Undeveloped Quality - Revision history

Admin at 20:18, 5 March 2023

2023-03-05T20:18:11Z

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			<div class="center">[[USFS Wilderness Character Monitoring Technical Guide]]</div>
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	The objective of monitoring the Undeveloped Quality is to assess whether a wilderness is becoming more developed over time, such as by exhibiting increasing evidence of physical infrastructure, or if there is more prevalent use of mechanization, such as helicopters and chainsaws.		The objective of monitoring the Undeveloped Quality is to assess whether a wilderness is becoming more developed over time, such as by exhibiting increasing evidence of physical infrastructure, or if there is more prevalent use of mechanization, such as helicopters and chainsaws.

Admin at 17:24, 3 March 2023

2023-03-03T17:24:34Z

Admin: /* 4.4.3 Measure: Index of Special Provision Authorizations to Use Motor Vehicles, Motorized Equipment, or Mechanical Transport */

2023-03-02T19:54:43Z

4.4.3 Measure: Index of Special Provision Authorizations to Use Motor Vehicles, Motorized Equipment, or Mechanical Transport

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	=== 4.4.3 Measure: Index of Special Provision Authorizations to Use Motor Vehicles, Motorized Equipment, or Mechanical Transport ===		=== 4.4.3 Measure: Index of Special Provision Authorizations to Use Motor Vehicles, Motorized Equipment, or Mechanical Transport ===

	This measure assesses the 3-year rolling average of a use-level index evaluating special provision authorizations to use motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport, based on the type and number of pieces of equipment and the days of use. For the purposes of this protocol, a special provision authorization is an authorization to use motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport as specified by statute.		This measure assesses the 3-year rolling average of a use-level index evaluating '''special provision authorizations''' to use motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport, based on the type and number of pieces of equipment and the days of use. For the purposes of this protocol, a special provision authorization is an authorization to use motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport as specified by statute.

	This measure excludes those allowances for the public to use motorized equipment from specific statutes, such as motor boat use on certain lakes in the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. These data are not tracked routinely and are typically outside of the agency capacity to do so. Instead, the focus is on those mechanized uses undertaken by agency employees, or those other entities authorized to do so through existing permits or agreements with the Forest Service.		This measure excludes those allowances for the public to use motorized equipment from specific statutes, such as motor boat use on certain lakes in the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. These data are not tracked routinely and are typically outside of the agency capacity to do so. Instead, the focus is on those mechanized uses undertaken by agency employees, or those other entities authorized to do so through existing permits or agreements with the Forest Service.

Admin: /* 4.4.2 Measure: Percent of Emergency Incidents Using Motor Vehicles, Motorized Equipment, or Mechanical Transport */

2023-03-02T19:54:17Z

4.4.2 Measure: Percent of Emergency Incidents Using Motor Vehicles, Motorized Equipment, or Mechanical Transport

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	=== 4.4.2 Measure: Percent of Emergency Incidents Using Motor Vehicles, Motorized Equipment, or Mechanical Transport ===		=== 4.4.2 Measure: Percent of Emergency Incidents Using Motor Vehicles, Motorized Equipment, or Mechanical Transport ===

	This measure assesses the 3-year rolling average of the percentage of emergency incidents resulting in a motorized or mechanized response. For the purposes of this protocol, an emergency incident is an event relating to public health and safety that may require a response from emergency personnel, and of which an emergency responder is aware. Emergency incidents fall into the following categories: aircraft accident investigation, fire, law enforcement, other natural disaster, removal of deceased persons, and search and rescue. Many emergency incidents never receive a response because the parties involved self-rescued before emergency personnel were notified or mobilized. For example, injured persons can self-rescue or lost parties can be found without assistance from emergency personnel. The types of incidents that do not receive a management response are not included in this measure.		This measure assesses the 3-year rolling average of the percentage of '''emergency incidents''' resulting in a motorized or mechanized response. For the purposes of this protocol, an emergency incident is an event relating to public health and safety that may require a response from emergency personnel, and of which an emergency responder is aware. Emergency incidents fall into the following categories: aircraft accident investigation, fire, law enforcement, other natural disaster, removal of deceased persons, and search and rescue. Many emergency incidents never receive a response because the parties involved self-rescued before emergency personnel were notified or mobilized. For example, injured persons can self-rescue or lost parties can be found without assistance from emergency personnel. The types of incidents that do not receive a management response are not included in this measure.

