Hi! Welcome to your guidebook. We hope this guidebook helps you understand the 10 Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge and provides you with some tools to help you implement it. We have tried to answer many questions here; however, we recognize individual wilderness managers have the best understanding of their unique situations and are responsible for making their own judgment on how to report on the accomplishments. Therefore this guide will not tell you what to report. Ultimately, this is up to you.

Executive SummaryThe 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge (Challenge) was developed by the Chief’s Wilderness Advisory Group (WAG) as a quantifiable measurement of the Forest Service’s success in Wilderness stewardship. The goal identified by the Wilderness Advisory Group, and endorsed by the Chief, is to bring each and every wilderness under Forest Service management to a minimum stewardship level by the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act in 2014. The first year of the Challenge was Fiscal Year 2005.

Wilderness encompasses nearly 20% of the land area of the National Forest System. The Wilderness Act of 1964 states that wilderness is to be managed for the “enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness.” With improving technologies and ever increasing pressure from a growing population, wilderness program responsibilities and complexities have increased while available wilderness workforce has decreased. Consequently, concerns have risen at many levels of the agency regarding our ability, at the ground level, to assure the protection and perpetuation of wilderness.

In 2002, an assessment of critical tasks of wilderness stewardship was applied nationally, and wildernesses did not fare well. An earlier attempt to quantify wilderness management tasks had identified over 200 individual tasks. The Wilderness Information Management Steering Group, in an effort to simplify this measurement, distilled these 200 individual tasks down to 10 comprehensive elements. A “minimum stewardship level” was defined as meeting 6 out of the 10 elements. The 2002 data indicated that

(Last updated 07/10/2013)

10 -Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge

Guidebook

only 8% of the Forest Service Wildernesses were managed to this “minimum stewardship level.”

Data from the 2005 reporting indicate only a slight improvement from the original assessment, with approximately 12% of wildernesses meeting the minimum level of stewardship. Since then, accomplishment has been in a positive direction, most recently 73.2% of wildernesses reported being managed to this standard as of the FY 2012 reporting cycle. Perhaps more encouragingly, the average score for all wildernesses has risen steadily from 34.7 in FY 2005 to 65.5 in FY 2012.

It is clear that the Challenge cannot be met by utilizing resources in wilderness and recreation alone. An interdisciplinary approach is necessary. Support is needed from specialists in air quality, aquatics, botany, fire, and wildlife. Leadership and field managers will need to work closely with these programs to successfully meet the Challenge.

Feedback RequestedThe Wilderness Advisory Group is interested in making this guidebook as helpful as possible. If you’ve referred to this Guidebook with a question, and did not find an answer, or if you are confused by what has been written, we want to hear from you. If you have comments or suggestions, please send them to Steve Boutcher (sboutcher@fs.fed.us).

What is the purpose of the 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge? For the first time, critical parts of the job of wilderness management are defined.

The 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge provides a yardstick against which we can evaluate how we are doing and what it will take to reach successful stewardship levels. It’s important to remember that the 10 elements identified in the Challenge are not to be regarded as a checklist or a card to be punched. Attainment of each element is a stepping-stone to ensure that each wilderness retains its untamed spirit into the future. The purpose of the 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge is to insure that wildernesses are managed as required by the Wilderness Act and passed to the next generation in better condition than when they were designated.

How does the 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge impact the way wilderness is managed within the Forest Service?

The 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge will bring a multi-disciplinary focus to wilderness management. The Forest Service oversees 33% of the National Wilderness Preservation System; wilderness comprises 19% of the land base of the Forest Service. It is essential to have specialists from a variety of disciplines to help with this task. Specialists from air quality, hydrology, botany,

Frequently Asked Questions

fire, heritage, and fish and wildlife should continue or begin to address wilderness stewardship in their annual program of work.

What will happen if the 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge is not implemented?

The Wilderness Act requires the Forest Service to preserve wilderness character and insures that the adverse effects of human activities do not impair natural conditions. The 10YWSC is a measure of how the agency is handling this responsibility.

Wilderness management may continue to take a backseat to the myriad of demands being made on the Forest Service. With achievable, measurable outcomes we can clearly articulate the job that is and is not being done to protect wilderness and its wilderness character.

What happens once the 10–Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge “minimum stewardship level” is met?

Bringing all wildernesses up to the level where they are considered “meeting the minimum stewardship level” will bring Forest Service wildernesses to a standard not achieved before. However, this is only a step towards “preserving wilderness as an enduring resource.” If we are to maintain a minimum level of stewardship, plans will need to be implemented and progress must be checked through monitoring. Elements may be modified through time, if necessary, to meet the intent of our mandate.

Some of the 10 elements are not NFRW funded - - why are we being held responsible for achieving these elements?

Some level of NFRW funding (dollars allocated to the recreation and wilderness programs) is needed in each element for project initiation and coordination. Wilderness managers, while not ultimately responsible for completion of fire plans, should still be closely involved with those specialists who will be doing the work.

Wilderness does not operate in a vacuum and is not just about recreation. Instead, the wilderness resource is a collection of integrated components including air, water, fish, wildlife, plants, heritage resources, and fire. In the past, management of these resources has often stopped at the wilderness boundary. There is a need to integrate funds, resources, and cooperation among programs in order to effectively manage wilderness. Achievement of the 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge is the responsibility of all employees regardless of funding source and opportunities exist for discussion with and education of other specialists who may not typically work in wilderness.

If successful accomplishment is scoring 60 points, then what is the incentive to do more and better stewardship for the resource? I envision people developing plans to check off as many elements as possible but it won’t improve things in wilderness. Isn’t this just a paper exercise?

While it may be tempting to view this as a checklist, each element has a desired outcome that will actually make a difference on the ground. Planning plays a large role in management of the national forests; but without actual implementation, efforts will fail. A plan on the shelf may get you some points in certain elements; but to progress farther, field work must take place.

What quality of wilderness do you want in fifty years? The purpose of planning is to take a hard look at a resource, develop strategies for improvement and to take a proactive role in preserving its desired conditions. Minimally, this effort will serve as a mechanism to determine what is there, what threats may appear, and how to deal with those threats.

Once my wilderness scores 60 or more points, will I get less funding? Achieving a score of 60 points is not a one-time accomplishment. It is recognized

that maintaining or exceeding that level is equally important. Each region is developing a strategy (make sure you have seen yours) and should concentrate on maintaining good stewardship as well as initially meeting a score of 60 points. Without continued attention, it’s possible that a wilderness could score 60 points one year and fewer points in the following year.

Why is there an inconsistency in the points available for the different levels of achievement?

Some elements have a different point system that acknowledges different levels of accomplishment within that element. What is consistent from element to element is the 6-point level which defines fully meeting that element. Below that level are the incremental steps that must be accomplished to meet that element and scoring above 6-points rewards accomplishment beyond simply meeting the element. Some levels are relatively easy to meet with only a few resources; others will depend on an interdisciplinary process and a longer time frame.

The wilderness I manage is small with few issues and I believe it is managed to the minimum standard even though the planning required in the 10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge has not been done. How do I report that the area is managed to the minimum standard?

