The fundamental question of who can access and utilize vast tracts of undeveloped land remains a point of contention and legal complexity across the globe, particularly when contrasted with the established traditions of public access in European nations. In countries like the United Kingdom, Norway, and Sweden, the concept of "right to roam" allows individuals to traverse private land for recreational purposes, provided they do so responsibly and without causing damage or undue disturbance. This contrasts sharply with the United States, where private property rights are more stringently defined, often restricting public access to natural landscapes. This disparity in legal frameworks has significant implications for how citizens interact with their environment and has been the subject of extensive debate, notably explored in Ken Ilgunas’s seminal work, This Land Is Our Land. Ilgunas posits that a more flexible approach to property ownership and access in the U.S. could foster greater societal cohesion and a deeper connection to the natural world, potentially mitigating some of the divisions that plague the nation. His research highlights historical precedents and contemporary challenges in land access, arguing for a reevaluation of entrenched legal and cultural attitudes.
The legal ramifications of non-human actions, particularly in the realm of intellectual property, have been thrust into the spotlight by the now-famous "monkey selfie" case. Photographer David Slater found his career and personal life significantly disrupted by a legal battle over copyright ownership of images taken by Celebes crested macaques in Indonesia. The controversy ignited when the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization that hosts freely usable media content, refused to remove Slater’s photographs from its platform, citing that copyright cannot be held by an animal. Slater, after a protracted legal fight with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which championed the monkey’s supposed copyright claim, found himself financially depleted and unable to challenge the internet giant. For those seeking Slater’s perspective on the ordeal and his ongoing efforts to support the conservation of Sulawesi’s macaque population, his website, djsphotography.co.uk, offers a direct line to his account and charitable initiatives.
Evolving Legal Landscape: Rights of Nature
The "monkey selfie" incident is indicative of a broader, rapidly evolving legal and philosophical movement centered on the "rights of nature." This burgeoning field challenges anthropocentric legal systems by advocating for the recognition of legal rights for natural entities, such as rivers, forests, and ecosystems. David Boyd’s influential book, The Rights of Nature: A Legal Revolution That Could Save the World, provides a comprehensive overview of the philosophical underpinnings and practical applications of this movement. Boyd explores how granting legal personhood to natural systems could fundamentally alter environmental law and conservation strategies, empowering communities and legal advocates to protect ecosystems from degradation. For up-to-the-minute developments and to engage with organizations at the forefront of this movement, the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) at therightsofnature.org and the Nonhuman Rights Project at nonhumanrights.org are key resources. These organizations are actively working to advance legal frameworks that acknowledge and protect the inherent rights of the natural world.
Adventures and Expeditions: Tales from the Field
The production of this issue has been accompanied by an unforgettable earworm: the "Campfire Song Song" from SpongeBob SquarePants. While its infectious nature is undeniable, readers are advised to exercise caution when encountering it online, lest they find themselves humming its tune for an extended period.
Contributing editor Craig Childs’s exploration of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, featured in AJ10, offers a vivid portrayal of this unique ecological region. Childs, known for his immersive narratives of wild places, captures the essence of the Pine Barrens’ rugged beauty and ecological significance. His work can be further explored on his website, houseofrain.com, and his Instagram feed, @journalizard.
Paul Guschlbauer’s ambitious flight south, chronicled on fly-overland.com and paulguschlbauer.at, encountered its share of terrestrial challenges. While his aerial journey was largely successful, navigating the ground proved more arduous. Guschlbauer recounted an incident in the Atacama Desert where an expensive 4×4 vehicle, rented for increased safety, broke down at an altitude of 5,200 meters. The breakdown necessitated a police rescue, and the entire party suffered from altitude sickness. The vehicle’s mechanic was unable to revive the engine, leaving it stranded at extreme altitude. This experience, detailed on his blog, inspires a profound appreciation for aerial exploration and may prompt many to consider obtaining their pilot’s licenses. Guschlbauer’s adventures are also documented on his Instagram, @paulguschlbauer.
During the production cycle, writer and photographer Christophe Noel was intermittently unavailable due to his commitment to Clean Drink Adventures. This initiative aims to provide potable water to rural Nepalese communities, where an estimated 23 million people lack access to safe drinking water. For five weeks, Noel personally delivered water via motorcycle, demonstrating a profound dedication to addressing this critical humanitarian issue. His work with Clean Drink Adventures can be supported through cleandrinkingadventures.org. Further insights into his photography and projects are available on christophenoel.net and his Instagram, @christophe_l_noel.
