1. Wilderness Characteristics Guidance for the BLM
I. Introduction
II. Inventory Procedures
A. Background
B. Route Analysis & Boundary Identification
C. Size
D. Naturalness
E. Outstanding Opportunities & Supplemental Values
F. Boundary adjustments & LWC documentation
III. Planning
Inventory - Naturalness

2. Inventory Procedures: Naturalness
Wilderness Characteristics Guidance for the BLM
Inventory Procedures:
Naturalness
Inventory - Naturalness

3. Inventory - Naturalness
Naturalness – part 1
Appears to be in a natural ecological condition
to the average visitor, not trained biologist
not ”pristine” or total ecological integrity
relatively unaffected by modern human activities
non-native species do not automatically disqualify
Inventory - Naturalness

4. Inventory - Naturalness
Naturalness – part 2
Are human developments too noticeable?
area should look at though it was affected primarily by the forces of nature
human developments substantially unnoticeable
document all noticeable human impacts
Inventory - Naturalness

5. Inventory - Naturalness
Naturalness – part 2
Are human developments too noticeable?
trails & trail signs
fire rings
small radio repeaters
stockponds
cultural properties
weather stations
fences
spring developments
Cumulative impacts?
Inventory - Naturalness

6. Inventory - Naturalness
Naturalness – part 2
Cumulative impacts?
Inventory - Naturalness

7. Inventory - Naturalness
Naturalness – part 2
Cumulative impacts?
Inventory - Naturalness

8. Inventory - Naturalness
Naturalness – part 2
Do not consider impacts from outside –
unless they ruin ecosystem function
Evaluate major effects from outside
Inventory - Naturalness

9. Naturalness – Documentation
Document naturalness rationale
appears to be in natural condition
looks to be affected primarily by the forces of nature
human impacts substantially unnoticeable
Inventory - Naturalness

10. Naturalness – Documentation
Document naturalness rationale
If naturalness criterion is not met
no wilderness characteristics
further inventory activity not necessary
document!
If naturalness criterion is met
proceed to “opportunities” criterion
Inventory - Naturalness

11. Inventory Procedures: Naturalness
Wilderness Characteristics Guidance for the BLM
Inventory Procedures:
Naturalness
End of Module IID
Inventory - Naturalness