The reporting system does not allow for documentation of wilderness managed to minimum standard except through the Challenge. The requirement for planning is included in most of the elements because it is important, even for a small wilderness, to establish a desired condition and set standards or guidelines to insure that wilderness character is preserved over the long run.

The planning and monitoring requirements for a small wilderness with few issues can be accomplished by using established processes effectively and efficiently to fit the situation. For example, a Wilderness Education Plan does not have to be long and complex to be meaningful and it could be combined with an Education Plan for an adjacent or nearby larger area.

Will the definitions or scoring ever change? Some changes have been and may continue to be necessary because other

resource areas changed their processes or terminology or agency guidance has been revised (e.g., fire management plans, forest plan revision rule).

Additional changes may be necessary to clarify terminology or to better reflect agency capabilities but these changes are not arbitrary and are carefully considered by the Wilderness Advisory Group and the Regional Wilderness Program Managers to avoid “raising the bar” and minimize inconsistency in annual reporting.

The definitions have been quite stable over the past 5-6 years.

How do changes in the scoring affect accomplishment of the 10YWSC? The 10YWSC uses an annual reporting system to monitor progress towards

achieving the goal of all wildernesses managed to the minimum stewardship level by 2014. Changes in scoring may cause fluctuations in annual reporting but there will likely be other differences between reporting years due to factors such as budget, staffing, other agency priorities, fire or weather events, etc. Annual fluctuations are not as important as the overall trend and achievement of the goal of the 10YWSC.

Who does the upward reporting and how is it done? Every wilderness has an assigned data steward. Data stewards come from

different levels of the organization and may or may not be the person that directly manages the wilderness. The data steward won’t necessarily be the one who enters the data; they are merely the person responsible for ensuring the data is entered accurately and on schedule. Wilderness managers should know who their data steward is and work with them to report the most accurate information possible. The reporting is done through Infra-WILD immediately after the fiscal year ends.

How do I report scores that differ between forests for the same wilderness? The goal is to manage each wilderness as a single unit and to coordinate

management when the wilderness is within two or more national forests (FSM 2320.3 #6). Often this is accomplished through unified management or shared services so that the differences in management and accomplishment are minimized. If annual scoring for the 10YWSC is widely different between forests it is an indicator of a need for increased coordination to insure common interpretation of the elements and agreement on priorities.

If differences in scores between forests cannot be resolved or leveled they should not be averaged for annual reporting. In order to honestly reflect achievement of the 10YWSC for the entire wilderness the lowest score should be reported.

Who do I call when I have questions about reporting? Reporting instructions are sent out each year prior to the due date. Coordinate

with the person on your Forest who is responsible for reporting the data prior to

approval. It is recommended that individual wilderness managers consult among themselves in their regions in order to ensure accurate interpretation of what is reported.

Links

WAG home pageLead Wilderness Data Steward home page

The 10 Elements

Element # 1Fire Management direction exists in the Forest Land Management Plan (LMP), or an amendment to the LMP, and information is contained in the Fire Management Plan (FMP) or the Fire Management References System (FMRS) which address the natural role of fire in wilderness and informs the full range of management responses to wildland fire.

Outcome Wilderness considerations are incorporated into the Forest Plan and Fire Management Plan Fire in wilderness is managed to preserve natural conditions. Wilderness character is maintained regardless of the management response.

What is the primary consideration necessary for achieving both fire and wilderness management objectives for Element 1?

Each accomplishment level of this element requires close cooperation and coordination by wilderness managers, fire managers, and other resource specialists.

Do I need a standalone wildland fire management plan for wilderness?Generally the answer is no. What you need is adequate language in your Forest Land Management Plan (LMP) which addresses the natural role of fire and a forest Fire Management Plan that guides planning for planned ignitions and response to an unplanned ignition in wilderness.

The 1995 Federal Fire Policy requires Fire Management Plans for all areas with burnable vegetation.

Wilderness specific FMPs may be created by Forests to implement forest plan direction for management of fire in wilderness, if necessary, in areas where the response to an unplanned ignition is different inside vs. outside wilderness.

How often do Fire Management Plans need to be updated? The Fire Management Plan is typically updated each year or on a schedule that is

consistent with fire management policy. Check with your unit Fire Management Officer (FMO) for the revision schedule.

The fire management plan may be counted as adequate if it is current for the fire season included in the annual reporting period. .

Who is responsible for developing a Fire Management Plan and how is it accomplished?

Frequently Asked Questions

Fire managers have the lead and responsibility for preparing the Fire Management Plan.

FMPs are developed using an interdisciplinary approach and it is critical that fire and wilderness managers work together to identify and accomplish both fire and wilderness management objectives.

Preparation work for the FMP is typically funded using the Primary Purpose budget advice.

What are the essential elements of a Fire Management Plan? The essential elements of the FMP are described in the National Fire Policy.

Current guidance for development of FMPS and for including supplemental information in the Fire Management References System files is found at: http:/. http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/fire/fmp/

See your Fire Chief or Fire Manager. The Wilderness Fire Checklist (see below) may also be useful.

What is the “Wilderness Checklist for Fire Management Plans”? Do I need to comply with all items in the checklist to claim credit for this element?

The Wilderness Checklist (see link below) was developed to ensure wilderness resource concerns are adequately incorporated into the development of fire management plans. This document is meant to be used as a tickler list. Local staff can determine which specific items are appropriate for inclusion in their fire management plans.

How is the FMP implemented and who pays for it? The FMP is implemented, after approval, by Fire Managers in coordination with

wilderness managers and other resource specialists. Implementation of the FMP is typically funded using the Primary Purpose budget

advice for the Fire program. The NFRW BLI is not primarily responsible for implementation of the FMP in wilderness. .

How do I evaluate the effectiveness of our FMP? Begin by evaluating the Wilderness Checklist items you have incorporated into

the FMP annually. Perhaps you will find that you need to add additional items specific to your wilderness such as:

o Is FMP information adequate in guiding the appropriate management response?

o Is FMP information adequate in protecting the wilderness resource?

Can I claim credit for implementation if conditions on my forest (i.e. air quality restrictions) didn’t allow for wildland fire use?

Implementation, as defined in the counting instructions, means that you have wilderness fire management direction in the LMP and information in the FMP for managing unplanned ignitions occurring in wilderness, you evaluate the option of managing the fire to accomplish wilderness management objectives. It is not

necessary to manage every fire for this purpose. If your plan is in place and evaluated for effectiveness, with modifications made as needed, count 10.

The same situation would not occur if there are no fire starts within your wilderness during the annual reporting period. Without fire starts the implementation of the fire plan cannot be tested for effectiveness and modifications made as needed. Count 8 in this situation if all other requirements for this element have been met (LMP direction and FMP information).

Fire does not play a natural role in my wilderness. How do I report this? If fire is not a natural change agent in your wilderness, because of the ecotype, the

LMP and FMP should adequately state the situation. Scoring is dependent on addressing the natural role of fire, evaluation of appropriate responses, and use of the Wilderness Checklist for Fire Management Plans. The proper score and accomplishment level can be achieved in areas that do not have a fire-dependent ecosystem.

I am unsure about how to include fire management direction in the forest plan under the current and revised Planning Rule. Where can I find guidance for this?

