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The agency is proposing to update the Wilderness Management Policy, FSM 2320, that was revised in 1990, as a result of the accumulations of cultural, technological, and demographic changes, affecting all aspects of wilderness administration. With the passage of numerous bills designating additional wilderness areas in the past 20 years, Forest Service wilderness makes up about 18 percent 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 have occurred since 1990 (for example, Americans with Disabilities Act). Significant court rulings have prompted the Agency to update and refine its policy. Inconsistent interpretations also have resulted from lack of clarity in policy.

The FS proposes to update existing wilderness policy. Wilderness is an integrated resource that contains multiple resource areas requiring specific management to adhere to the legal framework of the Wilderness Act. Proposed directives 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 direction.