social media, podcasts, webinars, open forums and events both cyber and in-person, all facets that make me cringe to think of having to accomplish/create/perform, but I’m willing to try.

 

I am also willing to move over if and when a satisfactory replacement proves to me that it/they are as dedicated to an acceptable solution. Until such time, I need help in so many ways. Send me your thoughts, commit to helping, send money, send contacts, send me ideas and/or names of willing and capable hands-on folks who would be willing and able to accomplish the tasks written above, share the conversation, don’t sit idle or quiet regardless of what your opinions are.

 

I see the need for open dialogue. There is no doubt that just like during those actions of the past, there will be necessary heated debates once again. I do not claim to have all the answers and solutions, but I am committed to seeking them out. My commitment is simply to preserve the “Wilderness Experience” as we know it. This is not an anti-technology movement (something of which I would personally join whole-heartedly). No, this is simply a movement to decide as a nation; do we still see the need for us to have places set aside for folks to truly get away, and if so, are we willing to take the tough steps necessary to make it happen?

 

Years ago, the USFS had a saying (maybe unofficially), “So goes the Frank, so goes Wilderness.” I believe this is still true. I would also add to that, “So goes Idaho, so goes the country,” (as it relates to wilderness management). As such, it only makes sense for us, the Frank-ers, to spearhead Wilderness’s next metamorphosis. If it is not us who act, we must assume others will. And I am not the type to be very trusting when it comes to turning stewardship something I love to others, especially not knowing their true intentions. There will be many ideas for sure. There will be opinions ranging from “Who cares?” to extreme consternation, but the conversation must begin.

 

So, what is it that I wish to accomplish with the NIWC? Simply put:

 

To preserve the traditional wilderness experience of its users, for its users, as much as possible, and do so with the interest of all of its users considered, and also, do so with the utmost vigilance to prevent such preservation actions from being unintendedly used or misused by its associated managing government agencies at all levels.

 

The traditional wilderness experience being that referenced in the Act of 1964 and the subsequent individual wilderness acts to follow, along with the 60-years of experience we now have.

 

What’s my/the plan?

 

Communicate, Learn, Cooperate, Act, in that order. 

 

Communicate:

It begins with establishing all of the players and offering them an avenue(s) to participate in the discussion.

Get all of the issues on the table early in the process.

 

At this point, no ideas are bad ideas, nor are there bad opinions. Nothing is impossible it would seem. 

 

Learn:

Once we open lines of communication, learning can begin. What are the issues? Who are the players? Who and why, doesn’t want to play? What are the best ways to communicate? Where is there consensus? Where is the road smooth? Rough? Who/what are the adversaries to the mission? 

 

Cooperate:

We can now begin to attempt to formulate consensus where possible. Common ground can be found. We are now ready to meet and cooperate in a very informed manner.

 

Act:

This step can now be taken with confidence and assurance that such actions are well founded and attempt to meet our goals in the most profound ways.

 

There is no doubt that the notions of dealing with the issue, for some, will be to simply try to do so as, Myself, My trip, My business, My river, My wilderness, My State, My association, My choice. And in the short go, we should all probably rely on such. It’s what we’ve done in our own company. In fact, such small-time experiments and subsequent successes and failures, in policies, guidelines, rules, legislation and such, will most likely become part of the template(s) for the big picture fix(es). However, the vast majority of these will be just mitigating symptoms as they occur, and most likely won’t deal with the root causes. Avoiding such will most likely just leave us eternally dealing with the newest latest symptom(s).

 

What I/we/NIWC needs:

I need commitment at all levels. Anything from simply remaining on an email group, clear through to being deeply involved.

 

We need lines of communication to get the word out. Your willingness to approach your masses with NIWC’s version of an IPO (initial public offering). Your guests, your conservation groups, those you feel would be interested or able to help.

 

I’m organized and efficient, but, as stated earlier, I am weak technologically (ya think?). I do however understand what’s possible if in fact not able to personally perform such. Social media, webinars, zoom meetings, podcasts and the like, all come to mind as necessary to the future of NIWC and must and will be activated.

 

We need “King Pin” outreach/contact. The agencies must be involved. I typically don’t do lunch with the Chief of the USFS nor that of the BLM. Same goes with congressional folks. Elon is not on my speed dial, but he is on somebody’s. I’ve learned over the years that there are at least three of each agency. The one we see, the one we don’t, and then the personal views of all of the staff, that they are possibly not allowed to share. There seems to always be something going on behind the scenes. Reaching out to the entities of all associated agencies at all levels, will be quintessential.

