Note to presenters - This file is part of the FS Resources section at:

Note to presenters -

This file is part of the FS Resources section at: http://www.wilderness.net/fs/

This presentation should be reviewed and revised as needed to match the training objectives and target audience and to insert local images where needed.

The Minimum Requirements Analysis training presentations are posted in 6 parts which may be combined and used as needed:

• Introduction• Basis in Law and Policy• Definitions• Minimum Requirements process

• Step 1• Step 2

• Use of the MRA process• Use of Traditional Skills and Tools

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS

http://www.wilderness.net/fs/

2-Step Process

Step 1: Is it necessary to take action in wilderness?

Step 2: What is the minimum tool or activity?


“Except … as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the administration of the area for the purpose of this Act…”

Minimum Requirement == Minimum Tool

THE WILDERNESS ACT - SECTION 4 (C): PROHIBITED USES


Basic DefinitionMinimum: the least possible action, method,

tool, etc.Requirement: a necessity

ProcessDecide if any management action is necessary

in wilderness, and, if so, then determining what would be the least amount of an otherwise prohibited use.

What is a Minimum Requirements Decision?


The 2 Step ProcessStep 1: Determine if any administrative action is

necessary. The minimum requirement

Step 2: Determine the minimum activity.

The minimum tool

How is a Minimum Requirements Decision made?


Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary.

Briefly describe the situation that may prompt

action and describe why it is a problem or issue.Example: “The trail bridge is out and replacement

is needed because…(resource impacts, high use, no safe crossing, etc.)”

Avoid: “We need to use a helicopter to fly in a new bridge.”



How is a Minimum Requirements Decision made?Step 1: Determine if any administrative action

is necessary.A. Options outside of wilderness



Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary.

B. Valid existing rights/special provisions in wilderness legislation (mining, access, water, grazing, etc.)



Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary. C. Requirements of other legislation (ESA, ARPA, NHPA,

ANILCA, Dam Safety Act, etc.)



Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary: D. Other guidance (policy, plans, agreements, etc.)

• Federal• Tribal• State


Examples: Other guidance (policy, plans, agreements) FS Policy, forest plan, wilderness, fire, weed treatment

plans, species conservation plans, etc.


How is a Minimum Requirements Decision Made?

Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary to:E. Preserve Wilderness Character

- untrammeled (uncontrolled, un-manipulated)- undeveloped (removal of a structure or installation)- natural (restoration of natural conditions) i.e. non-native invasive species treatment, natural role

of fire, listed species recovery, etc.- outstanding opportunities for solitude

or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation

i.e. trail maintenance



Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary to support:

F. Public Purposes- recreation- scenic- scientific- education- conservation- historical use


Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary.A. Options outside of wildernessB. Valid existing rights/special provisions in

wilderness lawsC. Requirements of other lawsD. Other guidance (policy, plans, etc.)E. Preserve wilderness characterF. Public purposes of wilderness

Conclusion: Is any administrative action necessary?



Using a two step process:Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is

necessary.Example conclusion:

Some type of action is necessaryThen: Step 2: Determine the minimum activity.

A. Describe alternativesB. Compare alternatives



• Non-motorized, non-mechanical, no structures, or installations, etc.

• Motorized equipment, mechanical transport, structures, installations, etc.

• Other methods or combination of methods that minimize prohibited uses

• No action (optional)


Step 2: Determine the minimum activity (the method or tool).

A. Describe alternative activities (including mitigation)


Trail Maintenance ExampleA. Describe alternative activities (including mitigation)

No Action

Proposed Action Motorized Alternative

Non-motorized Alternative



B. Comparison of AlternativesCriteria: • wilderness character• heritage and cultural

resources• maintaining traditional skills• special provisions• economics & time • safety• area-specific factors?




A. Describe alternative actionsB. Comparison of Alternatives

Decision: What is the minimum activity?

The rationale for the decision must be based on law and agency policy.


Primary Decicion Rationale: Requirements of applicable federal laws

The Wilderness Act - preservation of wilderness character Untrammeled, Undeveloped, Natural,

Solitude or Primitive Recreation Opportunities

ESA, NHPA, ARPA, NEPA, etc. Safety Use and development of traditional skills


Not Acceptable as the ONLY Rationale: Cost and time constraints:

“Economics, comfort, convenience or commercial value are not standards of management for wilderness.” (Policy FSM 2320.6)

Avoid misconceptions about traditional skills Safety – traditional tools are safer Efficiency – trained crews nearly as fast Cost – Comparable to motorized equipment

"Examine each question in terms of what is ethically and aesthetically right, as well as what is economically expedient." -Aldo Leopold


Use a two step processStep 1: Determine if any administrative action is

necessary.A. Options outside of wildernessB. Valid existing rights/special provisionsC. Requirements of other legislationD. Other guidanceE. Wilderness characterF. Public purposes of wilderness

Conclusion: Is the action necessary?Step 2: Determine the minimum activity.

A. Describe alternativesB. Compare alternativesDecision: What is the minimum activity (method or

tool)?Use rationale for the decision based on law and agency

policy.

How is a Minimum Requirements Decision Made?MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS

How is a Minimum Requirements Determination Made?

Now all that’s left is to get the appropriate review and approval and you’re good to go.


Note to presenters - This file is part of the FS Resources section at:

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