A guide has been prepared to describe suggested elements for inclusion in the forest plan and where that guidance should be placed. See Technical Guide TG-09, Integrating Fire Management into Land Management Plans, on the TIPS page at: The Technical Guide (TG-09): Subsequent guides to match upcoming changes in the Planning Rule will be found at this website when they are developed.

There seems to be overlap between Element 1 and Element 8 (adequate direction to prevent degradation of the wilderness resource). If I’ve done Element 1 have I done Element 8?

Element 8 involves development of adequate direction to prevent degradation of all important aspects of wilderness character. This will require attention to aspects of wilderness character in addition to fire. Development of adequate direction related to fire is usually necessary but not sufficient to provide the direction needed for Element 8. To meet Element 8, other aspects of wilderness character need to be considered and addressed in direction.

LinksFire Management Toolbox (http://www.wilderness.net/fire)Fire ToolboxWilderness Fire Management Checklist(http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/documents/fire/Wilderness%20Fire%20Management%20Planning%20Checklist.doc)

Element # 2This wilderness was successfully treated for invasive plants.

OutcomeIdentification and treatment of invasive plants threatening the natural conditions and biological processes of each Wilderness will allow native species to thrive, restore the natural landscape, and help protect wilderness from the adverse effects of human influence.

What if I have non-native species that are not invasive per se? Non-native invasive plants, as defined by Executive Order 13112 (Feb. 3, 1999),

are any plant species considered non-native to the ecosystem under consideration and where its’ introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. This element only focuses on those species which have been determined to be invasive.

What type of analysis or plan do I need to have? You need an interdisciplinary plan at a level or scope that fits your wilderness

needs. The level of analysis will vary for each forest or wilderness. Either a forest level EIS or a wilderness level analysis such as a CE, EA or EIS could be used.

My inventory, management plan, and treatment monitoring data are a few years old. Are they still considered adequate?

Typically an integrated non-native species management plan is written for a multiple year period but amendments could be needed if conditions change or prescribed treatments prove ineffective.

Whether the inventory, plan, or monitoring data is current and adequate is dependent on the species and location and should be determined in consultation with the units weed management staff. For an aggressive species in ideal growing conditions annual re-inventory to locate new infestations and monitoring to determine the effectiveness of the treatment may be necessary while in other situations a less vigorous effort may be adequate.

What is successful treatment? Successful treatment of a non-native, invasive species is defined as

implementation of activities identified in an integrated plan developed to address the eradication or control on a national forest or other land unit.

How do you establish your monitoring cycle? The monitoring cycle should be outlined in your plan and is dependent on the

threat posed by your particular species. A highly invasive species may need to be monitored more often than a less invasive species.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t have a management plan for treatment of non-native invasive plants for my small wilderness but periodic surveys by trained Wilderness Rangers indicate that no non-native invasive plant species are present How do I score this?

Count 10 points if the survey is current and it has been conducted by personnel trained to recognize and document the presence of non-native invasive plant species.

It may still be useful to prepare an integrated non-native, invasive plant management plan to help identify and implement preventative measures. An effective management plan for a small wilderness with no known non-native invasive species can be prepared by matching the need and complexity to the planning product. The plan does not have to be long and it could be prepared in combination with planning efforts for other, adjacent, or similar wilderness areas.

There is no management plan for treatment of non-native invasive plants for my wilderness but they are present. Can I count 5, 6, or 10 points if I take actions without a plan?

No. The scoring at the 5, 6, and 10 point level for this element is cumulative. The highest score possible without a management plan or adequate forest plan direction is 2 points.

I don’t have expertise in treatment of invasive plant species. How do I go about this?

It is important that an interdisciplinary approach be taken in management of non-native invasive species and that includes you as the wilderness manager. Contact the person on your unit responsible for management of vegetation. This is typically the botanist, ecologist, range conservationist or other resource management specialist. There may be an existing integrated non-native, invasive species management plan or similar document that addresses non-native invasive species outside wilderness that could be modified to include wilderness.

Be sure to check out the existing resources posted on the Non-Native Plants Toolbox on Wilderness.net (using the link provided below).

. I have a non-native wildlife species which is of greater concern in my wilderness than non-native, invasive plant species. Can I report on this species instead?

This element is focused on invasive plants. You may only substitute reporting for a non-plant species (wildlife, insects, disease, etc.) if invasive plants are not an issue in your wilderness.

Do I need to conduct a survey of the entire wilderness to claim 2 points? In order to do a sufficient survey, it is important that you conduct an inventory in

all locations that are likely to contain non-native, invasive species of concern in your wilderness. This survey will take into account conditions adjacent to the wilderness as well as common vectors, such as trails, for the particular species of concern. The important point is to know the occurrences and distribution of species of concern in the wilderness you manage.

There seems to be overlap between element 2 and element 8 (adequate direction to prevent degradation of the wilderness resource). If I’ve done element 2 have I done element 8?

No. Element 8 involves development of adequate direction to prevent degradation of all important aspects of wilderness character. This is likely to require attention to aspects of wilderness character in addition to invasive species. Development of adequate direction related to invasive species is usually necessary but not sufficient to provide the direction needed for Element 8. To meet Element 8, other aspects of wilderness character need to be considered and addressed in direction.

Links

Non-Native Invasive Plants Toolbox (http://www.wilderness.net/invasive)

Element # 3Monitoring of wilderness air quality values is conducted and a baseline is established for this wilderness.

OutcomeWe will have determined baseline condition of at least one sensitive receptor in each wilderness which can then be used to evaluate air pollution-caused changes over time.

I am overwhelmed with the amount of technical expertise required to even ask the right questions. How do I approach this task?

Air quality monitoring should be an interdisciplinary process. Identify the specialist on your forest and in your region responsible for monitoring air quality values (which may have been established through your Forest Plan). Establish a dialogue and work with them to learn the terminology and what is required to determine the air resource monitoring program for your wilderness area.

Network with other wilderness managers to identify useful resources and learn from their experiences on how to make progress.

What am I supposed to be doing? You may not be expected to actually do the monitoring, but it is important to

understand the process and the impact that air quality has on wilderness values and insure that a program is in place that conducts an inventory, establishes a baseline and monitors trends.

You may also have a role in development of a wilderness air quality monitoring plan that may identify specific threats and the most sensitive receptors within a wilderness area, regardless of whether your wilderness is a Class I or a Class II area.

What is IMPROVE? Why don’t I get to claim it? IMPROVE is a nationwide cooperative visibility monitoring effort that is being

accomplished through the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) program. The IMPROVE Program is a cooperative measurement effort governed by a steering committee composed of representatives from federal and regional or state organizations. The IMPROVE monitoring program was established in 1985 to aid the creation of federal and state implementation plans for the protection of visibility in Class I areas (156 national parks and wilderness areas) as stipulated by the 1977 amendments to the Clean Air Act. The results from IMPROVE are currently available for characterizing visibility for each wilderness we manage. The intent of this element is to encourage forests to identify, inventory and monitor for sensitive receptors in addition to visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Class I and Class II areas, and what features or properties do we monitor for Class II areas?

