Oral history of changes in wilderness conditions, use, and management in the Sequoia Kings Canyon National Parks: 2010 interviews

This data publication describes the condition, use, and management of the two wilderness areas within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (SEKI). The project examined local/experiential knowledge collected through oral history interviews in 2010 to track how the character and quality of the Parks’ wilderness, as well as visitors’ uses and experiences have changed over time. Included are recordings of the actual interviews, the field notes taken during the interview, as well as a transcript of the audio interviews.This project was completed for several reasons: 1) To archive the experiential knowledge of National Park Service (NPS) staff, commercial operators, and private users who have developed long-term relationships with SEKI’s wilderness. 2) To provide the historical context for information being used in the Wilderness Stewardship Plan. 3) To provide key stakeholders with an opportunity to contribute their perspectives and knowledge to the wilderness planning process. 4) To document previous management actions and to provide first-hand assessments of their effectiveness. 5) To provide insight into potential causes of changes in the condition of SEKI’s wilderness. The National Park Service funded this study in order to record the rich history of wilderness use and management in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. It was also meant, in conjunction with several other research projects, to inform the development of the Parks’ Wilderness Stewardship Plan. It was completed in collaboration with the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute and the Rocky Mountain Research Station.