Glossary

303(d) list of impaired water bodies

The list of impaired and threatened waters that the Clean Water Act requires all states to identify. This list specifies where required pollution controls are not sufficient to attain or maintain applicable water quality standards, and helps establish priorities for development of total maximum daily loads based on the severity of the pollution and the sensitivity of the uses to be made of the waters, among other factors.

abundance

The number of individuals in a population.

administrative authorization

An authorization to use motor vehicles, motorized equipment or mechanical transport determined as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the administration of the area that are not of an emergency nature, or allowed through a special provision in legislation.

animal unit months

The amount of forage required by a 1,000-pound cow, or the equivalent, for 1 month.

area away from access and travel routes and developments inside wilderness

The area of a wilderness located more than ½ mile from wilderness trails, roads, and developments. The sights and sounds of human activity inside wilderness are generally less likely to impact this area.

area away from adjacent travel routes and developments outside the wilderness

The area of a wilderness located more than ½ mile from nonwilderness roads, structures, and developments, including infrastructure located on inholdings and cherry-stemmed roads. The sights and sounds of human activity outside the wilderness are generally less likely to impact this area.

authorized action

An action which is approved by an employee of the Forest Service to whom the appropriate authority has been delegated.

authorized recreation features

Recreation features installed and maintained by the Forest Service, or historical structures used by visitors. These facilities include toilets, picnic tables, bear poles or other food storage structures, permanent fire rings/ grates, shelters, developed water sources, corrals for recreational stock holding, large bridges, and Forest Service-constructed tent pads or sleeping platforms.

baseline conditions

The starting point for assessing change over time without value judgment as to whether these conditions are good, bad, or desired. best available scientific information: Scientific information which each local wilderness unit is required to use for all selected measures. Determined by subjective evaluation of data quantity, quality, and adequacy by resource specialists for all potential data sources considered for each measure. “Available” refers to information that currently exists in a useful form, and that does not require further data collection, modification, or validation. If the only available data are insufficient in quantity, they may still be considered the best available scientific information for the local unit. In general, the highest quality data will be considered the best available scientific information.

biophysical environment

“The earth and its community of life” including, but not limited to, vegetation, fish, wildlife, insects, pathogens, soil, and water.

building

A structure to support, shelter, or enclose persons, animals, or property of any kind.

building of historical value

Any prehistoric or historic building included in, or eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places or which qualify for protection and preservation under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (P.L. 96-95).

camp encounters

The daily mean number of camping groups visible or audible from a visitor’s campsite during the primary use season.

central data analyst

A Washington Office staff position that is responsible for gathering the data from national-level monitoring programs, e.g., the Forest Service Air Resource Management Program, and preparing these data and then entering them into the WCMD for each wilderness. This position is also responsible for consulting with a statistician to determine the appropriate type or form of regression used for statistically analyzing trend in the measures.

change management process

A comprehensive process necessary in all monitoring programs that begins with the identification of a need for change and ends with the resolution of that request.

cherry-stemmed roads

A road or trail that is excluded from a wilderness by a non-wilderness corridor with designated wilderness on both sides.

Class I area

Areas of the country protected under the Clean Air Act and afforded the opportunity for the highest level of air quality protection. As defined by the Clean Air Act, Class I areas include the following areas that were in existence as of August 7, 1977: national parks larger than 6,000 acres, national wilderness areas and national memorial parks larger than 5,000 acres, and international parks.

Class II area

Areas of the country protected under the Clean Air Act, but identified for somewhat less stringent protection from air pollution damage than a Class I area (except in specified cases).

component score

The score calculated for an individual component of an index. All component scores are combined to generate the index value.

critical load

The amount of pollutant loading below which negative impacts to sensitive resources do not occur; a threshold for air pollution effects.

cumulative effects

The impact on the environment which results from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time.

dam

Any artificial barrier, including appurtenant works, that impounds or diverts water, either temporarily or long term.

data accuracy

The degree to which the data express the true condition of the measure.

data adequacy

The reliability of data to assess trends in a measure. Determined by combining the assessments of data quality and data quantity, and classified as “high,” “medium,” or “low.”

