Wildland Law and Legal Definition
Wildland is a natural environment that has not been significantly modified by human activity. It is an area in which development is essentially non-existent, except for roads, railroads, powerlines, and similar transportation facilities. Structures, if found, are widely scattered. Wildlands are crucial for the survival of certain species, biodiversity, ecological studies, conservation, solitude, and recreation . It is also termed wilderness.
Wilderness areas can be found in preserves, estates, farms, conservation preserves, ranches, National Forests, National Parks and even in urban areas along rivers, gulches or otherwise undeveloped areas.
The following is an example of a state law (Maryland)defining the term:
According to Md. NATURAL RESOURCES Code Ann. § 5-1201, "Wildlands" means limited areas of land or water which have retained their wilderness character, although not necessarily completely natural and undisturbed, or have rare or vanishing species of plant or animal life or similar features of interest worthy of preservation for use of present and future residents of the State. This may include unique ecological, geological, scenic, and contemplative recreational areas on State lands.
