Opportunities for solitude is one of four defining wilderness characteristics identified in the 1964 Wilderness Act. Federal managers, including those in the Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee National Forests, have established a solitude monitoring protocol in the Teton, Gros Ventre, Bridger, and Jedediah Smith Wilderness areas. This protocol gathers travel encounter data essential for creating a baseline to assess visitor trends and guide management actions like visitor education to preserve wilderness qualities. The Solitude Monitoring program, a partnership between the Wyoming Wilderness Association, federal agencies, and community members, trains local volunteers on this citizen science project. These volunteers collect data adhering to the Forest Service’s National Minimum Protocol for Monitoring Opportunities for Solitude. This effort not only ensures consistent, high-quality data but also cultivates a stewardship ethos among community members. To learn how you can contribute to this vital initiative, please see the resources below.