All wilderness areas in existence in 1977 (when the Clean Air Act amendment was passed) are considered Class I areas. All areas designated after 1977 are Class II areas. The difference between the two is that Class I areas are protected through the Clean Air Act and Air Quality Related Values (AQRVs) have been established for each region. Our responsibility to protect air quality values in wilderness is the same regardless of whether they are Class I or Class II areas; it is our ability to affect change, and the process that is used in Class I areas that is different.

For both Class I and II areas we report the results of air quality monitoring and the effects from sources outside wilderness to the state regulatory agency. For Class I areas we can also model the potential effects of new pollution sources to Class I areas and provide comment to the planning and permitting processes.

Why do we include air quality monitoring as part of the 10YWSC? Why do we report on air quality problems when the pollution originates outside the wilderness?

Air pollution can have a significant effect on the Natural Quality of the wilderness character of the areas we manage, particularly healthy aquatic systems. Even though wilderness managers often play a minor role within the air resource management program, the protection of air quality values in wilderness is an important part of our statutory responsibility to “preserve wilderness character”, and as such, is included in the 10YWSC.

The Clean Air Act gave the Forest the “affirmative responsibility” to protect its resources from air pollution effects. By monitoring air quality we can identify those airsheds that are impacting the wilderness resource and report the effects to the state regulatory agency and/or EPA. Subsequent regulatory procedures taken by those agencies can address the pollution at its source and mitigate the effects to wilderness.

Can I use data collected outside of the wilderness to determine my baseline? Yes, if two conditions exist: (1) the specific sensitive receptor of interest is the

same as a wilderness air quality value identified in your wilderness air quality plan; and (2) an air quality specialist can defensibly state that the condition of a sensitive receptor in one wilderness can be used to characterize the condition of the receptor in an adjoining wilderness. For example, if a baseline for water quality has been established for high-altitude lakes in one wilderness, it can also be used to character the conditions in a nearby wilderness with similar geology and pollution source flows.

Do I need to inventory and monitor all sensitive receptors identified in my wilderness air quality plan?

No, you only need to select a single sensitive receptor to claim credit for this element. The intent is to focus on the receptor which is of highest priority for this wilderness.

What elements can be monitored to determine a baseline? Monitor for whatever element is most sensitive and critical for your wilderness

area. Some examples include water quality in high altitude lakes, ozone effects to bioindicators and tissue analysis of lichens.

How long does it take to determine a baseline? It varies and it depends on the wilderness air quality value being monitored. For

some wilderness air quality values a baseline can be established with one seasons’ worth of data. Other air quality values may take longer. An air quality specialist can provide this information.

If my air quality value plan is 6 years old and monitoring is only done every 5 years can I claim 10 points each year?

A wilderness air quality value plan is typically prepared for a multi-year period and may remain valid if there are no significant changes in air quality values, sensitive receptors or indicators.

The interval for periodic monitoring is dependent on the specific sensitive receptor and indicators identified in the plan. 10 points can be claimed as long as the frequency and intensity of your monitoring activities are consistent with the requirements specified in your plan.

There is no air quality value plan for my wilderness. Can I count 4, 6, or 10 points if I conduct inventory, establish a baseline, and monitor sensitive receptors?

No. The scoring at the 4, 6, and 10 point level for this element is cumulative and depends on development of an air quality value plan, including identification of wilderness air quality values, sensitive receptors, and indicators.

Links

Air Quality Monitoring Toolbox (http://www.wilderness.net/airquality)

National Forest Service Air Resource Management(http://www.fs.fed.us/biology/air/index.html)

Element # 4Priority actions identified in a wilderness education plan are implemented.

OutcomeExisting and potential wilderness visitors will understand the values of wilderness beyond recreation and have a better appreciation for the importance of wilderness and how to protect it. This will help reduce impacts from camping, day use, and stock use.

What should be in an education plan? A wilderness education plan should identify issues, audiences, education, and

monitoring needs in your wilderness and describe the education activities that you can accomplish. Your plan should take into consideration anticipated budget and personnel when you are proposing actions (don’t set yourself up to fail with things you can’t possibly do). See the toolboxes on wilderness.net for examples and a template.

What is the timeframe and scope of the education plan?

A plan may be prepared for a multi-year period but it should be evaluated for effectiveness annually and updated as needed to reflect changes in threats, audiences, and opportunities.

Some plans are forest-wide conservation education plans with a specific wilderness component; others are wilderness specific or may incorporate multiple wildernesses. It depends on the individual needs of the forest and wilderness.

How do I monitor implementation of my education plan? There are two types of education plan monitoring; implementation and

effectiveness. Implementation monitoring is basically tracking the actual delivery of the

tasks identified in the plan. It can include recording the number of education programs and people participating, visitor contacts, web site visits, or other measures.

Effectiveness evaluation is measuring whether the education program is having the desired effect such as reducing impacts, including follow up surveys with program participants, to on the ground evaluation of impact reduction.

The goal is to understand the effectiveness of your plan and make adjustments as necessary. See the toolboxes on Wilderness.net for examples.

Does a draft plan count as an education plan? A plan should be a signed document. It can be used as an opportunity to inform

and involve your line officers of education needs at the wilderness and forest level.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have a plan but few resources for implementation. How can I achieve the minimum stewardship level?

The scoring for this element requires that only the priorities identified in a wilderness education plan are implemented. There is no set number of priorities and this must be determined for each wilderness. Ideally the plan reflects a realistic approach that links threats and issues with the actions needed and the existing and potential resources for delivery.

To identify annual priorities for implementation, first identify the most significant threats and the education program action items that will directly address those threats. Then select those actions that can feasibly be accomplished, given the resources available.

To enhance program accomplishment identify what resources are available or could be obtained through integration with other resource education programs, use of partnerships and volunteers, etc. and then prepare an annual action plan or program of work to identify the reasonable and feasible priorities that can be accomplished each year.

I implemented the priorities identified in the education plan last year but not this year. Can I claim 6 points for this year?

No. The minimum stewardship level requires implementation of the annual education program priorities.

An annual review of the education and identification of priorities that are feasible given time, budget, and partnership constraints can help you select realistic and effective activities.

We have fully implemented our education plan for the past several years, including the current reporting period, but we did not evaluate effectiveness this year due to the results of the previous year’s evaluation which indicated positive results and no need for change. Can we claim 10 points?

Yes. 10 points may be claimed each year as long as the education program remains fully implemented and effective and no modifications to the plan are needed.

I manage several small wildernesses on my forest. Do I need to do a separate education plan for each wilderness?

No, one consolidated wilderness education plan can be developed for all wildernesses on your forest, though it should address the specific public information needs and management issues associated with individual areas.

LinksWilderness Interpretation and Education toolbox (http://www.wilderness.net/education)

Element # 5This wilderness has adequate direction, monitoring, and management actions to protect opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation.

OutcomePlaces exist within each wilderness that allow visitors to experience different levels of isolation, closeness to nature, tranquility and challenge in an environment that is in distinct contrast to their normal lives. Wilderness visitors will be free to enjoy pursuits like fishing, hiking and camping without feeling crowded.

Note – See additional information in the Element #8 section of this Guidebook.

A “national minimum protocol for monitoring outstanding opportunities for solitude” was released in April 2013. Do we need to use this protocol?

