Protecting the Endangered Blank Spots on Maps: The Wilderness Names Policy of the United States Board on Geographic Names

Abstract

The policy of the United States Board on Geographic Names of discouraging new name proposals for formally designated wilderness areas embodies a radical concept: creating name-restricted zones to protect a specific, culturally defined characteristic of an area. This article traces the evolution and rationale of this policy and, using case studies, examines some of the implications and practicalities of its implementation.