Untrammeled Quality Indicators - Revision history

Admin at 20:47, 5 March 2023

2023-03-05T20:47:54Z

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			<div class="center">[[USFS Wilderness Character Monitoring Technical Guide]]</div>
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	Monitoring the Untrammeled Quality assesses how management of a wilderness is trending over time toward more or less human manipulation of plant communities, fish and wildlife populations, insects and disease, soil and water resources, and fire processes. Key indicators and measures monitor actions that are either authorized or unauthorized intentional manipulations of the biophysical environment. This section first provides guidance on what a trammeling action is (section 2.1) and then describes detailed protocols for monitoring the following indicators and measures:		Monitoring the Untrammeled Quality assesses how management of a wilderness is trending over time toward more or less human manipulation of plant communities, fish and wildlife populations, insects and disease, soil and water resources, and fire processes. Key indicators and measures monitor actions that are either authorized or unauthorized intentional manipulations of the biophysical environment. This section first provides guidance on what a trammeling action is (section 2.1) and then describes detailed protocols for monitoring the following indicators and measures:

Admin at 17:48, 3 March 2023

2023-03-03T17:48:57Z

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Admin at 21:12, 2 March 2023

2023-03-02T21:12:05Z

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	: 2.2 Indicator: Actions Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment		: 2.2 Indicator: Actions Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment
	: 2.2.1 Measure: Number of authorized actions and persistent structures designed to manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.
			:: 2.2.1 Measure: Number of authorized actions and persistent structures designed to manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.

	: 2.3 Indicator: Actions Not Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment		: 2.3 Indicator: Actions Not Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment
	: 2.3.1 Measure: Number of unauthorized actions and persistent structures by agencies, organizations, or individuals that manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.
			:: 2.3.1 Measure: Number of unauthorized actions and persistent structures by agencies, organizations, or individuals that manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.

	== 2.1 What is a Trammeling Action? ==		== 2.1 What is a Trammeling Action? ==

Admin at 21:11, 2 March 2023

2023-03-02T21:11:14Z

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	: 2.2 Indicator: Actions Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment		: 2.2 Indicator: Actions Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment
	:* 2.2.1 Measure: Number of authorized actions and persistent structures designed to manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.		: 2.2.1 Measure: Number of authorized actions and persistent structures designed to manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.
	: 2.3 Indicator: Actions Not Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment		: 2.3 Indicator: Actions Not Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment
	:* 2.3.1 Measure: Number of unauthorized actions and persistent structures by agencies, organizations, or individuals that manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.		: 2.3.1 Measure: Number of unauthorized actions and persistent structures by agencies, organizations, or individuals that manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.

	== 2.1 What is a Trammeling Action? ==		== 2.1 What is a Trammeling Action? ==

Admin at 21:10, 2 March 2023

2023-03-02T21:10:48Z

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	: 2.2 Indicator: Actions Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment		: 2.2 Indicator: Actions Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment
	:: 2.2.1 Measure: Number of authorized actions and persistent structures designed to manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.		:* 2.2.1 Measure: Number of authorized actions and persistent structures designed to manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.
	: 2.3 Indicator: Actions Not Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment		: 2.3 Indicator: Actions Not Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment
	:: 2.3.1 Measure: Number of unauthorized actions and persistent structures by agencies, organizations, or individuals that manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.		:* 2.3.1 Measure: Number of unauthorized actions and persistent structures by agencies, organizations, or individuals that manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.

	== 2.1 What is a Trammeling Action? ==		== 2.1 What is a Trammeling Action? ==

Admin: /* 2.3.1 Measure: Number of Unauthorized Actions and Persistent Structures by Agencies, Organizations, or Individuals That Manipulate Plants, Animals, Pathogens, Soil, Water, or Fire */

2023-03-02T21:03:49Z

2.3.1 Measure: Number of Unauthorized Actions and Persistent Structures by Agencies, Organizations, or Individuals That Manipulate Plants, Animals, Pathogens, Soil, Water, or Fire

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	[[File:T2.2.3.pdf.png\|thumb\|Table 2.2.3—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure “Number of Unauthorized Actions that Manipulate Plants, Animals, Pathogens, Soil, Water, or Fire.”]]		[[File:T2.2.3.pdf.png\|thumb\|Table 2.2.3—Summary of measure type, protocol options, local tasks, national tasks, and frequency of data reporting for measure “Number of Unauthorized Actions that Manipulate Plants, Animals, Pathogens, Soil, Water, or Fire.”]]