data quality

The level of confidence about the data source and whether the data are of sufficient quality to reliably identify trends in the measure. Assessed by data accuracy, data reliability, and data relevance, and classified as "good," "moderate," or "poor."

data quantity

The level of confidence that all appropriate data records have been gathered; classified as "complete," "partial," or "insufficient."

deciview

The unit of measurement of haze. Deciview is a measure of visibility derived from light extinction that is designed so that incremental changes in the haze index correspond to uniform incremental changes in visual perception, across the entire range of conditions from pristine to highly impaired. The haze index (in units of deciviews [dv]) is calculated directly from the total light extinction.

decommissioned

A road that has been withdrawn from service. Decommissioning is defined as the “Demolition, dismantling, removal, obliteration or disposal of a deteriorated or otherwise unneeded asset or component, including necessary cleanup work” (Financial Health–Common Definitions for Maintenance and Construction Terms, July 22, 1998).

developed trails

Maintained National Forest System trails in Trail Classes 3 to 5.

distribution categories

Categories based on the known or estimated geographic distribution of a species over the entire wilderness. Used for the measures Index of Nonindigenous Terrestrial Animal Species and Index of Nonindigenous Aquatic Animal Species (sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 in part 2, respectively).

diversion

A dam built to divert water from a waterway or stream into another watercourse.

dry deposition

The fraction of atmospheric deposition deposited in dry weather through such processes as settling, impaction, and adsorption.

emergency incident

An event relating to public health and safety that may require a response from emergency personnel and of which an emergency responder is aware.

encounter

Meeting other people while traveling through an area as well as seeing or hearing other campers.

exotic species

Non-native species that are not considered invasive.

extirpated species

An indigenous species that formerly occurred within an area but is no longer present there. An extirpated species is different from an extinct species in that extinction is the loss of all the individuals of a species on Earth, whereas a species may be extirpated from one area but still living in another area.

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) compliant metadata

File of information which captures the basic characteristics of a data or information resource by representing the who, what, when, where, why and how of the resource. These metadata must meet standards that are endorsed by the FGDC.

Federal land manager

The federal official(s) who have the authority to administer federal lands.

fire suppression

Management action to extinguish a fire or contain fire spread, beginning with its discovery.

fixed instrumentation site

An unattended measurement device left in place for at least one year for the purpose of recording environmental data, such as meteorology or seismic activity.

frequency

Within this technical guide, frequency refers to how often data are compiled, analyzed, and entered into the WCMD.

full-time residential (year-round) building

Buildings occupied by people for a cumulative total of more than 6 months each year, such as certain crew quarters.

grazing infrastructure

Structural range "improvements" on or relating to rangelands which are designed to improve production of forage, change vegetative composition, control patterns of use, provide water, stabilize soil and water conditions, and provide habitat for livestock and wildlife. These improvements can be permanent (e.g., dams, ponds, pipelines, wells, and fences) or temporary (e.g., portable troughs, pumps, and electric fences).

haze

An atmospheric aerosol of sufficient concentration to be visible caused by suspended particles that absorb and scatter light. The particles are so small that they cannot be seen individually, but are still effective at attenuating light and reducing visual range.

Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC)

Each hydrologic unit is identified by a unique hydrologic unit code (HUC) consisting of two to twelve digits based on the six levels of classification: 2-digit HUC first-level (region) 4-digit HUC second-level (subregion) 6-digit HUC third-level (accounting unit) 8-digit HUC fourth-level (cataloguing unit) 10-digit HUC fifth-level (watershed) 12-digit HUC sixth-level (subwatershed).

impact categories

Categories which estimate the relative effect of a nonindigenous animal species on the Natural Quality of wilderness character. Used for the Index of Nonindigenous Terrestrial Animal Species and Index of Nonindigenous Aquatic Animal Species measures (sections 3.3.1 and 3.3.2, respectively).

impaired watershed

According to the Watershed Condition Framework (WCF), a class of watersheds with significant impairment to beneficial uses of the water bodies in the watershed. These watersheds have impaired function because some physical, hydrological, or biological threshold has been exceeded.

