Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: moving into the woods -- Redefining residential development in the rural West -- Water in the wilderburbs -- Fire on the forest edge -- Wildlife out the back door -- Conclusion. "Introduces readers to developers, homeowners, and government regulators, all of whom have faced unexpected environmental problems in designing and building wilderburb communities, including unpredictable water supplies, threats from wildfires, and encounters with wildlife. By looking at wilderburbs in the West, especially those in Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, Bramwell uncovers the profound environmental consequences of Americans' desire to live in the wilderness."--Publishers website.