	Emergency responses may require the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport or may be accomplished through non-motorized or non-mechanized means. Uses of motorized equipment and mechanical transport for emergency incidents typically involve less discretion than administrative authorizations simply due to the shortened response timeframes and the need to protect public safety and welfare.		Emergency responses may require the use of motorized equipment or mechanical transport or may be accomplished through non-motorized or non-mechanized means. Uses of motorized equipment and mechanical transport for emergency incidents typically involve less discretion than administrative authorizations simply due to the shortened response timeframes and the need to protect public safety and welfare.

Admin: /* 4.3.1 Measure: Acres of Inholdings */

2023-03-02T19:53:33Z

4.3.1 Measure: Acres of Inholdings

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	This measure assesses the acres of inholdings in a wilderness, even if the existence of inholdings is imperceptible to an observer. This measure was selected as the most direct way to track changes to the indicator over time. Although very unlikely to increase, the number of inholding acres may decrease as inholding parcels are acquired through purchase, donation, or exchange. This measure calculates the total acreage of all parcels inside wilderness that are not NFS lands, including both private and state inholdings and patented mining claims.		This measure assesses the acres of inholdings in a wilderness, even if the existence of inholdings is imperceptible to an observer. This measure was selected as the most direct way to track changes to the indicator over time. Although very unlikely to increase, the number of inholding acres may decrease as inholding parcels are acquired through purchase, donation, or exchange. This measure calculates the total acreage of all parcels inside wilderness that are not NFS lands, including both private and state inholdings and patented mining claims.

	Wilderness inholdings are defined as non-federal land within the boundary of a wilderness. As such, they do not include partially enclosed lands, such as ~~cherrystemmed~~ roads. Inholdings encompass a variety of lands, including private lands, state lands, and patented mining claims. Unpatented mining claims are not inholdings because the Federal Government retains the surface ownership.		Wilderness inholdings are defined as non-federal land within the boundary of a wilderness. As such, they do not include partially enclosed lands, such as '''cherry-stemmed roads'''. Inholdings encompass a variety of lands, including private lands, state lands, and patented mining claims. Unpatented mining claims are not inholdings because the Federal Government retains the surface ownership.

	This measure was selected because inholdings are not given the same legal protections and restrictions as the wilderness lands around them, and they can be developed for various purposes at the discretion of the landowner. These lands can be roaded and logged; developed with recreational lodges, facilities, or private residences; and in some instances mined; all of which directly impact the Undeveloped Quality of wilderness character.		This measure was selected because inholdings are not given the same legal protections and restrictions as the wilderness lands around them, and they can be developed for various purposes at the discretion of the landowner. These lands can be roaded and logged; developed with recreational lodges, facilities, or private residences; and in some instances mined; all of which directly impact the Undeveloped Quality of wilderness character.

Admin: /* 4.2 Indicator: Presence of Non-Recreational Structures, Installations, and Developments */

2023-03-02T19:53:00Z

4.2 Indicator: Presence of Non-Recreational Structures, Installations, and Developments

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	== 4.2 Indicator: Presence of Non-Recreational Structures, Installations, and Developments ==		== 4.2 Indicator: Presence of Non-Recreational Structures, Installations, and Developments ==

	This indicator focuses on the physical evidence of modern human occupation and modification in wilderness, such as roads, buildings, and dams. This indicator excludes developments related to recreational use (e.g., trails) because they are counted under the Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality.		This indicator focuses on the physical evidence of modern human occupation and modification in wilderness, such as '''roads''', buildings, and dams. This indicator excludes developments related to recreational use (e.g., trails) because they are counted under the Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality.

	=== 4.2.1 Measure: Index of Authorized Non-Recreational Physical Development ===		=== 4.2.1 Measure: Index of Authorized Non-Recreational Physical Development ===
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	This measure is an index that assesses selected elements for each type, or component, of non-recreational physical development. These elements are typically selected because they affect the area’s undeveloped character and may change based on decisions made by the Forest Service, permittees, or cooperators.		This measure is an index that assesses selected elements for each type, or component, of non-recreational physical development. These elements are typically selected because they affect the area’s undeveloped character and may change based on decisions made by the Forest Service, permittees, or cooperators.