	~~<big>~~Protocol~~</big>~~		==== Protocol ====

	'''Step 1: Ensure users understand what constitutes unauthorized trammeling and then compile data.''' Section 2.1 provides detailed information about how to determine what is, is not, and may be a trammeling action, including numerous examples. Unauthorized trammeling actions may be taken by different branches of the Forest Service, other federal agencies, tribal and state agencies, organizations, or private citizens. Actions taken by state or other government agencies with the knowledge and approval of the Forest Service through a SUP or cooperative agreement are considered authorized actions and counted under the measure Number of Authorized Actions and Persistent Structures Designed to Manipulate Plants, Animals, Pathogens, Soil, Water, or Fire (see section 2.2.1 in part 2). Actions taken by states or other government agencies with the knowledge of the Forest Service but without explicit approval through a SUP or another instrument are counted under this measure.		'''Step 1: Ensure users understand what constitutes unauthorized trammeling and then compile data.''' Section 2.1 provides detailed information about how to determine what is, is not, and may be a trammeling action, including numerous examples. Unauthorized trammeling actions may be taken by different branches of the Forest Service, other federal agencies, tribal and state agencies, organizations, or private citizens. Actions taken by state or other government agencies with the knowledge and approval of the Forest Service through a SUP or cooperative agreement are considered authorized actions and counted under the measure Number of Authorized Actions and Persistent Structures Designed to Manipulate Plants, Animals, Pathogens, Soil, Water, or Fire (see section 2.2.1 in part 2). Actions taken by states or other government agencies with the knowledge of the Forest Service but without explicit approval through a SUP or another instrument are counted under this measure.
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	The counting protocol for unauthorized trammeling actions is as follows, with counting instructions grouped in categories including scale of action, timing of action, location of action, persistent structures, and other clarifications:		The counting protocol for unauthorized trammeling actions is as follows, with counting instructions grouped in categories including scale of action, timing of action, location of action, persistent structures, and other clarifications:

	Scale of Action		:Scale of Action

	* Only count actions that are of sufficient scale to qualify as trammeling actions for practicable monitoring, as described above and in section 2.1 in part 2.		:* Only count actions that are of sufficient scale to qualify as trammeling actions for practicable monitoring, as described above and in section 2.1 in part 2.
	* All actions that meet the scale requirements for monitoring trammeling actions are counted equally, regardless of the magnitude of their effects. Due to the uncertainty as to who is responsible for a given trammeling action, evidence of each unauthorized trammeling action that is discovered at different times or in different places is counted as a distinct trammeling action.		:* All actions that meet the scale requirements for monitoring trammeling actions are counted equally, regardless of the magnitude of their effects. Due to the uncertainty as to who is responsible for a given trammeling action, evidence of each unauthorized trammeling action that is discovered at different times or in different places is counted as a distinct trammeling action.
	* Actions taken by a single individual or entity that are individually too small in scale to be counted as trammeling actions are considered a trammeling action if their cumulative effects crossed the threshold described above and in section 2.1 in part 2. For instance, illegal cutting of a single tree is not considered a trammeling action. However, illegal theft of timber over a larger area or the illegal cutting of a ski run may be considered trammeling actions. Local units must use discretion and judgment in determining when cumulative effects cross the threshold resulting in a series of otherwise minor actions constituting a trammeling, including whether subsequent yet discrete actions add to these cumulative effects and constitute additional trammeling actions.		:* Actions taken by a single individual or entity that are individually too small in scale to be counted as trammeling actions are considered a trammeling action if their cumulative effects crossed the threshold described above and in section 2.1 in part 2. For instance, illegal cutting of a single tree is not considered a trammeling action. However, illegal theft of timber over a larger area or the illegal cutting of a ski run may be considered trammeling actions. Local units must use discretion and judgment in determining when cumulative effects cross the threshold resulting in a series of otherwise minor actions constituting a trammeling, including whether subsequent yet discrete actions add to these cumulative effects and constitute additional trammeling actions.