index value

The value calculated by totaling the component scores for all components in an index. For measures that use an index based on an annual or 5-year frequency of data compilation and analysis, the index value is the same as the measure value. For measures that use an index based on a 3-year rolling average, the index value is calculated each year and the measure value is the 3-year rolling average.

indicators

Distinct and important components under each monitoring question.

indigenous species

A species that originally inhabited a particular wilderness; same as native species.

inholdings

Land parcels that are not federally owned, including patented mining claims, which occur entirely inside a wilderness.

instream structures

Constructed features found within a river channel, including dams and other instream structures such as diversions, fish ladders and weirs.

integral cultural features

Prehistoric and historical features which make an area’s meaning and significance as wilderness clearer and more distinct. The physical feature should convey a story about a distinctive interwoven human relationship with the land that helps enrich the meaning of the area as wilderness and may have educational, scientific, or scenic values.

integral site-specific features of value

Certain features which make an area’s meaning and significance as wilderness clearer and more distinct (e.g., geological, paleontological, biological, cultural, and other significant features).

intentional manipulation

An action that purposefully alters, hinders, restricts, controls, or manipulates “the earth and its community of life,” including effects to the type, amount, or distribution of plants, animals, soil, water, or biophysical processes (such as fire) inside a designated wilderness.

invasive species

A species that is alien (or non-native) to a wilderness and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human health.

legacy or historical data

Data that pre-date the WCM baseline year. Legacy data may be used in WCM if they were collected (1) after the area was designated as wilderness or managed to preserve wilderness character and (2) using consistent, credible, and documented protocols that are directly relevant to WCM.

level of effort

The amount of work, time, and energy put into data collection.

meaningful change

The amount of change in the data that would result in a change in trend for a measure. Thresholds for meaningful change are defined for each measure. Meaningful change in a measure is not directly tied to, or based on, a national forest’s land or resource management plan, nor does it represent significant change or impacts as defined by NEPA.

measure baseline year

The first year that data for a measure have been compiled; the reference point against which the trend in a measure is assessed and evaluated.

measure value

The single value produced for each year of data compilation for a measure; this value is used to derive the trend in the measure. For measures that use an index based on an annual or 5-year frequency of data compilation and analysis, the index value is the same as the measure value. For measures that use an index based on a 3-year rolling average, the index value is calculated each year and the measure value is the 3-year rolling average.

measures

The specific elements under each indicator on which data are collected to assess the trend of each indicator of each wilderness character quality; data compiled for a measure must be relevant, reliable, and cost-efficient.

mechanical transportation

Any contrivance for moving people or material in or over land, water, or air, having moving parts, that provides a mechanical advantage to the user, and that is powered by a living or nonliving power source. This category includes, but is not limited to, sailboats, hang gliders, parachutes, bicycles, game carriers, carts, and wagons. It does not include wheelchairs when used as necessary medical appliances. It also does not include skis, snowshoes, rafts, canoes, sleds, travois, or similar primitive devices without moving parts.

metadata

A set of data that describes and gives information about other data.

minimum requirements analyses (MRA)

Analyses designed for use when making a determination that one of the 'prohibited uses,' listed in Section 4(c) of The Wilderness Act of 1964, is the minimum necessary requirement. The determination that an administrative action is necessary in wilderness and the selection of the minimum method or tool to be used is made within the constraints of law and agency policy. Once a determination has been made that action is necessary, Forest Service policy sets conditions under which exceptions to the prohibited uses (e.g., motorized equipment, mechanical transport) may be considered and guidelines for when the exceptions should be applied.

monitoring questions

Questions which capture the essential components of each wilderness character quality that are significantly different from one another and address specific management questions and monitoring goals.

motorized equipment

Machines that use a motor, engine, or other nonliving power sources. This category includes, but is not limited to, such machines as chain saws, aircraft, snowmobiles, generators, motor boats, and motor vehicles. It does not include small battery or gas-powered hand-carried devices such as shavers, wristwatches, flashlights, cameras, stoves, or other similar equipment.

National Forest System (NFS) road

A road wholly or partly within or adjacent to the NFS that the Forest Service determines is necessary for the protection, administration, and utilization of the NFS and the use and development of its resources. This is a forest road other than a road which has been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a state, county, or local public road authority.

