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USDA/FS RIN: 0596-AC96 Publication ID: Spring 2011 
Title: ●Wilderness Management Policy 
Abstract: The Agency is initiating a revision to policy as a result of the accumulations of cultural, technological, and demographic changes, affecting all aspects of wilderness administration, that have taken place over the time since FSM 2320 was last significantly revised in 1990. With the passage of numerous bills designating additional wilderness areas in the past 20 years, Forest Service wilderness makes up about 18% of the National Forest System, over 36 million acres, and encompasses a broad spectrum of ecological communities some of which were not represented before 1990 and which bring new complexity and management challenges not currently addressed in policy. Current directives do not take into account provisions from recent legislation and legislation that has occurred since 1990 (i.e. Americans with Disabilities Act). There have also been some significant court rulings that prompt the agency to update and refine their policy. There have also been inconsistent interpretations resulting from lack of clarity in policy. The FS proposes to update existing wilderness policy. Wilderness is an integrated resource that contains multiple resource areas that requires specific management to adhere to the legal framework of the Wilderness Act. The revision has engaged various program staff and will continue to involve them through the process. The proposed directive would refine current policy direction in a number of program areas including Wildlife, Fish and Rare Plants, Planning, Heritage Resources, Recreation, and Fire. Revised policy will provide both our internal organization and our external audiences a clear understanding of Forest Service wilderness management sideboards and direction. 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: None     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: FSM 2320   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Proposed Directive  08/00/2011    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Lorrie Parker
Regulatory Analyst
Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone:202 205-6560
Fax:202 205-6539
Email: lsparker@fs.fed.us