	Timing of Action		:Timing of Action

	* Ongoing, multi-year unauthorized actions are counted once annually per fiscal year (e.g., marijuana cultivation or repeated unauthorized state fish and game agency management actions).		:* Ongoing, multi-year unauthorized actions are counted once annually per fiscal year (e.g., marijuana cultivation or repeated unauthorized state fish and game agency management actions).

	Location of Action		:Location of Action

	* Unauthorized actions taken in multiple locations in a wilderness by a single individual or entity is counted as a single action. For example, concurrently stocking fish in multiple lakes across a wilderness counts as a single trammeling action.		:* Unauthorized actions taken in multiple locations in a wilderness by a single individual or entity is counted as a single action. For example, concurrently stocking fish in multiple lakes across a wilderness counts as a single trammeling action.
	* Unauthorized actions that occur outside of wilderness intended to manipulate the biophysical environment within wilderness count as trammeling actions. For example, the introduction of game species outside of wilderness with the intent that they travel into wilderness, when not explicitly authorized by the agency based on the results of a minimum requirements analysis (MRA), counts as a trammeling action.		:* Unauthorized actions that occur outside of wilderness intended to manipulate the biophysical environment within wilderness count as trammeling actions. For example, the introduction of game species outside of wilderness with the intent that they travel into wilderness, when not explicitly authorized by the agency based on the results of a minimum requirements analysis (MRA), counts as a trammeling action.

	Persistent Structures		:Persistent Structures

	* To be counted as a trammeling action, a persistent structure must be intended to purposefully alter, hinder, restrict, control, or manipulate the “the earth and its community of life.” Examples of persistent structures that would be counted under this measure include, but are not limited to fish barriers, dams, water diversions, guzzlers, bat gates, or fencing (e.g., wildlife or cattle enclosure areas). Each unique, unauthorized persistent structure that manipulates any component of the biophysical environment is counted for each year that it exists.		:* To be counted as a trammeling action, a persistent structure must be intended to purposefully alter, hinder, restrict, control, or manipulate the “the earth and its community of life.” Examples of persistent structures that would be counted under this measure include, but are not limited to fish barriers, dams, water diversions, guzzlers, bat gates, or fencing (e.g., wildlife or cattle enclosure areas). Each unique, unauthorized persistent structure that manipulates any component of the biophysical environment is counted for each year that it exists.
	* The unauthorized installation of a persistent structure that alters the biophysical environment in wilderness (e.g., an impoundment and irrigation tubing for illegal marijuana cultivation, unauthorized installation of fencing) is counted once as a trammeling in the year that the installation occurred, and once per year subsequently as long as the structure persists. The installation and existence of the structure in the first year are not double counted as two trammeling actions. Persistent structures that are no longer functioning are not counted as a trammeling if it can be demonstrated they do not alter or manipulate any component of the biophysical environment (e.g., fencing previously used to form a cattle exclosure that has fallen down).		:* The unauthorized installation of a persistent structure that alters the biophysical environment in wilderness (e.g., an impoundment and irrigation tubing for illegal marijuana cultivation, unauthorized installation of fencing) is counted once as a trammeling in the year that the installation occurred, and once per year subsequently as long as the structure persists. The installation and existence of the structure in the first year are not double counted as two trammeling actions. Persistent structures that are no longer functioning are not counted as a trammeling if it can be demonstrated they do not alter or manipulate any component of the biophysical environment (e.g., fencing previously used to form a cattle exclosure that has fallen down).

	Other Clarifications		:Other Clarifications

	* Evidence of an unauthorized trammeling, as opposed to an agency employee witnessing the trammeling action in progress (e.g., the discovery of an abandoned marijuana grow site), is sufficient to count as a trammeling action.		:* Evidence of an unauthorized trammeling, as opposed to an agency employee witnessing the trammeling action in progress (e.g., the discovery of an abandoned marijuana grow site), is sufficient to count as a trammeling action.
	* Related yet distinct types of actions count as multiple trammeling actions. For example, an unauthorized state wildlife management project that involves introducing game species and controlling predators via increased bag limits count as two trammeling actions. The magnitude or effects of these actions does not have any bearing on the number of trammeling actions reported.		:* Related yet distinct types of actions count as multiple trammeling actions. For example, an unauthorized state wildlife management project that involves introducing game species and controlling predators via increased bag limits count as two trammeling actions. The magnitude or effects of these actions does not have any bearing on the number of trammeling actions reported.