The quick answer is “no.” If you have been using a different, locally developed protocol prior to this point,

you can certainly continue doing so. If you have not yet started doing solitude monitoring in your wilderness, it is

strongly advised that you consider using this protocol. The protocol strives to find an approach that minimizes workload while still producing meaningful data.

How is adequate direction established? The goal is to make sure that adequate direction regarding opportunities for

solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation in wilderness is included in the forest plan. Therefore, adequate direction must be included in one of the following:

The text of the forest plan A wilderness plan in the form of a forest plan amendment or as integrated

into a forest plan revision process. An amendment to the forest plan A forest plan revision process

See element #8 for further information on current forest plan direction.

How do I know if the direction in my Forest Plan is adequate? Ultimately it is up to the wilderness manager and responsible line officer to

determine if the direction is adequate in addressing opportunities for solitude or unconfined recreation for the individual wilderness, based on current resource (both physical and social) conditions and the desired future condition as identified in the forest plan.

A technique that has proven successful for some is to network with other wilderness managers on adjacent forests or in your region to describe and assess

Frequently Asked Questions

what “adequate direction” means and determine if any “leveling” or clarification is needed between units to insure that the standard is effective for your area and that scoring is comparable.

What are some examples of forest plan standards for solitude or a primitive and unconfined recreation?

The following items, as listed in the counting instructions, exemplify some of the direction commonly found in forest plans. These are just examples of indicators of social conditions; your individual wilderness may dictate the use of a selection of these examples or of different indicators entirely. Limits (standards) are often set for:

Group size Encounters Carrying capacity (i.e. PAOTs or campsite density) Access management direction such as trail classes and management

objectives Wilderness recreation opportunity classes Presence of permanent improvements or evidence of modern human

occupation Length of stay limits Campsite location (i.e. distance from lakeshore, trail, etc.) Quotas/permit requirements

What methodologies are there to monitor and evaluate if opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation are being provided?

If a desired condition, objectives, and guidelines or standards for solitude have been established in the forest or wilderness plan, it is possible to monitor use levels to determine if the desired condition is being met.

The amount of use that is occurring in a wilderness can be monitored a variety of ways. Required permits or registration probably provide the most thorough and accurate ways to monitor how many people are using the wilderness by specific entry point. You can also estimate use by conducting entry and exit interviews at certain trailheads to determine amount and type of use. If this is the method that is being used it should be repeated every 5 to 10 years to show changes. Other methods include voluntary registration, electronic trail counters, or actually counting the number of encounters a wilderness ranger has in any given day on a specific trail.

Research has shown that people’s tolerance for encountering other visitors decreases when they reach their overnight destination. Therefore, it is critically important that monitoring be conducted at overnight destinations (i.e. by counting the number of campsites occupied). This is completed by having a wilderness ranger visit a variety of destinations at night; don’t just focus on the most popular sites. It is just as important to monitor and assess changes to lower use sites. This should be repeated at each site at least every few years if not annually.

How often do I need to monitor for solitude and do I need to monitor the entire wilderness each time?

You may want to consider designing a monitoring protocol that includes a variety of methods to be used at various places within your wilderness. For instance, your more heavily used lake basins should be visited several times a season to monitor number of occupied sites within sight and sound of each other. Changes in your more lightly used areas can be monitored through the use of registration cards and/or trail counters. It’s very important not to ignore the lightly used areas; even slight changes can have a great impact in these areas.

The forest plan direction for my wilderness is now 10 years old but when we last did monitoring 5 years ago, conditions were stable and there was no need for further actions. Can I score 6 points each year until subsequent monitoring indicates a need for change in direction or management action?

Yes, if in your best professional judgment, conditions really are stable or improving. The frequency of monitoring and need for change in management actions will vary depending on the use and location of each wilderness.

We identified a need for change and developed specific direction to amend our forest plan 4 years ago. Can I score 8 points for each annual reporting period?

Yes. As long as the specific direction is retained in the forest plan and remains adequate to protect opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined recreation.

What are the differences between the old (1984) and revised (2008) Planning Rules related to adequate direction for wilderness?

Under the old rule, specific goals, objectives, standards, guidelines, monitoring requirements, and possibly management actions, could be established as part of the forest plan revision process or through a separate wilderness planning process that amended the forest plan.

Under the new rule, revised forest plans describe desired conditions and provide objectives and guidelines for meeting the desired condition. For less complex areas where current conditions and trends do not warrant a separate wilderness plan with indicators and standards, this degree of direction may be adequate.

An existing wilderness plan or other decision document that contains adequate direction and was amended to the forest plan is considered wording in the existing plan and can be identified as “retained plan direction. If more specific direction is needed, it can be established through a separate wilderness planning process subsequent to forest plan revision that amends the forest plan. Additional information on evaluating existing direction or amending or

revising the forest plan may be found in the answers to Element 8 or in Technical Guide 01 – Retaining Existing Forest Plan Direction under the 2008 Planning Rule on the Technical Information for Planning (TIPS) page at: http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/em/

https://wwwnotes.fs.fed.us/wo/emc/ o Check with forest and regional planners for the latest guidance on forest

planning under the revised planning rule.

To claim 8 points “more specific direction” needs to be established. What does this mean and when is it necessary?

In some areas, use levels or resource impact concerns may dictate a more rigorous planning process to preserve the outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation quality of wilderness character. Typically this is needed when use levels create crowded conditions or there is an increasing trend in adverse impacts to biophysical resources and potentially significant management actions are needed or being considered. To address these conditions, specific indicators are identified and adequate standards or guidelines are established.

The difference between the score of 6, 8, and 10 is unclear. How do I know which one to claim?

Claim 6 points if your wilderness has adequate direction, management actions have been implemented and monitored, and conditions are stable or improving.

Claim 8 points if the desired conditions for outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive recreation in your wilderness are not being provided and you have established more specific direction that includes indicators and standards.

Claim 10 points if you have established more specific direction at the 8 point level, management actions have been implemented, and monitoring is in place to identify conditions and trends that may require changes in management actions.

The bulk of the effort seems to be in getting to the 6 point level for many areas. Is this true?

Maybe. For many areas, where conditions and trends are at or near desired conditions, establishing adequate direction, implementing management actions, and monitoring for effectiveness will constitute an increase in the level of wilderness planning and management.

For other areas, where conditions and trends are declining and not within desired conditions, considerably more work will be required to establish more specific direction, implement management actions, monitor the results, and claim either 8 or 10 points..

Why is the level of accomplishment to meet the 6 point level higher for this element than it is for some of the other elements?

The wilderness managers responsible for originally developing the element descriptions believed this to be one area of stewardship that could be “outcome” based; that is, not only that we had done the necessary planning and had implemented appropriate management actions, but that the planning and implementation had the desired effects. Since that time, the regional wilderness program managers have affirmed that the bar is admittedly set higher for this element, in part because of the explicit requirement from the Wilderness Act that these areas be managed to have “outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation.”

This element seems to have a lot in common with Element 8. What’s the difference? This element specifically focuses on various aspects of providing opportunities

for solitude or a primitive and unconfined recreation, including the development of protocols, inventory and monitoring, development of plan direction and taking management actions to address unacceptable conditions. Element #8, on the other hand, is broader in scope and requires providing adequate direction to prevent degradation of both the biophysical and social components of the wilderness resource as a whole. The scoring for Element 8 reflects the overall direction provided by your forest plan for managing the wilderness.