National Forest System (NFS) trail

A forest trail other than a trail which has been authorized by a legally documented right-of-way held by a state, county, or local public road authority.

native species

A species that originally inhabited a particular wilderness; same as indigenous species.

Natural Quality

A quality of wilderness character; wilderness ecological systems are substantially free from the effects of modern civilization.

naturally ignited fire

Any fire ignited by natural means such as a lightning strike.

Natural Resource Manager (NRM)

A system of database tools for managing Agency data across the Forest Service. Natural Resource Manager includes: Forest Service Activity Tracking System (FACTS), Infrastructure (Infra), Natural Resource Information System (NRIS), and Timber Information Manager (TIM) applications. NRM applications provide tools for most of the agency's natural resource business areas.

nonindigenous species

Any species that occurs inside a wilderness because of human influence, including intentional and unintentional introductions and transplants, as well as feral domesticated animals such as feral horses; same as nonnative species.

non-native species

Any species that occurs inside a wilderness because of human influence, including intentional and unintentional introductions and transplants, as well as feral domesticated animals such as feral horses; same as nonindigenous species.

non-primitive grazing related infrastructure

Grazing related infrastructure which is constructed predominantly of non-native materials (metal or treated wood posts).

non-recreational physical development

Any physical development that is constructed for any purpose other than recreation such as a dam or utility infrastructure.

non-residential, unoccupied, or abandoned building

A building that is not occupied by people, including non-residential buildings that are designed and built to support functions other than human habitation, such as storage sheds, as well as residential buildings that were occupied in the past but no longer are, such as repurposed or abandoned structures.

non-system roads

Roads that are not actively managed as NFS roads, but that are still visible to the visitor and are clearly distinguishable as having been constructed or used as a road. They may have fallen into disrepair, been actively decommissioned, been constructed by users, or may pre-date wilderness designation.

offsetting stable trend

The trend in an indicator when there is an equal number of improving- and degrading-trending measures.

operational maintenance level

FSH 7709.59, section 62.3, defines this as: “…the level of service provided by, and maintenance required for, a specific road. Maintenance levels must be consistent with road management objectives and maintenance criteria.”

Other Features of Value Quality

A quality of wilderness character; ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.

ozone

A pollutant formed when emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in the presence of sunlight.

part-time residential (seasonal) building

Buildings occupied by people for a cumulative total of 6 months or less each year, such as functioning fire lookouts.

persistent structure

Anything built with the intent of altering the biophysical environment in wilderness (e.g., fish barriers, dams, water diversions, trail systems, guzzlers, bat gates, fencing).

piscicide

A chemical substance that is poisonous to fish.

prescribed fire

Any fire ignited by management actions under certain, predetermined conditions to meet specific objectives related to hazardous fuels or habitat improvement. A written, approved prescribed fire plan must exist, and National Environmental Policy Act requirements must be met before ignition. Prescribed fires are ignited and managed within a “window” of very specific conditions, including winds, temperatures, humidity, and other factors specified in the burn plan.

preserved

In the context of wilderness character monitoring, wilderness character is preserved if the overall trend is either stable or improving.

primary use areas

Locally identified areas that receive approximately 80 percent of the total use of a wilderness. The following link provides information about primary use areas: http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/documents/recsitemonitor/ National%20Minimum%20Recreation%20Site%20Monitoring%20Protocol.pdf.

primary measure

Cannot be locally modified, must be assigned when multiple “Required to Select At Least One” measures are selected.

primitive grazing related infrastructure—Grazing related infrastructure which is constructed of native materials or native materials and wire.

primitive recreation

A type of recreation that requires self-reliance and demonstration of skills in wilderness travel that reinforce the connection to our ancestors and our American heritage. This encompasses reliance on personal skills to travel and camp in an area (rather than reliance on facilities or outside help), travel by non-motorized and non-mechanical means (such as horse, foot, canoe), and living in an environment with minimal facilities.

protocol

Step by step instructions on how to compile, analyze, and enter data for a measure.

public values

Within wilderness, these include, but are not limited to, opportunities for scientific study, education, solitude, physical and mental challenge and stimulation, inspiration, and primitive recreation experiences.