	'''Step 3: Enter data in NRM and the WCMD.''' Track trammeling actions annually and enter them into the NRM-WCM application for each fiscal year. NRM-WCM will sum the counts of all unauthorized trammeling actions to generate an annual value. Local units must then validate the value generated by NRMWCM and correct records in NRM as necessary. Once validated, enter the annual value in the WCMD. The WCMD automatically calculates 3-year rolling averages based on the annual values. The measure value is the 3-year rolling average number of trammeling actions.		'''Step 3: Enter data in NRM and the WCMD.''' Track trammeling actions annually and enter them into the NRM-WCM application for each fiscal year. NRM-WCM will sum the counts of all unauthorized trammeling actions to generate an annual value. Local units must then validate the value generated by NRMWCM and correct records in NRM as necessary. Once validated, enter the annual value in the WCMD. The WCMD automatically calculates 3-year rolling averages based on the annual values. The measure value is the 3-year rolling average number of trammeling actions.

	~~<big>~~Caveats and Cautions~~</big>~~		==== Caveats and Cautions ====

	This measure depends on a combination of incidental, chance encounters and the amount of effort spent to find unauthorized actions. For instance, the reintroduction of game species by a state agency without explicit authorization might be incidentally discovered through media reports. Conversely, water diversions associated with a marijuana grow site are typically discovered because of law enforcement investigations, though such a use could also be discovered after an incidental report from the public. Due to the unpredictable nature by which unauthorized trammeling actions and persistent structures are discovered, information about the method and level of effort required for a given discovery should be documented in the WCMD to allow for an understanding of data adequacy when comparing results across multiple years of reporting.		This measure depends on a combination of incidental, chance encounters and the amount of effort spent to find unauthorized actions. For instance, the reintroduction of game species by a state agency without explicit authorization might be incidentally discovered through media reports. Conversely, water diversions associated with a marijuana grow site are typically discovered because of law enforcement investigations, though such a use could also be discovered after an incidental report from the public. Due to the unpredictable nature by which unauthorized trammeling actions and persistent structures are discovered, information about the method and level of effort required for a given discovery should be documented in the WCMD to allow for an understanding of data adequacy when comparing results across multiple years of reporting.
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	When deciding which specific 3 years of data to include to calculate the rolling average for this measure, always defer to the highest data adequacy available (section 1.2.3 in part 2). Ideally the data with the highest degree of adequacy will also be the most recent data collected, but this might not always be the case.		When deciding which specific 3 years of data to include to calculate the rolling average for this measure, always defer to the highest data adequacy available (section 1.2.3 in part 2). Ideally the data with the highest degree of adequacy will also be the most recent data collected, but this might not always be the case.

	~~<big>~~Data Adequacy~~</big>~~		==== Data Adequacy ====

	Data adequacy is medium or low, though this should be verified and documented by the local unit. It may not be feasible to reliably gather all applicable data, and knowledge of some unauthorized actions may rely on incidental, chance encounters. Data quantity is partial and data quality is moderate. Additionally, knowledge of unauthorized actions is dependent on field or law enforcement presence and the amount of effort put into identifying unauthorized actions, which should be documented in the WCMD.		Data adequacy is medium or low, though this should be verified and documented by the local unit. It may not be feasible to reliably gather all applicable data, and knowledge of some unauthorized actions may rely on incidental, chance encounters. Data quantity is partial and data quality is moderate. Additionally, knowledge of unauthorized actions is dependent on field or law enforcement presence and the amount of effort put into identifying unauthorized actions, which should be documented in the WCMD.

	~~<big>~~Frequency~~</big>~~		==== Frequency ====

	Data are compiled, analyzed, and entered into the WCMD annually due to the variable nature of trammeling actions.		Data are compiled, analyzed, and entered into the WCMD annually due to the variable nature of trammeling actions.

