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Wilderness Update December 2015
December 2015 materials for public review
In December 2015 we shared several documents regarding our wilderness evaluation process with the public. One document was the draft wilderness evaluation report which summarizes the wilderness characteristics of each polygon listed in our final wilderness inventory. We also shared maps for each forest that displayed designated wilderness areas and areas under consideration for inclusion as potential recommended wilderness. We shared a set of two tables for each forest; one table provides an overview of the designated wilderness, recommended wilderness, and potential recommended wilderness by alternative in the draft environmental impact statement we were completing at the time. The other table provides a summary of the wilderness polygons under consideration across alternatives.
The public was invited to provide feedback on the areas being considered for analysis, as well as suitable uses and management of recommended wilderness. The materials and content below reflect what we shared with the public in December 2015.
So what are suitable uses in recommended wilderness areas?
When developing plan components for recommended wilderness areas, the Forest Service can implement a range of management options based on 16 USC 1122(d) and FSM 1923.03(3) in Chapter 70 of the Forest Service Handbook. All plan components applicable to a recommended area must protect and maintain the social and ecological characteristics that provide the basis for wilderness recommendation. In addition, the plan may include one or more plan components for a recommended wilderness area that:
- Enhance the ecological and social characteristics that provide the basis for wilderness designations
- Continue existing uses, only if such uses do not prevent the protection and maintenance of the social and ecological characteristics that provide the basis for wilderness designation
- Alter existing uses, subject to valid existing rights
- Eliminate existing uses, except those uses subject to valid existing rights
Overview documents
Inyo National Forest
- Designated, recommended and potential recommended wilderness by alternative (map)
- Designated, recommended and potential recommended wilderness by alternative (table)
- Summary of wilderness polygons under consideration by alternative (table)
Sequoia National Forest
- Designated, recommended and potential recommended wilderness by alternative (map)
- Designated, recommended and potential recommended wilderness by alternative (table)
- Summary of wilderness polygons under consideration by alternative (table)
Sierra National Forest
- Designated, recommended and potential recommended wilderness by alternative (map)
- Designated, recommended and potential recommended wilderness by alternative (table)
- Summary of wilderness polygons under consideration by alternative (table)