	For many people, wilderness is defined by its lack of developments, especially the absence of roads and buildings. Wilderness is intended to be in contrast “with those areas where man and his works dominate the landscape.” (Wilderness Act, Section 2[c]). Despite this requirement, few wildernesses have entirely escaped the physical evidence of modern human occupation and modification. Types of developments in wilderness include: buildings, dams and other instream structures, roads, fixed instrumentation sites, utility infrastructure, mines, and grazing infrastructure.		For many people, wilderness is defined by its lack of developments, especially the absence of roads and buildings. Wilderness is intended to be in contrast “with those areas where man and his works dominate the landscape.” (Wilderness Act, Section 2[c]). Despite this requirement, few wildernesses have entirely escaped the physical evidence of modern human occupation and modification. Types of developments in wilderness include: buildings, dams and other '''instream structures''', roads, '''fixed instrumentation sites''', '''utility infrastructure''', mines, and grazing infrastructure.

	Many developments predate the establishment of a wilderness but were grandfathered in by the authorizing legislation. Although developments are not typically allowed in wilderness, their presence does not preclude the formal designation of an area. As a particular piece of infrastructure outlives its intended purpose, it is often removed if the law allows; for example, roads and buildings are torn down and dams decommissioned. In contrast, new infrastructure is sometimes put into wilderness, most commonly with fixed instrumentation sites such as volcanic activity sensors and snow water content monitoring stations. A development’s benefit or purpose is irrelevant when assessing its impact on the Undeveloped Quality of wilderness character.		Many developments predate the establishment of a wilderness but were grandfathered in by the authorizing legislation. Although developments are not typically allowed in wilderness, their presence does not preclude the formal designation of an area. As a particular piece of infrastructure outlives its intended purpose, it is often removed if the law allows; for example, roads and buildings are torn down and dams '''decommissioned'''. In contrast, new infrastructure is sometimes put into wilderness, most commonly with fixed instrumentation sites such as volcanic activity sensors and snow water content monitoring stations. A development’s benefit or purpose is irrelevant when assessing its impact on the Undeveloped Quality of wilderness character.

	This measure excludes those developments intended to support recreational use, such as system trails and bridges as well as administratively provided infrastructure such as hitching posts, bear poles, and shelters because these are evaluated under a separate quality (see section 5.4). It includes all non-recreational infrastructure authorized by the Forest Service, including those implemented by permittees or cooperators under current agreements. The measure also excludes unauthorized developments, such as trash piles and squatters’ cabins, because these data are not routinely tracked in corporate databases and the general approach for calculating this index is to rely on data that can predictably be extracted from standard datasets. Additionally, it is generally agency policy to remove these developments soon after being discovered and not have them persist over time.		This measure excludes those developments intended to support recreational use, such as system trails and bridges as well as administratively provided infrastructure such as hitching posts, bear poles, and shelters because these are evaluated under a separate quality (see section 5.4). It includes all non-recreational infrastructure authorized by the Forest Service, including those implemented by permittees or cooperators under current agreements. The measure also excludes unauthorized developments, such as trash piles and squatters’ cabins, because these data are not routinely tracked in corporate databases and the general approach for calculating this index is to rely on data that can predictably be extracted from standard datasets. Additionally, it is generally agency policy to remove these developments soon after being discovered and not have them persist over time.

Admin: /* 4.1 Monitoring Questions */

2023-03-02T19:51:27Z

4.1 Monitoring Questions

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	Two monitoring questions are used in monitoring the Undeveloped Quality:		Two monitoring questions are used in monitoring the Undeveloped Quality:

	# What are the trends in non-recreational physical development?		# What are the trends in '''non-recreational physical development'''?
	# What are the trends in mechanization?		# What are the trends in mechanization?