	~~<big>~~Threshold for Change~~</big>~~		==== Threshold for Change ====

	The threshold for meaningful change is a 5-percent change in the 3-year rolling average number of unauthorized actions and persistent structures. Once there are five measure values, the threshold for meaningful change will switch to regression analysis. A decrease in the 3-year rolling average beyond the threshold for meaningful change results in an improving trend in this measure.		The threshold for meaningful change is a 5-percent change in the 3-year rolling average number of unauthorized actions and persistent structures. Once there are five measure values, the threshold for meaningful change will switch to regression analysis. A decrease in the 3-year rolling average beyond the threshold for meaningful change results in an improving trend in this measure.

Admin: /* 2.2 Indicator: Actions Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment */

2023-03-02T20:50:03Z

2.2 Indicator: Actions Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment

Admin: /* 2.2.1 Measure: Number of Authorized Actions and Persistent Structures Designed to Manipulate Plants, Animals, Pathogens, Soil, Water, or Fire */

2023-03-02T20:47:19Z

2.2.1 Measure: Number of Authorized Actions and Persistent Structures Designed to Manipulate Plants, Animals, Pathogens, Soil, Water, or Fire

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Admin: /* 2.1.1 Activities That Are Trammeling Actions */

2023-03-02T20:42:21Z

2.1.1 Activities That Are Trammeling Actions

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	** Releasing individual animals outside of wilderness with the intention to affect populations whose ranges expand into wilderness.		** Releasing individual animals outside of wilderness with the intention to affect populations whose ranges expand into wilderness.

	In some situations, Forest Service land managers may assume that they do not have an opportunity for restraint because an action is required to comply with other laws or agency policies, or to protect human life or property. Examples of such situations include restoring habitat for a listed endangered species, spraying herbicides to eradicate an invasive nonindigenous plant that is degrading wildlife habitat, transplanting an extirpated species back into a wilderness, or suppressing a naturally ignited fire. These are still considered trammeling actions because even in these situations there is a decision to take action, as well as a decision about the type and intensity of action.		In some situations, Forest Service land managers may assume that they do not have an opportunity for restraint because an action is required to comply with other laws or agency policies, or to protect human life or property. Examples of such situations include restoring habitat for a listed endangered species, spraying herbicides to eradicate an invasive nonindigenous plant that is degrading wildlife habitat, transplanting an '''extirpated species''' back into a wilderness, or suppressing a naturally ignited fire. These are still considered trammeling actions because even in these situations there is a decision to take action, as well as a decision about the type and intensity of action.

	=== 2.1.2 Activities That Are Not Trammeling Actions ===		=== 2.1.2 Activities That Are Not Trammeling Actions ===

Admin at 20:39, 2 March 2023

2023-03-02T20:39:18Z

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	Monitoring the Untrammeled Quality assesses how management of a wilderness is trending over time toward more or less human manipulation of plant communities, fish and wildlife populations, insects and disease, soil and water resources, and fire processes. Key indicators and measures monitor actions that are either authorized or unauthorized intentional manipulations of the biophysical environment. This section first provides guidance on what a trammeling action is (section 2.1) and then describes detailed protocols for monitoring the following indicators and measures:		Monitoring the Untrammeled Quality assesses how management of a wilderness is trending over time toward more or less human manipulation of plant communities, fish and wildlife populations, insects and disease, soil and water resources, and fire processes. Key indicators and measures monitor actions that are either authorized or unauthorized intentional manipulations of the biophysical environment. This section first provides guidance on what a trammeling action is (section 2.1) and then describes detailed protocols for monitoring the following indicators and measures:

	# 2.2 Indicator: Actions Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment		: 2.2 Indicator: Actions Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment
	## 2.2.1 Measure: Number of authorized actions and persistent structures designed to manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.		:: 2.2.1 Measure: Number of authorized actions and persistent structures designed to manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.
	# 2.3 Indicator: Actions Not Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment		: 2.3 Indicator: Actions Not Authorized by the Federal Land Manager that Intentionally Manipulate the Biophysical Environment
	## 2.3.1 Measure: Number of unauthorized actions and persistent structures by agencies, organizations, or individuals that manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.		:: 2.3.1 Measure: Number of unauthorized actions and persistent structures by agencies, organizations, or individuals that manipulate plants, animals, pathogens, soil, water, or fire.