Why is there this redundancy? The reason for this redundancy traces back to the origins for how the original ten

elements were initially defined, using Wilderness Meaningful Measures as its original foundation, which also had a somewhat redundant structure. Further explanation of this historical artifact is not particularly helpful, nor does anyone want to significantly change the elements the make them more discrete at this point of the Challenge. Suffice it to say that the overlap between Elements 5 and 8 is acknowledged and that forest staff should attempt to report accomplishment to the best of their ability.

LinksNational Minimum Protocol for Monitoring Outstanding Opportunities for Solitude(http://www.wilderness.net/toolboxes/documents/vum/Minimum%20Protocol%20For%20Monitoring%20Solitude.docx)Visitor Use Management Toolbox (http://www.wilderness.net/visitoruse)

Element # 6This wilderness has completed a recreation site inventory.

OutcomeWe will know where and how people use each wilderness and the effects of this use. We can use this information to make decisions to protect wilderness character (for example, limits on use, revegetation of over-used areas, or education strategies). This information is not static; some percent of site inventories are re-evaluated each year.

What does a recreation site inventory plan look like and what are the components? There is no right way to do an inventory plan. Yours must be valid for your area

and take into consideration levels of use, issues with this use and frequency of monitoring needed. See the link to toolboxes below.

What is the “minimum site monitoring protocol”? Why would I do anything additional?

The “minimum site monitoring protocol” is a protocol which defines the minimally acceptable level of monitoring which must be accomplished to claim credit for this element. Forests are encouraged to go beyond this protocol, but at minimum this protocol must be applied. Individual protocols are typically adapted to local issues of concern or to meet forest plan direction and may involve more specific site measurements. If a forest uses a protocol other than the national minimum protocol, there is no requirement that a crosswalk be developed.

The “minimum site monitoring protocol” was added to the Challenge in FY 2006. Wasn’t this considered raising the bar?

No, this wasn’t considered raising the bar. Since this element was first described in FY 2001, it has always defined a recreation site inventory as “a listing of all known recreation sites within the wilderness of interest, including the geo-spatial location of the site along with an assessment of its condition.” The national protocol merely provides more detail to improve the consistency for reporting accomplishment, in response to requests from the field.

My protocol is more detailed than the national protocol but I’ve only inventoried sites in my high use areas. Can I claim credit for this element?

The protocol requires that all likely sites be censused. Your wilderness will fully meet this element when all of these sites have been visited. However, you can claim 4 points if you’ve only inventoried a portion of your wilderness as long as it meets the minimum requirements of the protocol.

An inventory of low use sites is valuable for the information that enables us to protect outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation. Monitoring allows us to detect any changes that may compromise

Frequently Asked Questions

these opportunities. An example is the effect of displacement of use and impacts from high use areas due to implementation of management actions. For low use areas where changes in numbers of sites or conditions are not likely the interval for re-inventory can be lengthened.

My inventory is over ten years old. Can I claim credit for this data? Although data over ten years old is extremely valuable for detecting trends over

time, it is not recent enough to be counted for meeting this element. In fact, it is recommended that recreation sites be re-inventoried every 5 years.

What do I do about campsites mapped on an old inventory that I can’t re-locate? A major purpose of campsite monitoring is to locate all campsites within a

wilderness area. By mapping and then searching all areas where campsites are likely to be found the previously inventoried sites will either be found or removed from the inventory.

What are some examples of “local decision making process” that the data can be used for? Does it always have to be about closing sites or restoration?

Recreation site monitoring data can be used as the basis for taking various management actions. In addition to closing or rehabilitating sites, the data can be used to implement new regulations such as party size, mandatory setbacks or stock restrictions. Persistent site impacts can be used as a basis for requiring designated sites or implementing use limiting permit systems.

If I have not been able to put my data into Infra-WILD, what are some examples of other acceptable databases?

We strongly encourage the use of Infra-WILD because that is the most viable option we can recommend. Its use is institutionalized and, unlike most locally developed systems, its long-range existence is not dependent upon any one person. However, this element does not require use of Infra-WILD. Examples of other software which support analysis include other database management systems, such as MS-Access, as well as spreadsheets, such as MS-Excel.

A recreation site inventory which conforms to the national site inventory protocol was completed 3 years ago, data was entered into a database and analysis is used to support the local decision making process. A subsequent re-inventory is not due for 2 more years. Can I score 10 points for each reporting period until the re-inventory process begins?

Yes. Unless conditions change enough that the previous inventory data and analysis is no longer useable.

There seems to be overlap between element 6 and element 8 (adequate direction to prevent degradation of the wilderness resource). If I’ve done element 6 have I done element 8?

No. Element 8 involves development of adequate direction to prevent degradation of all important aspects of wilderness character. This is likely to

require attention to aspects of wilderness character in addition to site impacts. Development of adequate direction related to site impacts is usually necessary but not sufficient to provide the direction needed for element 8. To meet element 8, other aspects of wilderness character need to be considered and addressed in direction.

Links Recreation Site Monitoring Toolbox (http://www.wilderness.net/site)

Element # 7Existing outfitter and guide operating plans for this wilderness direct outfitters to model appropriate wilderness practices and incorporate awareness for wilderness values in their interaction with clients and others. Needs assessments are completed for new operations or for major changes to existing outfitter programs.

Outcome Outfitters and guides will serve as ambassadors for wilderness. Their clients will leave with appreciation and knowledge that they may use in future self-guided trips to wilderness areas. Outfitters will provide a direct benefit to the wilderness they operate in by providing needed opportunities for visitors and education about wilderness.

How can I get outfitters and guides to “model appropriate wilderness practices and incorporate awareness for wilderness values”?

One proven method is to suggest that outfitters develop specific techniques and practices that fit their unique operations and are feasible and practical to accomplish.

The needed actions can be identified during the annual meeting, or as operating plans are revised, and are jointly agreed to.

The actions identified can be supported by providing the outfitter with access to Leave No Trace and other information and encouraging innovation of techniques and sharing of ideas with other outfitters and guides.

What is the language that is appropriate to incorporate in the operating plan?There is no standard language and therefore the specific language used may vary from wilderness to wilderness. Please see the 10YWSC Resource file and examples located in the Commercial Services (Outfitter and Guide) Toolbox.

How do I evaluate whether or not outfitters and guides are incorporating awareness of wilderness values with their clients and others?

Some possible methods of evaluation include incorporating compliance tactics in the operating plan, monitoring through the permit inspection process, evaluating brochures, web sites and other marketing tools, and direct observation of activities. See the Commercial Services (Outfitter and Guide) Toolbox for more information.

How do I determine “the extent necessary”? Section 4(d)(6) allows commercial services (outfitters and guides) to “the extent

necessary” for certain wilderness purposes. The Forest Service does not require that a specific process be followed for either

needs assessments or to determine the extent necessary. But, where capacity and impairment of wilderness character are concerns, a rigorous analysis, beyond the

Frequently Asked Questions

typical needs assessment, is needed prior to allocating a portion of visitor use capacity to commercial use (FSM 2323 and FSH 2709.11 Chapter 40).