	The first monitoring question addresses the presence of physical development that most often typifies evidence of modern human occupation and modification, including both non-recreational physical developments and developments on non-NFS lands interior to a wilderness (also known as inholdings). Although most occurrences of physical developments on NFS lands predate the area’s designation as wilderness, these developments still have an effect on the undeveloped aspect of a wilderness. Similarly, inholdings, while not technically wilderness, still may be developed and affect a visitor’s sense of this quality.		The first monitoring question addresses the presence of physical development that most often typifies evidence of modern human occupation and modification, including both non-recreational physical developments and developments on non-NFS lands interior to a wilderness (also known as '''inholdings'''). Although most occurrences of physical developments on NFS lands predate the area’s designation as wilderness, these developments still have an effect on the undeveloped aspect of a wilderness. Similarly, inholdings, while not technically wilderness, still may be developed and affect a visitor’s sense of this quality.

	Developments associated with recreation, such as trails, bridges, signs, and campsites, are typically the most prevalent sign of modern human occupation and modification inside wilderness. Recreational developments are not included under this quality, but are instead counted under the Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality because their primary purpose relates directly to opportunities for primitive recreation. A basic tenet of WCM is that measures are not double counted, but instead are listed under the quality and indicator where they fit best. The decision to include recreational developments under the Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality was made in Keeping It Wild 2 (Landres et al. 2015), and this technical guide is consistent with that decision.		Developments associated with recreation, such as trails, bridges, signs, and campsites, are typically the most prevalent sign of modern human occupation and modification inside wilderness. Recreational developments are not included under this quality, but are instead counted under the Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality because their primary purpose relates directly to opportunities for primitive recreation. A basic tenet of WCM is that measures are not double counted, but instead are listed under the quality and indicator where they fit best. The decision to include recreational developments under the Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality was made in Keeping It Wild 2 (Landres et al. 2015), and this technical guide is consistent with that decision.

Admin at 17:17, 1 March 2023

2023-03-01T17:17:12Z

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	== 4.1 Monitoring Questions ==		== 4.1 Monitoring Questions ==

Admin at 17:15, 1 March 2023

2023-03-01T17:15:36Z

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	The objective of monitoring the Undeveloped Quality is to assess whether a wilderness is becoming more developed over time, such as by exhibiting increasing evidence of physical infrastructure, or if there is more prevalent use of mechanization, such as helicopters and chainsaws.		The objective of monitoring the Undeveloped Quality is to assess whether a wilderness is becoming more developed over time, such as by exhibiting increasing evidence of physical infrastructure, or if there is more prevalent use of mechanization, such as helicopters and chainsaws.

Admin at 23:52, 28 February 2023

2023-02-28T23:52:02Z

Show changes

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:24, 3 March 2023
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	The objective of monitoring the Undeveloped Quality is to assess whether a wilderness is becoming more developed over time, such as by exhibiting increasing evidence of physical infrastructure, or if there is more prevalent use of mechanization, such as helicopters and chainsaws.		The objective of monitoring the Undeveloped Quality is to assess whether a wilderness is becoming more developed over time, such as by exhibiting increasing evidence of physical infrastructure, or if there is more prevalent use of mechanization, such as helicopters and chainsaws.

	The opening sentence of Wilderness Act, Section 2(a) states that the NWPS was created ~~“In~~ order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas within the United ~~States…”~~ Section 2(c) of the Wilderness Act defines wilderness as ~~“an~~ area of undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human ~~habitation”~~ and as a place ~~“where~~ man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” Agency policies and case law consistently identify the Undeveloped Quality as one of the principle components that defines wilderness.		The opening sentence of Wilderness Act, Section 2(a) states that the NWPS was created "In order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States…" Section 2(c) of the Wilderness Act defines wilderness as "an area of undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation" and as a place "where man himself is a visitor who does not remain." Agency policies and case law consistently identify the Undeveloped Quality as one of the principle components that defines wilderness.

	For the Undeveloped Quality, two monitoring questions provide the broad context and three indicators provide the structure for this monitoring (as summarized in table 1.4.1).		For the Undeveloped Quality, two monitoring questions provide the broad context and three indicators provide the structure for this monitoring (as summarized in table 1.4.1).
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	# What are the trends in mechanization?		# What are the trends in mechanization?