	== 2.1 What is a Trammeling Action? ==		== 2.1 What is a Trammeling Action? ==

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	:Scale of Action		:Scale of Action

	* Only count actions that are of sufficient scale to qualify as trammeling actions for practicable monitoring, as described above and in section 2.1 in part 2.		:* Only count actions that are of sufficient scale to qualify as trammeling actions for practicable monitoring, as described above and in section 2.1 in part 2.
	* All actions that meet the scale requirements for monitoring trammeling actions are counted equally, regardless of the magnitude of their effects.		:* All actions that meet the scale requirements for monitoring trammeling actions are counted equally, regardless of the magnitude of their effects.
	* Actions that are individually too small in scale to be counted as trammeling actions are considered a trammeling if their '''cumulative effects''' crossed the threshold described above and in section 2.1 in part 2. For instance, removing a single hazard tree in a campsite is not considered a trammeling. However, an insect or disease event that killed many trees in an area with many campsites and resulted in the removal of a large number of hazard trees could be considered a trammeling. Local units must use their discretion and judgment in determining when cumulative effects cross the threshold resulting in a series of otherwise minor actions constituting a trammeling, including whether subsequent yet discrete actions add to these cumulative effects and constitute additional trammeling actions.		:* Actions that are individually too small in scale to be counted as trammeling actions are considered a trammeling if their '''cumulative effects''' crossed the threshold described above and in section 2.1 in part 2. For instance, removing a single hazard tree in a campsite is not considered a trammeling. However, an insect or disease event that killed many trees in an area with many campsites and resulted in the removal of a large number of hazard trees could be considered a trammeling. Local units must use their discretion and judgment in determining when cumulative effects cross the threshold resulting in a series of otherwise minor actions constituting a trammeling, including whether subsequent yet discrete actions add to these cumulative effects and constitute additional trammeling actions.

	:Timing of Action		:Timing of Action

	* Ongoing, multi-year actions are counted once annually per fiscal year.		:* Ongoing, multi-year actions are counted once annually per fiscal year.
	* A single action that incidentally spans the fiscal year is only counted as a trammeling action for the initial fiscal year. For example, a watershed stabilization project implemented between September 15 and October 15, 2015, counts as one action for fiscal year 2019 and zero actions for fiscal year 2020.		:* A single action that incidentally spans the fiscal year is only counted as a trammeling action for the initial fiscal year. For example, a watershed stabilization project implemented between September 15 and October 15, 2015, counts as one action for fiscal year 2019 and zero actions for fiscal year 2020.

	:Location of Action		:Location of Action

	* The decision to take an action that occurs simultaneously in multiple locations in a wilderness is counted as a single action. For example, treatments of discrete invasive species populations located in different areas using herbicide counts as a single action. Similarly, concurrently stocking fish in multiple lakes across a wilderness counts as a single trammeling action.		:* The decision to take an action that occurs simultaneously in multiple locations in a wilderness is counted as a single action. For example, treatments of discrete invasive species populations located in different areas using herbicide counts as a single action. Similarly, concurrently stocking fish in multiple lakes across a wilderness counts as a single trammeling action.
	* Actions that occur outside of wilderness with the explicit intent of manipulating the biophysical environment within wilderness count as trammeling actions.		:* Actions that occur outside of wilderness with the explicit intent of manipulating the biophysical environment within wilderness count as trammeling actions.

	:Fire-related Actions		:Fire-related Actions

	* Management or suppression of a wildfire —whether naturally ignited or human-caused—counts as a single trammeling action per fire, regardless of the number or type of fire management actions taken. Types of fire management actions may include:		:* Management or suppression of a wildfire —whether naturally ignited or human-caused—counts as a single trammeling action per fire, regardless of the number or type of fire management actions taken. Types of fire management actions may include:
	** Fireline construction (handline, tree felling, explosives, dozer line, wet line, leaf blowers, sprinkler systems, or mechanical clearing of safety zones).		:** Fireline construction (handline, tree felling, explosives, dozer line, wet line, leaf blowers, sprinkler systems, or mechanical clearing of safety zones).
	** Burn operations (backfiring, burn outs, or black lining).		:** Burn operations (backfiring, burn outs, or black lining).
	** Extinguishing fire (use of water, dirt, or flappers).		:** Extinguishing fire (use of water, dirt, or flappers).
	** Application of fire retardant.		:** Application of fire retardant.