qualities

The primary elements of wilderness character that link directly to the statutory language of the 1964 Wilderness Act. The following qualities apply nationwide to every wilderness managed by the Forest Service: Untrammeled, Natural, Undeveloped, and Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation. Another quality, Other Features of Value, may also apply to a wilderness managed by the Forest Service.

quality assurance (QA)

The total integrated program for ensuring that the uncertainties inherent in inventory and monitoring data are known and do not exceed acceptable magnitudes, within a stated level of confidence. QA encompasses the plans, specifications, and policies affecting the collection, processing, and reporting of data. It is the system of activities designed to provide officials with independent assurance that quality control is being effectively implemented uniformly throughout the inventory and monitoring programs.

quality control (QC)

The routine application of prescribed field and office procedures to reduce random and systematic errors and ensure that data are generated within known and acceptable performance limits. QC involves using qualified personnel, using reliable equipment and supplies, training personnel, and strictly adhering to service-wide standard operating procedures for tasks such as information needs assessments, establishment of standards and methods, data collection, data processing, classification, mapping, analysis, and dissemination.

recreation site

A place where visible impacts to vegetation or soil are documented as a result of repeated recreational use.

regression

A commonly used statistical technique to determine if there is a significant change in one variable, for example, the amount of nitrogen deposition or the number of trammeling actions, in relation to another variable, such as time over several years. There are many different regression models (that is, types or forms of regression), and the appropriate model for each measure will be chosen by the central data analyst in consultation with a statistician based on the properties of the data used for each measure.

remoteness

Having distance from the sights and sounds of civilization.

restrictions on visitor behavior

Formally adopted regulations or policies that govern visitor behavior, travel, or equipment.

road

A motor vehicle route over 50 inches wide, unless identified and managed as a trail.

sensitive lichen species

Species of lichen that develop structural changes in response to air pollution, including reduced photosynthesis and bleaching. Sensitive lichen species eventually die or diminish if pollution levels are elevated. Lichen communities that retain the species most sensitive to air pollution indicate good air quality.

solitude

The quality or state of being alone or remote from society. This encapsulates a range of experiences, including privacy, being away from civilization, inspiration, self-paced activities, and a sense of connection with times past.

Solitude or Primitive and Unconfined Recreation Quality

A quality of wilderness character; these outstanding opportunities must be provided for people to experience in a wilderness, including opportunities for inspiration, introspection, natural quiet, physical and mental challenge, and freedom from society and regulation.

special provision authorization

An authorization to use motor vehicles, motorized equipment, or mechanical transport as specified by statute.

Theil-Sen slope

A non-parametric regression which minimizes the influence of data outliers (e.g., an extreme value will not unduly affect the trend calculation).

threshold

The amount of change in the data necessary to qualify as a meaningful change in the measure.

total deposition

The sum of atmospheric deposition from wet and dry deposition.

trail

A route 50 inches or less in width or a route over 50 inches wide that is identified and managed as a trail.

trail class

The prescribed scale of development for a trail, representing its intended design and management standards. Each trail class is defined in terms of applicable tread and traffic flow, obstacles, constructed feature and trail elements, signs, typical recreation environment, and experience. Trail classes range from trail class 1 (minimally developed) to trail class 5 (fully developed).

trammeling action

An action or persistent structure that intentionally manipulates “the earth and its community of life” inside a designated wilderness or inside an area that by agency policy is managed as wilderness.

travel routes

Trails, roads, and aircraft landing sites.

traveling encounters

The mean number of other groups (or people) seen per standardized unit of time (typically an 8-hour day) while in wilderness during the primary use season.

trend in a measure

How a measure is changing over time to evaluate whether a certain measure is improving, degrading or remaining stable since the baseline year of data collection.

trend in wilderness character

How wilderness character is changing over time; whether wilderness character has remained stable or improved (i.e., has been preserved), or has degraded, since the year of designation.

unauthorized action

An action which is not approved by an employee of the U.S. Forest Service to whom the appropriate authority has been delegated.

unauthorized trail

A trail that is not a forest trail or a temporary trail and that is not included in a forest transportation atlas. This includes user-created trails as well as other routes (e.g., decommissioned roads or trails) that are in use.

unconfined recreation

A type of recreation in which visitors experience a high degree of freedom over their own actions and decisions. This encompasses the sense of discovery, adventure, exploration, and mental challenge presented by large wildernesses in which one can travel widely and explore unique and unknown environments on one’s own without having to conform to society’s norms or rules.