Coastal Communities and Conservation Efforts
The Texas stilt-house cabin project, an ongoing program focused on coastal resilience and housing, presents a significant challenge in terms of accessibility and documentation. Information regarding the program is sparse online, and inquiries to the General Land Office, which oversees the initiative, have not yielded detailed responses. For those seeking further information, an email can be directed to [email protected] .
Complementing this, the work of writer Michael Medrano and photographer Tim Romano offers a visually rich exploration of stilt houses. Their substantial coffee table book, a testament to the enduring charm and cultural significance of these structures, serves as a poignant reminder of the Gulf Coast’s unique heritage. While the book may not physically carry the scent of brine and fried shrimp, it evokes a strong sense of place and nostalgia. More information about their project and the book can be found at stilthouses.com. Romano’s photographic contributions are showcased on timromano.com and his Instagram, @timromanophoto.
Voices in Adventure Journalism and Art
Jeff Moag, a consistent contributor to Adventure Journal, brings a wealth of experience to his writing. As the former editor of Canoe & Kayak magazine, Moag has explored a diverse range of outdoor pursuits and geographical frontiers. His recent article in AJ11 delved into the challenges and allure of K2, the world’s last unclimbed 8,000-meter peak. His work and ongoing projects can be followed on Instagram at @jeffmoag.
Tessa Hulls, a multidisciplinary artist, demonstrates a remarkable breadth of creative output. Her projects range from a nonfiction graphic novel detailing her grandmother’s life to an exhibition exploring her Chinese heritage at the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History. Hulls’s diverse artistic endeavors underscore a commitment to storytelling across various mediums. Her online presence is maintained at tessahulls.com and her Instagram, @tessahulls.
Kolby Kirk has established himself as a respected figure within hiking communities, particularly for his extensive journeys along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). His video, "Condor’s PCT Adventure in 3 Minutes," available on the Adventure Journal’s online resources page, provides a compelling glimpse into his experiences. Further insights into his adventures and photography can be found at thehikeguy.com and on his Instagram, @thehikeguy.
Land Access and Conservation Advocacy
The issue of restricted public access to public lands in the United States is a critical concern, with an estimated 10 million acres being inaccessible due to private landholdings. This situation significantly limits the recreational and ecological benefits that these lands could provide to all citizens. The permanent funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund by Congress is a step towards rectifying this, primarily by facilitating land acquisition to improve access. However, advocates emphasize that this is only the initial phase of a broader effort. Organizations such as the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) at trcp.org and the Center for Western Priorities at westernpriorities.org are actively engaged in advocating for policy changes and public engagement to expand land access. Environmental journalist Gloria Dickie, whose first piece for AJ appears in this issue, provides critical reporting on these issues. Her work can be followed at gloriadickie.com and on Instagram, @gloriadickie.
Literary and Artistic Explorations
Author David Stevenson, an accomplished alpinist and ski mountaineer, also directs the Creative Writing and Literary Arts program at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. His literary contributions often draw upon his experiences in challenging mountain environments. His blog, ddstevenson.blogspot.com, offers a platform for his writings and reflections.
Artist Tom Baumgartner resides in the Sonoran Desert in Tucson, Arizona, a landscape that profoundly influences his artistic output. His work, often inspired by the unique flora and geological formations of the desert, can be viewed at patternology.com.
The legacy of photographer Anne Brigman is celebrated through various avenues, even after the conclusion of her retrospective at the Nevada Museum of Art in January 2019. A comprehensive 400-page book detailing her life and work is available from Rizzoli. Brigman’s influential photographs are held in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions, including the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian, attesting to her significant contribution to photographic art.
Megan McDuffie and Michael van Vliet, known to their followers as "Fresh Off the Grid" and to the Adventure Journal team as "Our Favorite Chefs," have returned to their nomadic vanlife existence. After a period of residence in Bend, Oregon, the couple has resumed their travels, documenting their culinary adventures and sustainable living practices. Their journey and recipes are shared on freshoffthegrid.com and their Instagram, @freshoffthegrid.
Global Perspectives: Cuba’s Surf Scene
Surfing in Cuba, despite considerable logistical hurdles, is pursued by a dedicated and passionate community. The inherent difficulties associated with the sport on the island have cultivated a particularly committed group of surfers. The upcoming documentary Havana Libre, currently in post-production, aims to capture the spirit and challenges of this unique surf scene. Updates and information about the film can be found at makewild.co/cuba. This website also offers The Cuba Unknown, a 180-page photo and guide book that delves into the island’s surf culture, featuring some of the photography presented in this issue.