	For example, suppression of a single wildfire by constructing a fireline and conducting burn operations during the course of the incident would count as one trammeling action. However, the construction of a fireline on two discrete wildfires in a wilderness in the same fiscal year counts as two trammeling actions.		For example, suppression of a single wildfire by constructing a fireline and conducting burn operations during the course of the incident would count as one trammeling action. However, the construction of a fireline on two discrete wildfires in a wilderness in the same fiscal year counts as two trammeling actions.

	* The issue of scale described in section 2.1 does not apply to management of wildfire because seemingly minor attempts to alter the behavior of a natural fire can have significant consequences. For instance, cutting down and suppressing a burning snag started by lightning—an action that is seemingly small in scale— may prevent a natural fire that otherwise may burn thousands of acres. Note, however, that actions taken on campfires that are not yet wildfires do not count as trammeling actions. For example, putting out an abandoned campfire that is still contained within a fire ring as part of routine wilderness maintenance would not count as a trammeling action.		:* The issue of scale described in section 2.1 does not apply to management of wildfire because seemingly minor attempts to alter the behavior of a natural fire can have significant consequences. For instance, cutting down and suppressing a burning snag started by lightning—an action that is seemingly small in scale— may prevent a natural fire that otherwise may burn thousands of acres. Note, however, that actions taken on campfires that are not yet wildfires do not count as trammeling actions. For example, putting out an abandoned campfire that is still contained within a fire ring as part of routine wilderness maintenance would not count as a trammeling action.
	* Suppression of a fire adjacent to but outside of wilderness constitutes a trammeling action when there is reasonable certainty that it would have likely burned into wilderness absent any suppression action (given factors such as slope, terrain, fuels, weather, fire behavior, and specific suppression actions taken) and when the action is taken with the explicit intent of preventing or limiting fire within wilderness. For example, suppression action taken on a fire 20 miles from the wilderness boundary may count as a trammeling action if conditions are extremely dry and there are high winds in the direction of the wilderness. In contrast, suppression action taken on a creeping fire in leaf litter 75 feet from the wilderness boundary may not count as a trammeling action if there’s 78% percent humidity and it is unlikely the fire will spread.		:* Suppression of a fire adjacent to but outside of wilderness constitutes a trammeling action when there is reasonable certainty that it would have likely burned into wilderness absent any suppression action (given factors such as slope, terrain, fuels, weather, fire behavior, and specific suppression actions taken) and when the action is taken with the explicit intent of preventing or limiting fire within wilderness. For example, suppression action taken on a fire 20 miles from the wilderness boundary may count as a trammeling action if conditions are extremely dry and there are high winds in the direction of the wilderness. In contrast, suppression action taken on a creeping fire in leaf litter 75 feet from the wilderness boundary may not count as a trammeling action if there’s 78% percent humidity and it is unlikely the fire will spread.
	* The use of '''prescribed fire''', regardless of the tactics used to manage the burn, counts as a single trammeling action because of the decision to intervene in natural processes in accordance with the management prescription developed by the agency. The implementation of multiple prescribed fires in a wilderness in a single fiscal year also counts as a single trammeling action if each burn was authorized via the same burn plan. Prescribed fires conducted in the same fiscal year authorized by multiple burn plans—for instance in a wilderness managed by two Forest Service regions or forests—counts as multiple trammeling actions.		:* The use of '''prescribed fire''', regardless of the tactics used to manage the burn, counts as a single trammeling action because of the decision to intervene in natural processes in accordance with the management prescription developed by the agency. The implementation of multiple prescribed fires in a wilderness in a single fiscal year also counts as a single trammeling action if each burn was authorized via the same burn plan. Prescribed fires conducted in the same fiscal year authorized by multiple burn plans—for instance in a wilderness managed by two Forest Service regions or forests—counts as multiple trammeling actions.
	* Different types of BAER treatments—where they pass the threshold for scale— constitute separate trammeling actions for each incident they are associated with.		:* Different types of BAER treatments—where they pass the threshold for scale— constitute separate trammeling actions for each incident they are associated with.