Undeveloped Quality

A quality of wilderness character; wilderness retains its primeval character and influence, and is essentially without permanent improvements or modern human occupation.

Untrammeled Quality

A quality of wilderness character; wilderness is essentially unhindered and free from modern human control or manipulation.

user-created sites

Unauthorized developments or infrastructure which has not been authorized by a Forest Service Federal land manager. In wilderness, these areas are often constructed to support recreational use, such as hitching posts, fire rings, and temporary shelters.

user-created trails

Trails which were not created by an authorized action.

utility infrastructure

The constructed features used to convey or support basic services such as electricity, telecommunication, gas, or water. Utility infrastructure is classified as "small scale" (an individual site occupying less than one acre in total size), "moderate scale" (either (a) an individual site that equals or exceeds one acre in size or (b) requires an above-ground linear corridor, but is of a generally small scale, typically less than a half-mile in length), or "large scale" (requires an above-ground linear corridor, but is of a generally large scale, typically equal to or greater than a half-mile in length).

watershed condition

The state of the physical and biological characteristics and processes within a watershed that affect the soil and hydrologic functions supporting aquatic ecosystems. Watershed condition reflects a range of variability from natural pristine (functioning properly) to degraded (severely altered state or impaired).

watershed condition class

Within the Watershed Condition Framework (WCF), this describes the watershed condition in terms of discrete categories (or classes) that reflect the level of watershed health or integrity; classified as Class 1 = functioning properly, Class 2 = functioning at risk, or Class 3 = impaired function.

watershed score

Within the Watershed Condition Framework (WCF), this numerical value reflects the level of watershed health or integrity based on 12 different indicators: water quality, water quantity, aquatic habitat, aquatic biota, roads and trails, soils, riparian/wetland vegetation, fire regime or wildfire, forest cover, rangeland vegetation, terrestrial invasive species, and forest health. Watershed condition scores are tracked to one decimal point and reported as watershed condition classes 1, 2, or 3. Class 1 = scores from 1.0 to 1.6, Class 2 = scores from 1.7 to 2.2, and Class 3 = scores from 2.3 to 3.0.

WCM baseline year

The first year that data for all measures have been compiled; the reference point against which the trend in wilderness character is assessed and evaluated.

wet deposition

The fraction of atmospheric deposition contained in precipitation, predominantly rain and snow.

wilderness

“A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. An area of wilderness is further defined to mean in this Act an area of undeveloped federal land retaining its primeval character and influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, which is protected and managed so as to preserve its natural conditions and which (1) generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the imprint of man's work substantially unnoticeable; (2) has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation; (3) has at least 5,000 acres of land or is of sufficient size as to make practicable its preservation and use in an unimpaired condition; and (4) may also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value.” (1964 Wilderness Act, Public Law 88-577, Section 2c).

wilderness character

“Wilderness character is a holistic concept based on the interaction of (1) biophysical environments primarily free from modern human manipulation and impact, (2) personal experiences in natural environments relatively free from the encumbrances and signs of modern society, and (3) symbolic meanings of humility, restraint, and interdependence that inspire human connection with nature. Taken together, these tangible and intangible values define wilderness character and distinguish wilderness from all other lands.” (Landres et al. 2015).

wilderness character monitoring (WCM)

The process of assessing the overall trend in wilderness character using the interagency strategy described in Keeping it Wild 2 (Landres et al. 2015).

Wilderness Character Monitoring Database (WCMD)

A single place for all agencies to enter their wilderness character monitoring data, store these data, and develop trend reports.

wilderness stewardship

Mandated by the Wilderness Act of 1964 such that each agency administering any area designated as wilderness shall be responsible for preserving the wilderness character of the area.

Wilderness Stewardship Performance (WSP)

A framework to track how well the U.S. Forest Service is meeting our primary responsibility under the Wilderness Act- which is to preserve wilderness character.