On this edition of InFocus, we hear from nature and forestry experts on a push to have Congress designate three areas in the Shawnee National Forest as "Wilderness Areas".
Sites with this official designation receive the highest level of protection.
This classification, however, can make it difficult for managers and foresters to go in and efficiently manage the area to maintain a healthy balance. The experts featured here say that, with proper and safe management, a Wilderness area can be both a pristine area desirable for Eco-Tourism, while, at the same time, can also be a healthy forest for years to come.
Many thanks to: Chris Benda, Botanist who works at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.
Tyler Barron, member of the Policy Team at the Environmental Law and Policy Center
Dr. Charles Ruffner, Professor of Forestry at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Tharran Hobson, Southern Illinois Program Director for the Nature Conservancy in Illinois