 

Technology leaders need to be at the table. They have caused most of this mess, they may very well be able to, and maybe even have a desire to help fix it. Insurance underwriter decision makers should also be on the list, not just the sales reps and or middlemen.

 

Timeline

The title “coalition,” by definition, infers both cooperative and temporary. This will not be a sprint, nor do I believe it to be a marathon. I believe it to be more like a great expedition in need of lots of well-thought-out preparation, time, effort, money, resilience, improvisation and endurance. Ideally with a defined end. There are already plenty of wilderness watchdog organizations out there. The list of these organizations is long, and we will want to partner with such groups on this journey.  I’ve never experienced an issue that will create such odd bedfellows as this one does and will. 

 

Funding

At first glance, it’s obvious that NIWC is ripe for all the things consistent with this type of coalition, and we should certainly utilize them. Donations, memberships, propagandized merchandise, entrance fees, grants, partnerships, events, and more. Saving money is making money. With an issue like this one, passionate people will abound. And, passionate people come with all sorts of different knowledge, experience, expertise and bank accounts. We should plan on capitalizing on all of the above. In the short go, and with enough initial interest, I am financing NIWC’s startup. I would request from you any contacts with anyone/group who would be able and willing to help NIWC in any way.

 

Proceeds from “The Organic Treadmill” will go towards NIWC. Your purchase of the book plus any effort you can make to promote its sale would be appreciated. Our latest newsletter for Idaho Wilderness Company will explain NIWC, promote such sales and also invite comments and donations from our mailing list. As such, I would ask that you consider the same. The powers and qualities of the wilderness experience many of us have stewardship over are very valuable to the vast majority of its users, and they can be very generous and motivated when they see such are at risk.

 

Leadership

Until a reliable replacement arrives, I’m your guy. Thus far I’ve heard a lot of foot stomping, disgruntledness, reluctance, and denial. I believe that after the summer of 2025, the real wave of believers will arrive. Until then, and the fact that I’ve only spoken with a very few who seem to have put serious thought into solutions, I am choosing to begin the process. I know the problems and the questions to ask. But, most importantly, I don’t claim to know the exact solution(s). I believe that open-mindedness will yield the best results. At this point, the only opinions I would have trouble giving credence to would be one that claims to have all the answers and one of flat-out denial.

 

I feel really good about my life’s experiences and how they fit the goals of NIWC. Whether by myself or another, this cause should be led by an experienced open-minded outfitter. Guides, private users, conservation groups, hired guns, the USFS, other appropriate government agencies and such, should all have a voice, but an outfitter is/was/has intimate knowledge of all of the above, more so than anyone else, and it is outfitters and guides who will actually deal with more real wilderness users intimately than any other party involved.

 

Those that operate in the Frank, by default, are blessed with not only the unique lifestyles it has afforded us, but we also have a deep knowledge and experience with the multitude of different users of wilderness and the equally large number of different ways people enjoy it. The Frank may be the best place to initiate changes ranging from playing out simple to complex imaginary scenarios, to actual “test drives” afield. Idaho outfitters also have the benefit of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association (IOGA) experience. It provides us with a history of successes with diverse groups, templates to successfully achieve such, and a confidence that such big lifts are attainable.

 

I envision a small initial core group dedicated to a prompt plan of action on the communication front. We should plan to utilize all the instruments of outreach easily available to us. Just as important, probably more so, we need a very reliable process(s) to manage feedback. The latter being the biggest lift. It’s all fun and games spreading the word in all of its glamorous fashions. Organizing the feedback in a responsible way will be a bit of a challenge.

 

At some point, I envision public gatherings with face-to-face debate and resolution. Such gatherings require time, effort, money, and pre-arrangements to be successful. The bigger the gathering, the more of the above. In 1992 Boise held the “Wilderness Symposium” (not sure of the exact title?). I believe Boise is still the place, and the time is near for the “Not In Wilderness, Symposium.” Such an event will require a forward-thinking approach and is most likely well over a year away. Within the next year we should certainly know whether there is enough outcry to forge ahead, and if so, at least an idea of the most likely resolution(s) to pursue at such a large gathering.

