Gov. Mark Sanford goes crazy, disappears

[Barrister]

To me, wilderness doesn't have to be "untouched", but protected, in that motor vehicles are prohibited, there are significant trees, wildlife, etc.

Disagree.

Most of Yukon (indeed, most of northern Canada) is unprotected.  That being said it is completely untouched and trees and wildlife run free.

[Syt]

Why don't more politicians just take a hike?

[Neil]

In fact, being 'protected' means it isn't a wilderness anymore.

[grumbler]

Kukulwash Glacier, Kluane National Park.

Not "wilderness" except in its loosest definition.

Wilderness imples the unchecked growth of vegetation (that's the "wild" part).

[grumbler]

In fact, being 'protected' means it isn't a wilderness anymore.

Not a natural wilderness, for sure, but it can still be a wilderness.

If it is managed, then it isn't a wilderness.  I think we would agree that parks cannot be really called a wilderness.

[alfred russel]

I think we would agree that parks cannot be really called a wilderness.

Central Park can get pretty wild after dark.

[Barrister]

In fact, being 'protected' means it isn't a wilderness anymore.

Not a natural wilderness, for sure, but it can still be a wilderness.

If it is managed, then it isn't a wilderness.  I think we would agree that parks cannot be really called a wilderness.

Depends on the park.

We have several National Parks that are thereby protected against any development but are otherwise uncontrolled - and indeed are indistinguishable from the surrounding unprotected areas.

[jimmy olsen]

To me, wilderness doesn't have to be "untouched", but protected, in that motor vehicles are prohibited, there are significant trees, wildlife, etc.

Disagree.

Most of Yukon (indeed, most of northern Canada) is unprotected.  That being said it is completely untouched and trees and wildlife run free.

The trees in the Yukon run free!

[Barrister]

To me, wilderness doesn't have to be "untouched", but protected, in that motor vehicles are prohibited, there are significant trees, wildlife, etc.

Disagree.

Most of Yukon (indeed, most of northern Canada) is unprotected.  That being said it is completely untouched and trees and wildlife run free.

The trees in the Yukon run free!

The annual migrations of the ents is a wonder to behold.

[Valmy]

The trees in the Yukon run free!

These running trees shall destroy us all!

[Malthus]

I always thought of true "wilderness" being more or less like what we call Crown Land - that is, land not actually owned or managed by anyone, other than a handful of fire rangers and the like.

[grumbler]

The trees in the Yukon run free!

These running trees shall destroy us all!

Run, Forest, RUN!

[Barrister]

The trees in the Yukon run free!

These running trees shall destroy us all!

Run, Forest, RUN!

[KRonn]

Canadians even have free range forests!?    

Trees running wild and free!!

[Neil]

Kukulwash Glacier, Kluane National Park.

Not "wilderness" except in its loosest definition.

Wilderness imples the unchecked growth of vegetation (that's the "wild" part).

wil·der·ness (wldr-ns)
n.
1. An unsettled, uncultivated region left in its natural condition, especially:

• a. A large wild tract of land covered with dense vegetation or forests.
• b. An extensive area, such as a desert or ocean, that is barren or empty; a waste.
• c. A piece of land set aside to grow wild.

2. Something characterized by bewildering vastness, perilousness, or unchecked profusion: the wilderness of the city; the wilderness of counterespionage; a wilderness of voices.

I think we can agree that it's certainly unsettled and uncultivated, although its natural condition may be up for debate.  What he said was technically correct.  Moreover, as the high mountain top shown on the picture is surrounded by a lower, densely vegetated area, I think it would still fit into your more narrow definition.