Guidelines, templates, and examples of needs assessments including determination of the extent necessary are found in the Commercial Services (Outfitter and Guide) Toolbox on Wilderness.net.

Do I have to prepare a needs assessment and allocate use for existing outfitter and guide operations to meet the minimum standard?

No, for the 10YWSC, a needs assessment is only required for new proposals or major changes in existing operations.  However, you may choose to prepare a needs assessment and capacity analysis instead of conducting monitoring on all outfitters and guides. Follow the guidance found in FSH 2709.11, Chapter 40, 41.53e.  Note that it is recommended that managers both prepare a needs assessment/capacity analysis and monitor existing operations for compliance.

How do I score this element if there are no permitted outfitters or guides in my wilderness?

Wildernesses without outfitter & guide permittees explicitly state this by clicking the button on Element 7 of the 10YWSC reporting form in Infra-WILD for “This Wilderness does not have any outfitter and guide permits.” These wildernesses are automatically awarded 6-points, which is considered “fully meeting” the element.

How do I score this element if the forest or region has placed a moratorium on new outfitter and guide permits due to internal program capacity or wilderness resource capacity constraints and new proposals are not considered?

A moratorium on new outfitter-guide permits does not affect scoring for this element. If all requirements are met, score either 4, 6, 8, or 10 points.

LinksCommercial Service (Outfitter/Guide) Toolbox (http://www.wilderness.net/outfitter)

Element # 8This wilderness has adequate direction in the forest plan to prevent degradation of the wilderness resource.

OutcomeThe wilderness resource is the combination of biophysical, social, and managerial qualities that make wilderness unique from any other place. With specific objectives developed for social conditions (party size, encounter levels), biophysical conditions (fire, air quality, invasive plants) and managerial conditions (signs, trails, outfitter/guides), these aspects of wilderness character can be protected and/or restored.

Note – See additional information in the Element #5 section of this guidebook.

Why is it important to have adequate direction for wilderness in the forest plan? The forest plan is the plan that guides all activities on the national forest. All

other “plans” (fire management plans, wilderness plans, non-native invasive weed management plans, etc.) tier to the guidance in the forest plan and may amend the forest plan if necessary using an interdisciplinary and NEPA compliant process.

How do the revised planning regulations affect this aspect of our forest plan as we go into Forest Plan revision?

Currently the forest planning rules is under revision. Check with forest and regional planners for the latest guidance.

The following provides different options for you to consider depending upon the current direction for your wilderness.

A) How do I proceed if adequate direction already exists in the current forest plan (or wilderness plan amended to the forest plan): Insert desired condition, vision, strategy, and design criteria for each

wilderness area in forest plan revision Include previous forest plan or wilderness plan standards and guidelines that

amended the forest plan as retained forest plan direction for the revised forest plan and continue to use as direction.

Review the Technical Guide 01 – Retaining Existing Decisions under the 2008 Planning Rule on the TIPS page at: http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/em/

B) I don’t have adequate direction in my forest plan. Under the revised planning rule, how do I get it into the forest plan? During the forest plan revision process describe and insert desired condition,

vision, strategy, and design criteria for each wilderness area in forest plan revision. See the Technical Information for Planning website at: http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/em/

Frequently Asked Questions

Develop direction for your wilderness and work with your forest planners and resource specialists to identify the desired condition (DC), vision, strategy and design criteria for each specific wilderness, instead of one DC for all of the wilderness areas on your forest. That way your DC can provide site specific information about the future of your wilderness. This will help set the direction for future management decisions.

Prepare adequate direction outside of forest plan revision using a process that is interdisciplinary, includes public involvement, and complies with NEPA to establish indicators, standards, monitoring requirements, and specific management actions.

Who ultimately makes the decision if current direction is adequate? While it is the responsibility of the wilderness data steward to complete the

yearly accomplishment reporting on the Challenge, the responses that are provided should have the buy-off of the key local staff as well as the line officer.

Our monitoring revealed unacceptable levels of degradation 3 years ago and appropriate management actions were taken then. According to the forest plan monitoring schedule conditions will not be monitored again for another 2 years. Can I score 10 points for each annual reporting period?

Yes. Until subsequent monitoring indicates that additional management actions are needed to prevent degradation of the wilderness resource but not implemented.

This element seems to overlap with Elements 1 (fire), 3 (invasives), and 5 (solitude). If I’ve done elements 1, 3, and 5, have I done element 8?

Probably not. Element 8 involves development of adequate direction to prevent degradation of all important aspects of wilderness character. This is likely to require attention to aspects of wilderness character in addition to fire, invasives and solitude. For example, some wildernesses need direction regarding impacts on fish or archaeological resources; other wildernesses need direction for management of grazing or minerals. Development of adequate direction related to fire, invasives, and solitude is usually necessary but not sufficient to provide the direction needed for element 8. Other aspects of wilderness character need to be considered and, if appropriate, addressed in direction. You can think of elements 1, 3, and 5 as being subcomponents of element 8. But element 8 is more than the combination of these other elements.

LinksResource Protection Toolbox (http://www.wilderness.net/protection)

Element # 9The priority information needs for this wilderness have been addressed through field data collection, storage, and analysis.

Outcome We will be able to identify what information needs are the most important for long-term, effective wilderness stewardship. This will focus the efforts of wilderness rangers and other staff to not only collect data that will inform management about the most pressing issues for a particular wilderness, but also to encourage staff to enter the data into a database, analyze it to produce information, and use that information in the decision making process.

What are some examples of “priority information needs”? “Priority information needs” result from the local determination of the

information needed to address key wilderness stewardship issues. Obviously, these needs will vary from wilderness to wilderness, as well as within the same wilderness over time. They can include basic information needs such as “What campsite impacts are occurring and should we implement a use restricting permit system?” or “Where are non-native, invasive plant populations and are our management actions having a positive effect?”

Who gets to make the determination of what priority needs are? It seems like differing levels of the organization clearly want and need different kinds of information.

For this exercise, the determination of “priority information needs” is entirely locally determined, meaning at the level of the wilderness. This typically is synonymous with the forest level, but can involve multiple forests for those wildernesses with shared administration, or it may be at the district level in other instances.

If you collect data for a single priority management issue do you get credit, or do you have to collect data for all priority issues?

The bar is set relatively low on this element. In order to claim credit you need to be able to cite a single instance where field data collection was conducted to meet a priority information need. However, this element implies a broad assessment of all information needs was conducted, and this specific need was identified as having a high enough priority to warrant the commitment of resources.

Several other elements also include monitoring and analysis, such as Element 6 (Recreation Site Inventory). If I am collecting data and analyzing it and claiming credit under another element, can I also claim it here?

Frequently Asked Questions

In a word: YES. To fulfill the intent of this element does not automatically mean you must go above-and-beyond the work you are accomplishing under other elements in the Challenge. For example, if you are currently collecting recreation site inventory data, storing the data in a database and using it in the decision making process (and thereby scoring 10-points under Element 6), you can then also claim 6-points under this element.

Isn’t this just “planning for planning’s sake”? How will my wilderness benefit? The element attempts to focus our limited time and energy on “getting the biggest

bang for the buck” – that is, to identify the biggest information gaps on management challenges in a particular wilderness, collecting the appropriate data, and then using it, after analysis, to make informed stewardship decisions. It is the full life-cycle, from start to finish, that is so important. How often do we collect data but never enter it into a database, or produce information to answer a question but then discover it is not in the right format or of sufficient refinement?