 

In all of my years dealing with wilderness issues and with all of the players typically involved, I have never seen such unity among the entire group. The difference(s) will certainly lie in the individual solution opinions. I have yet to have a conversation on the topic without receiving a response to the effect of, “Yeah… but…”. The “But” being each person’s personal/professional attachment to technology and their Wilderness Experience. It’s the “Buts” that will present the biggest challenge. The best we can do is begin the process of open discussion. If we don’t, others with their own agendas, and or lack of a desire for cooperation, may.

 

Here is a brief list of issues we are and will face as we move forward: 

 

All the past issues we’ve dealt with around the smartphone. Music, all of the apps that aid in everything from bird calls, the stars, flower I.D. weather, navigation, recipes and on and on. In-camp sharing of everything on every phone, ???

 

All new smartphones in the very near future will be high quality sat phones and personal computers with Wi-Fi in the very near future. All of your provided information, guest orientations, daily decisions, emergency responses, recipes, rapid routes, can and will now be second-guessed by anyone around you.

 

Social media influencers, the locations of your secret hunting spots, fishing spots, special spots, artifacts, all instantly public knowledge, “Live from the Middle Fork!” streaming, “It’s the weekly ‘Loon Creek Hot Springs’ Podcast!”… now all stream-able live from our wilderness locations.

 

Industry Standard (the big one!) with it comes an ongoing necessity to provide all the new things all of the time. Examples would be: AEDs (automated external defibrillator), guides with constant communication abilities, constant information capabilities, weather, updates, incoming calls, and the potential liability for not having such.

 

Government insurance mandates and our limited choices of underwriters, all of which are closely monitoring the ever more restrictive “Industry Standard.”

 

There has been ugliness in recent years. We have seen it regularly now in the wilderness setting. What used to be limited to slight disagreements or maybe a punch in the nose, has turned into instant hate and rage for many. I don’t understand it but have certainly witnessed it. It tends to take on an air of entitlement and doesn’t allow for “any opinion or experience but mine!”. The instant reactions of such tend to be vulgar, vile, hatred, sometimes violence, and if given the opportunity—they take it public (now instantly). You can just imagine conflicts between groups over use, or non-use of technology, especially at communal gathering sites such as hot springs, cultural sites, airstrips, rapid scouts and more.

 

Visible satellites, Starlink, endless jet trails, military flyovers, sonic booms, what’s next?

 

And, “Distraction.” The worst affect of all of this. Whether by our own accord, or that of the phone ringing next to us on the raft, around the campfire, or whatever nirvanic moment it might be, now gone.

 

What I ask of you:

If your current position as it relates to the Frank leaves you personally, financially, legally, professionally, spiritually or otherwise obligated as a steward of said wilderness, then by default you should be obligated to, at the bare minimum, stay present with important discussions related to it. Please use the sign-up form to join our list and stay informed. We promise not to fill your inbox with fluff and or fundraising emails. Simply pertinent announcements for you to participate or not. 

 

Eventually the website will need to be a fully functional site, primarily forum oriented, with the ability to post ideas, views, concerns and general information. And then, the ability to comment on such, all in a very user-friendly manner. I need help with its creation. Let me know if you have abilities and/or contacts to facilitate.

Whether you’re in a government office, corporate office, a family-run operation, or just a concerned user, please spread the word throughout your personal and/or business community. If you are an outfitter, please consider informing your guests.

 

We will be distributing an in-depth, hopefully non-biased survey on the topic soon. Please take the time to respond to it. If you wish to aid in its creation, let me know. I do plan on recruiting the assistance of one of the in-state universities.

 

Webinars, podcasts, social media accounts and more will all likely be utilized throughout the process. Please let me know if you have skills, contacts or infrastructure to aid and/or allow for such.

 

NIWC is an Idaho non-profit corporate/organization, working on 501(c)(3) status. We will need leadership, board members and such. Please make us aware of your desires.

 

I would begin and end with this; my company, Idaho Wilderness Company, operates a Middle Fork of the Salmon River float business. We also have a horseback fishing camp on Big Creek, as well as two horseback big game hunting operations on Big Creek (all deep within the Frank). At times they are all in progress at the same time. We could operate IWC without satellite communication, (less the endless legal and liability requirements of the day) and would gladly give up the convenience aspects of such for the sake of preserving the wilderness experience.

 

Keeping it Wild!

~ Steve Zettel