	:Persistent Structures		:Persistent Structures

	* To be counted as a trammeling action, a persistent structure must be intended to purposefully alter, hinder, restrict, control, or manipulate the “the earth and its community of life.” Examples of persistent structures that would be counted under this measure include, but are not limited to fish barriers, dams, water diversions, guzzlers, bat gates, or fencing (e.g., wildlife or cattle enclosure areas). Each unique persistent structure that manipulates any component of the biophysical environment is counted for each year that it exists.		:* To be counted as a trammeling action, a persistent structure must be intended to purposefully alter, hinder, restrict, control, or manipulate the “the earth and its community of life.” Examples of persistent structures that would be counted under this measure include, but are not limited to fish barriers, dams, water diversions, guzzlers, bat gates, or fencing (e.g., wildlife or cattle enclosure areas). Each unique persistent structure that manipulates any component of the biophysical environment is counted for each year that it exists.
	* An action to install a persistent structure that alters the biophysical environment in wilderness is counted once as a trammeling in the year that the installation occurred and once per year subsequently, as long as the structure persists. The installation and existence of the structure in the first year are not double counted as two trammeling actions. Persistent structures that are no longer functioning as intended are not counted as a trammeling if it can be demonstrated they do not alter or manipulate any component of the biophysical environment (e.g., fencing previously used to form a cattle exclosure that has fallen down).		:* An action to install a persistent structure that alters the biophysical environment in wilderness is counted once as a trammeling in the year that the installation occurred and once per year subsequently, as long as the structure persists. The installation and existence of the structure in the first year are not double counted as two trammeling actions. Persistent structures that are no longer functioning as intended are not counted as a trammeling if it can be demonstrated they do not alter or manipulate any component of the biophysical environment (e.g., fencing previously used to form a cattle exclosure that has fallen down).

	:Other Clarifications		:Other Clarifications

	* Single projects or decisions that involve related yet distinct actions count as multiple trammeling actions. For example, a stream restoration project that involves both the release of piscicide and restocking native fish count as two trammeling actions. Treating one or more species of invasive plants with herbicide and a biological control agent also count as two trammeling actions—one action for the use of herbicide, and one action for the release of the biological control agent. The number of species affected by each treatment is incidental.		:* Single projects or decisions that involve related yet distinct actions count as multiple trammeling actions. For example, a stream restoration project that involves both the release of piscicide and restocking native fish count as two trammeling actions. Treating one or more species of invasive plants with herbicide and a biological control agent also count as two trammeling actions—one action for the use of herbicide, and one action for the release of the biological control agent. The number of species affected by each treatment is incidental.
	* Actions intended to manipulate the biophysical environment within wilderness that are unsuccessful are still counted as trammeling actions.'		:* Actions intended to manipulate the biophysical environment within wilderness that are unsuccessful are still counted as trammeling actions.'

	'''Step 3: Enter data in NRM and the WCMD. Track trammeling actions annually and enter them into the NRM-WCM application for each fiscal year.''' NRM-WCM will sum the counts of all authorized trammeling actions to generate an annual value. Local units must then validate the value generated by NRM-WCM and correct records in NRM as necessary. Once validated, enter the annual value in the WCMD. The WCMD automatically calculates 3-year rolling averages based on the annual values. The measure value is the 3-year rolling average number of trammeling actions.		'''Step 3: Enter data in NRM and the WCMD. Track trammeling actions annually and enter them into the NRM-WCM application for each fiscal year.''' NRM-WCM will sum the counts of all authorized trammeling actions to generate an annual value. Local units must then validate the value generated by NRM-WCM and correct records in NRM as necessary. Once validated, enter the annual value in the WCMD. The WCMD automatically calculates 3-year rolling averages based on the annual values. The measure value is the 3-year rolling average number of trammeling actions.