In order to claim credit for completing the upward reporting in Infra-WILD by the due date, is that for only the 10 Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge or for all aspects of the reporting?

In order to claim the 2-point credit, you must have completed all aspects of the upward reporting by the initial due date. At the present time, that includes: “Wildernesses Managed to a Minimum Stewardship Level” Accomplishment Reporting, Wilderness Regulations (both for Wilderness.net and Agency Use), Wilderness Management Record, Motorized Equipment/Mechanical Transport Use Authorizations, Wilderness.net and Wilderness Stewardship Groups.

What is an “information needs assessment”? As stated in the key definitions, an “information needs assessment” is “a

structured approach for determining data collection, storage and analysis needs by first identifying and prioritizing local management requirements.” Put more simply, an information needs assessment is a process used to identify field data collection requirements by first answering the specific management questions. It directly addresses the all too common situation where we collect field data which is never used to influence a management decision.

Is the information needs assessment a physical document I can download and use for my wilderness?

While it should be mentioned that there is no one way to conduct an information needs assessment, a recommended process, along with templates and examples are posted in a toolbox on Wilderness.net

Can I do a single wilderness information needs assessment for my whole forest or do I need to do one for each wilderness I manage?

Typically, a wilderness information needs assessment is conducted for a single wilderness because the INA is focused on the specific issues and conditions within a particular wilderness. It is conceivable that an INA might apply to more

than one wilderness but only in those cases where the issues and existing social and resource conditions are identical. At the least, there are “economies of scale” – that is, if a person needed to complete more than one INA, the second and subsequent iterations would not take as much effort as the first.

How often do I need to update the data collection protocol and monitor conditions? The data collection protocol remains valid until it is no longer adequate for

meeting the specific information needs of the wilderness. Significant changes in use or other influences on wilderness conditions may prompt a revision.

Conditions should be monitored to meet forest plan monitoring schedules or to meet more specific guidelines contained in an information needs assessment.

An inventory which conforms to methods documented in a data collection protocol was completed last year, data was entered into a database and analysis is used to support the local decision making process. Can I score 6 points for this annual reporting period and each subsequent year?

Yes. Unless conditions change enough that the previous inventory or monitoring data and analysis is no longer useable.

Links

Information Management Toolbox http://www.wilderness.net/information

Element # 10 The wilderness has a baseline workforce in place.

OutcomeEach wilderness has the staff necessary to support a viable wilderness program, and at a minimum, to accomplish the 10 Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge.

Special Background Information for this ElementBaseline workforce numbers and wilderness complexity classes were developed by the Wilderness Advisory Group based on twelve measures, including use levels, miles of trail, permit systems, fire use, invasive plants, Class I or II airsheds, organizational complexity (multiple units managing), size, education, non-conforming uses, additional national designations, and inholdings. A random survey of wilderness managers of each complexity class was conducted to determine the baseline wilderness management workforce needed to support a viable wilderness program. The baseline workforce numbers were established based on the best information available at that time.

The counting instructions for Element 10 were updated in FY 2008. Why?

The original instructions for determining accomplishment for each of the elements of “wildernesses managed to a minimum stewardship level” date back to the days of the Budget Formulation and Execution System (BFES). Under BFES, the elements could only consider the accomplishment under a single Budget Line Item, which is typically NFRW for wilderness. These edits were in direct response to the chorus of complaints that this dated counting restriction sent the wrong message and had become a barrier to integration.

Who do I count in this element? Is it anyone who spends time working in wilderness?

Count those staff that are working on tasks related to wilderness stewardship, not just those who are working inside wilderness. This includes all paid Forest Service staff, regardless of fund code.

This assessment is focused on those staff working on “traditional wilderness tasks.” This includes counting those staff that we typically think of as wilderness staff, as well as those from other resource areas that are working towards managing a wilderness to standard. To provide even more definition, count those staff that are helping to achieve progress on the 10 Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge, such as staff monitoring wilderness air quality values or those conducting non-native, invasive plant surveys.

This calculation excludes those staff working inside a wilderness on tasks not on the local program of work, such as fire overhead and suppression crews, or Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) field crews. These staff are often from off-forest, and

Frequently Asked Questions

while potentially contributing to wilderness stewardship, they are not considered part of the baseline workforce.

Do I only count Permanent Full-Time staff? No – count all paid Forest Service staff, regardless of their appointment.

Can I count volunteers? Yes (sort of). While volunteers can contribute significantly towards managing a

wilderness to standard, they are not considered part of the baseline workforce, per se. The baseline workforce consists only of paid Forest Service staff. However, to acknowledge this workforce component, wildernesses which benefit from a “significant” contribution from volunteers in a given fiscal year can claim 2 additional points under this element.

The determination as to whether or not volunteers help accomplish “significant work” is a local one. While hoping to avoid splitting things too finely, we are simply trying to exclude those very limited contributions, in terms of manpower or duration, that do not substantially benefit wilderness stewardship.

We use Student Conservation Association (SCA) crews for campsite monitoring? Do they count as volunteer or paid staff?

The intent of Element 10 is to count paid FS staff, while acknowledging the important role of non-paid staff with the 2 point additional credit. While it is true that some SCA costs are covered by the FS, they are not FS employees and should be considered as volunteers for the baseline workforce counting.

Note that the additional 2-points for volunteers (and SCA or other partners) contributions is the total amount of the additional scoring that is possible for this element. Do not claim 2-points for volunteers and an additional 2-points for an SCA crew or other partner.

I manage more than one wilderness and my staff is shared across wilderness boundaries. How should I count my FTE’s?

If your responsibilities include more than one wilderness, consider each wilderness separately. Do not aggregate your time on a unit basis. The intent behind these baseline workforce numbers is to give each wilderness equal consideration.

WAG home pageThis seems like an impossible element to meet. Why include this element?

The wilderness workforce baseline is an important element. Working toward this element will also help achieve the other elements. Remember, these workforce estimates were developed by your peers to approximate the staffing they felt was needed for a viable wilderness program. How well we meet the objectives of this element tells a powerful story.

This element is important because it serves as a reminder to upper level management that a baseline level of staffing is needed for a minimum level of stewardship. Despite the breadth of the Challenge, the ten elements do not

encompass all of the essential management activities required for successful wilderness stewardship. This element acknowledges that additional workload.

The wilderness complexity scores were updated in FY 2010. Why did this occur and when will they be updated next?

The wilderness complexity scores that were in place up through the FY 2009 upward reporting were initially calculated back in FY 2003. They were in need of updating to reflect the progress that had been made in the intervening years, as well as correct some misreporting in the initial calculations. The formula used to generate the scores was unchanged. As a general statement, the new (FY 2010) complexity scores are more robust and reliable than the numbers that had been reported previously.

There are no plans, at this time, to make any further changes to the wilderness complexity scores prior to the end of the 10YWSC in FY 2014.

Links10-Year Wilderness Stewardship Challenge Web site: http://fsweb.wo.fs.fed.us/rhwr/wilderness/10ywsc/index_10ywsc.html