Note to presenters -

1. Minimum Requirements Analysis • 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

2. Minimum Requirements Analysis 2-Step Process Step 1: Is it necessary to take action in wilderness? Step 2: What is the minimum tool or activity?

3. Minimum Requirements Analysis The Wilderness Act - Section 4 (c): Prohibited Uses “Except … as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the administration of the area for the purpose of this Act…” Minimum Requirement == Minimum Tool

4. Minimum Requirements Analysis What is a Minimum Requirements Decision? Basic Definition Minimum: the least possible action, method, tool, etc. Requirement:a necessity Process Decide ifanymanagement action isnecessaryin wilderness, and, if so, thendetermining what would be theleastamount of an otherwise prohibited use.

5. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision made? The 2 Step Process Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary. • The minimum requirement Step 2: Determine the minimum activity. • The minimum tool

6. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision made? Step 1: Determine if anyadministrative 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.”

7. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision made? Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary. A. Options outside of wilderness

8. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision made? Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary. B. Valid existing rights/special provisions in wilderness legislation (mining, access, water, grazing, etc.)

9. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision made? Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary. C. Requirements of other legislation (ESA, ARPA, NHPA, ANILCA, Dam Safety Act, etc.)

10. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision made? • Federal • Tribal • State Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary: D. Other guidance (policy, plans, agreements, etc.)

11. Minimum Requirements Analysis Examples: Other guidance (policy, plans, agreements) FS Policy, forest plan, wilderness, fire, weed treatment plans, species conservation plans, etc.

12. Minimum Requirements Analysis 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

13. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision Made? Step 1: Determine if any administrative action is necessary to support: F. Public Purposes - recreation - scenic - scientific - education - conservation - historical use

14. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision made? Step 1:Determine if any administrative action is necessary. A. Options outside of wilderness B. Valid existing rights/special provisions in wilderness laws C. Requirements of other laws D. Other guidance (policy, plans, etc.) E. Preserve wilderness character F. Public purposes of wilderness Conclusion: Is any administrative action necessary?

15. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision made? Using a two step process: Step 1:Determine if any administrative action is necessary. Example conclusion: Some type of action is necessary Then: Step 2: Determine the minimum activity. A. Describe alternatives B. Compare alternatives

16. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision Made? • 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)

17. Trail Maintenance Example Motorized Alternative No Action Proposed Action Non-motorized Alternative A. Describe alternative activities (including mitigation)

18. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision Made? • Criteria: • wilderness character • heritage and cultural resources • maintaining traditional skills • special provisions • economics & time • safety • area-specific factors? Step 2: Determine the minimum activity (the method or tool). B. Comparison of Alternatives

19. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision Made? A. Describe alternative actions B. Comparison of Alternatives Decision:What is the minimum activity? The rationale for the decision must be based on law and agency policy. Step 2: Determine the minimum activity (the method or tool).

20. Minimum Requirements Analysis PrimaryDecicion 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

21. Minimum Requirements Analysis "Examine each question in terms of what is ethically and aesthetically right, as well as what is economically expedient." -Aldo Leopold NotAcceptable as the ONLYRationale: • 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

22. Minimum Requirements Analysis How is a Minimum Requirements Decision Made? Use a two step process Step 1:Determine if any administrative action is necessary. A. Options outside of wilderness B. Valid existing rights/special provisions C. Requirements of other legislation D. Other guidance E. Wilderness character F. Public purposes of wilderness Conclusion: Is the action necessary? Step 2:Determine the minimum activity. A. Describe alternatives B. Compare alternatives Decision: What is the minimum activity (method or tool)? Use rationale for the decision based on law and agency policy.

23. 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.