	The first monitoring question addresses the presence of physical development that most often typifies evidence of modern human occupation and modification, including both non-recreational physical developments and developments on non-NFS lands interior to a wilderness (also known as '''inholdings'''). Although most occurrences of physical developments on NFS lands predate the ~~area’s~~ designation as wilderness, these developments still have an effect on the undeveloped aspect of a wilderness. Similarly, inholdings, while not technically wilderness, still may be developed and affect a ~~visitor’s~~ sense of this quality.		The first monitoring question addresses the presence of physical development that most often typifies evidence of modern human occupation and modification, including both non-recreational physical developments and developments on non-NFS lands interior to a wilderness (also known as '''inholdings'''). Although most occurrences of physical developments on NFS lands predate the area's designation as wilderness, these developments still have an effect on the undeveloped aspect of a wilderness. Similarly, inholdings, while not technically wilderness, still may be developed and affect a visitor's sense of this quality.

	Developments associated with recreation, such as trails, bridges, signs, and campsites, are typically the most prevalent sign of modern human occupation and modification inside wilderness. Recreational developments are not included under this quality, but are instead counted under the Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality because their primary purpose relates directly to opportunities for primitive recreation. A basic tenet of WCM is that measures are not double counted, but instead are listed under the quality and indicator where they fit best. The decision to include recreational developments under the Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality was made in Keeping It Wild 2 (Landres et al. 2015), and this technical guide is consistent with that decision.		Developments associated with recreation, such as trails, bridges, signs, and campsites, are typically the most prevalent sign of modern human occupation and modification inside wilderness. Recreational developments are not included under this quality, but are instead counted under the Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality because their primary purpose relates directly to opportunities for primitive recreation. A basic tenet of WCM is that measures are not double counted, but instead are listed under the quality and indicator where they fit best. The decision to include recreational developments under the Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality was made in Keeping It Wild 2 (Landres et al. 2015), and this technical guide is consistent with that decision.
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	The second monitoring question assesses the effect of motorized equipment and mechanical transport on the Undeveloped Quality. This includes authorized uses, such as for administrative, emergency, and special provision purposes, as well as unauthorized uses. For the purposes of the this WCM strategy, it was determined that the level of monitoring needed to track unauthorized uses was outside the scope of this technical guide; therefore, this guide does not include a measure that assesses unauthorized use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport (see Appendix 2 for further explanation). Although the Wilderness Act and subsequent legislation allow motorized equipment or mechanical transport under certain conditions, their use diminishes the Undeveloped Quality. Monitoring the use of motorized equipment and mechanical transport over time can help Forest Service line officers make well-informed decisions grounded in the Wilderness Act.		The second monitoring question assesses the effect of motorized equipment and mechanical transport on the Undeveloped Quality. This includes authorized uses, such as for administrative, emergency, and special provision purposes, as well as unauthorized uses. For the purposes of the this WCM strategy, it was determined that the level of monitoring needed to track unauthorized uses was outside the scope of this technical guide; therefore, this guide does not include a measure that assesses unauthorized use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport (see Appendix 2 for further explanation). Although the Wilderness Act and subsequent legislation allow motorized equipment or mechanical transport under certain conditions, their use diminishes the Undeveloped Quality. Monitoring the use of motorized equipment and mechanical transport over time can help Forest Service line officers make well-informed decisions grounded in the Wilderness Act.

	The first monitoring question ~~“What~~ are the trends in non-recreational physical development?” is addressed through two indicators: (1) presence of non-recreational structures, installations, and developments, and (2) presence of inholdings.		The first monitoring question "What are the trends in non-recreational physical development?" is addressed through two indicators: (1) presence of non-recreational structures, installations, and developments, and (2) presence of inholdings.

	These two indicators provide a comprehensive assessment of the various types of physical developments not related to recreational infrastructure that may be present in a wilderness.		These two indicators provide a comprehensive assessment of the various types of physical developments not related to recreational infrastructure that may be present in a wilderness.

	The second monitoring question, ~~“What~~ are the trends in mechanization?” is addressed through a single indicator that encompasses the use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport.		The second monitoring question, "What are the trends in mechanization?" is addressed through a single indicator that encompasses the use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport.

	== 4.2 Indicator: Presence of Non-Recreational Structures, Installations, and Developments ==		== 4.2 Indicator: Presence of Non-Recreational Structures, Installations, and Developments ==
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	=== 4.2.1 Measure: Index of Authorized Non-Recreational Physical Development ===		=== 4.2.1 Measure: Index of Authorized Non-Recreational Physical Development ===

	This measure is an index that assesses selected elements for each type, or component, of non-recreational physical development. These elements are typically selected because they affect the ~~area’s~~ undeveloped character and may change based on decisions made by the Forest Service, permittees, or cooperators.		This measure is an index that assesses selected elements for each type, or component, of non-recreational physical development. These elements are typically selected because they affect the area's undeveloped character and may change based on decisions made by the Forest Service, permittees, or cooperators.

