Public Resources Code section 5019.68

State wildernesses, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, are hereby recognized as areas where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man and where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. A state wilderness is further defined to mean an area of relatively undeveloped state-owned or leased land which has retained its primeval character and influence or has been substantially restored to a near-natural appearance, without permanent improvements or human habitation, other than semi-improved campgrounds, or structures which existed at the time of classification of the area as a state wilderness and which the State Park and Recreation Commission has determined may be maintained and used in a manner compatible with the preservation of the wilderness environment, or primitive latrines, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions, and which:

(a)

Appears generally to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable.

(b)

Has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation.

(c)

Consists of at least 5,000 acres of land, either by itself or in combination with contiguous areas possessing wilderness characteristics, or is of sufficient size as to make practicable its preservation and use in an unimpaired condition.

(d)

May also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.
State wildernesses may be established within the boundaries of other state park system units.

Source: Section 5019.68, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=PRC§ionNum=5019.­68.­ (accessed Apr. 24, 2025).

Last Updated

Apr. 24, 2025

§ 5019.68’s source at ca​.gov