Wilderness and the Common Good

How can we save America's wilderness areas? Wilderness and the Common Good argues that the answer to this question lies in the actions of America's citizens. Beginning with The Wilderness Act of 1964, Dr. Jo Arney examines the state of American environmental policies and how they intersect with individual citizen action. Drawing on the work of environmental and political scientists, advocates, and philosophers, Dr. Arney argues that modern civic responsibility entails both an understanding of the importance of wilderness and citizen activism to ensure its existence. True and lasting protection for wilderness will be borne out of a shared understanding of how protected wilderness areas enriches all of our lives. Weaving in her own personal narratives, Dr. Arney shows that wild areas are not only important for the biodiversity that they safeguard but are also essential for the common good of our society.

Jo Arney is an associate professor in the department of Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. Her main area of teaching and research interest is in environmental politics and policy. Arney is also one of the lead scholars in the creation of a nationwide blended course about the stewardship of public lands being developed by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

Arney lives on an old farmstead in Coon Valley, Wisconsin, with her husband, Jeremy, canine companions, Marley and Huck, and feline companions, Lincoln and Carter. Her hobbies include gardening, camping, hiking, and sitting around a campfire whenever possible.