	For many people, wilderness is defined by its lack of developments, especially the absence of roads and buildings. Wilderness is intended to be in contrast ~~“with~~ those areas where man and his works dominate the landscape.” (Wilderness Act, Section 2[c]). Despite this requirement, few wildernesses have entirely escaped the physical evidence of modern human occupation and modification. Types of developments in wilderness include: buildings, dams and other '''instream structures''', roads, '''fixed instrumentation sites''', '''utility infrastructure''', mines, and grazing infrastructure.		For many people, wilderness is defined by its lack of developments, especially the absence of roads and buildings. Wilderness is intended to be in contrast "with those areas where man and his works dominate the landscape." (Wilderness Act, Section 2[c]). Despite this requirement, few wildernesses have entirely escaped the physical evidence of modern human occupation and modification. Types of developments in wilderness include: buildings, dams and other '''instream structures''', roads, '''fixed instrumentation sites''', '''utility infrastructure''', mines, and grazing infrastructure.

	Many developments predate the establishment of a wilderness but were grandfathered in by the authorizing legislation. Although developments are not typically allowed in wilderness, their presence does not preclude the formal designation of an area. As a particular piece of infrastructure outlives its intended purpose, it is often removed if the law allows; for example, roads and buildings are torn down and dams '''decommissioned'''. In contrast, new infrastructure is sometimes put into wilderness, most commonly with fixed instrumentation sites such as volcanic activity sensors and snow water content monitoring stations. A ~~development’s~~ benefit or purpose is irrelevant when assessing its impact on the Undeveloped Quality of wilderness character.		Many developments predate the establishment of a wilderness but were grandfathered in by the authorizing legislation. Although developments are not typically allowed in wilderness, their presence does not preclude the formal designation of an area. As a particular piece of infrastructure outlives its intended purpose, it is often removed if the law allows; for example, roads and buildings are torn down and dams '''decommissioned'''. In contrast, new infrastructure is sometimes put into wilderness, most commonly with fixed instrumentation sites such as volcanic activity sensors and snow water content monitoring stations. A development's benefit or purpose is irrelevant when assessing its impact on the Undeveloped Quality of wilderness character.

	This measure excludes those developments intended to support recreational use, such as system trails and bridges as well as administratively provided infrastructure such as hitching posts, bear poles, and shelters because these are evaluated under a separate quality (see section 5.4). It includes all non-recreational infrastructure authorized by the Forest Service, including those implemented by permittees or cooperators under current agreements. The measure also excludes unauthorized developments, such as trash piles and ~~squatters’~~ cabins, because these data are not routinely tracked in corporate databases and the general approach for calculating this index is to rely on data that can predictably be extracted from standard datasets. Additionally, it is generally agency policy to remove these developments soon after being discovered and not have them persist over time.		This measure excludes those developments intended to support recreational use, such as system trails and bridges as well as administratively provided infrastructure such as hitching posts, bear poles, and shelters because these are evaluated under a separate quality (see section 5.4). It includes all non-recreational infrastructure authorized by the Forest Service, including those implemented by permittees or cooperators under current agreements. The measure also excludes unauthorized developments, such as trash piles and squatters' cabins, because these data are not routinely tracked in corporate databases and the general approach for calculating this index is to rely on data that can predictably be extracted from standard datasets. Additionally, it is generally agency policy to remove these developments soon after being discovered and not have them persist over time.

	This measure is required for all Forest Service wildernesses. A 3-percent or greater change in the measure value will result in a change in trend for this measure. Once there are five measure values, the threshold for meaningful change will switch to regression analysis, and statistical significance will determine the trend in the measure. An increase in the development measure value corresponds with a degrading trend.		This measure is required for all Forest Service wildernesses. A 3-percent or greater change in the measure value will result in a change in trend for this measure. Once there are five measure values, the threshold for meaningful change will switch to regression analysis, and statistical significance will determine the trend in the measure. An increase in the development measure value corresponds with a degrading trend.