Appendices 

Appendix A. Glossary 

Appendix B. References 

Appendix C. Best Management Practices 

Appendix D. Past, Ongoing, and Reasonably 

Foreseeable Actions 

Appendix E. Monitoring 

Appendix F. Management Proposals 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

Appendix A. Glossary and Acronyms 

Sources for this glossary include: Forest Ecosystem Management: An Ecological, Economic, and 

Social Assessment; Report of the Forest Ecosystem Management Assessment Team (FEMAT) 

1993; Southwest Idaho Ecogroup Forest Plans; Upper Columbia River Basin DEIS; Region 4 

Revision Desk Guide; Resource Planning Act Program Glossary 1995; and USDA Forest Service 

Manual and Handbook, PACFISH and INFISH EAs, State of Idaho Forestry Practices Act, 

USDA Forest Service and BLM Hydrologic Analysis, American Fisheries Society Glossary, Soil 

Hydrologic Reconnaissance Reports on the Boise, Payette, and Sawtooth National Forests, Final 

Rule: Designated Routes and Areas for Motor Vehicle Use (Federal Register: Nov. 2005), and 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Bull Trout Recovery Plans. 

A 

Abiotic 

Non-living (refers to air, rocks, soil particles, 

etc.). 

Access management 

See travel management. 

Activity area 

The smallest logical land area where the effect 

that is being analyzed or monitored is expected 

to occur. The area may vary in size depending 

on the effect that is being analyzed or 

monitored, because some effects are quite 

localized and some occur across landscapes. 

Activity areas are to be specifically described 

when used in planning and project 

implementation documents. 

snags – The activity area for snags is the 

specific site affected by actions listed 

below, whether effects are positive or 

negative. Actions affecting activity 

areas that need to be assessed include 

timber harvest, site-preparation 

reforestation, timber stand improvement, 

and prescribed fire. The activity area 

reflects the scale at which to plan 

projects that provide for maintaining or 

improving trends in snag amounts. 

coarse woody debris – The activity area 

is the same as for snags above. 

However, this may also parallel the 

activity area for detrimental disturbance. 

See below. 

detrimental disturbance – The activity 

area is the specific area where proposed 

actions may have detrimental soil 

impacts, such as harvest units within a 

timber sale area, an individual pasture 

unit within a grazing allotment, or a 

burn block within a prescribed burn 

project area. Existing designated uses 

such as classified roads and trails, 

developed campgrounds, and buildings, 

are not considered detrimental 

disturbance within an activity area. See 

the definition for detrimental 

disturbance for more information. 

total soil resource commitment – Effects 

are generally measured across an allinclusive activity area, like a timber sale 

area, a prescribed burn area, or a grazing 

allotment, where effects to soil 

commitment could occur or are 

occurring. Effects include both proposed 

actions and existing uses, such as roads 

(classified and non-classified), dedicated 

trails and landings, administrative sites, 

parking lots, and mine excavations. See 

the definition for total soil resource 

commitment for more information. 

Adverse effect 

For Forest Plan revision, “adverse effect” is 

used in the context of the Endangered Species 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 1 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

Act relative to effects on Threatened, 

Endangered, Proposed, and Candidate (TEPC) 

species. Definitions are from Final 

Endangered Species Consultation Handbook; 

NMFS/USFWS, 1998. They include both 

“likely to adversely effect” and “not likely to 

adversely effect”. Both of these definitions are 

needed to clearly understand the intent of the 

phrase “adverse effect” when applied to 

Forest-wide and management area direction 

involving TEPC species. The definition of 

“take” is also included below to help clarify 

intent. 

Likely to adversely affect – the 

appropriate finding in a biological 

assessment (or conclusion during 

informal consultation) if any adverse 

effect to listed species may occur as a 

direct or indirect result of the proposed 

action or its interrelated or 

interdependent actions, and the effect is 

not discountable, insignificant, or 

beneficial (see definition of “not likely 

to adversely affect”). In the event the 

overall effect of the proposed action is 

beneficial to the listed species, but is 

also likely to cause some adverse 

effects, then the proposed action is 

“likely to adversely affect” the listed 

species. If incidental take is anticipated 

to occur as a result of the proposed 

action, an “is likely to adversely affect” 

determination should be made. A 

“likely to adversely affect” 

determination requires the initiation of 

formal Section 7 consultation. 

Not likely to adversely affect – the 

appropriate conclusion when effects on 

listed species are expected to be 

discountable, insignificant, or 

completely beneficial. Beneficial 

effects are contemporaneous positive 

effects without any adverse effects to 

the species. Insignificant effects relate 

to the size of the impact and should 

never reach the scale where take occurs. 

Discountable effects are those that are 

extremely unlikely to occur. Based on 

best judgment, a person would not: (1) 

be able to meaningfully detect, measure, 

or evaluate insignificant effects; or (2) 

expect discountable effects to occur. 

Take – to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, 

shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or 

collect or attempt to engage in any such 

conduct [ESA §3(19)]. Harm is further 

defined by FWS to include significant 

habitat modification or degradation that 

results in death or injury to listed species 

by significantly impairing behavioral 

patterns such as breeding, feeding, or 

sheltering. Harass is defined by FWS as 

actions that create the likelihood of 

injury to listed species to such an extent 

as to significantly disrupt normal 

behavior patterns which include, but are 

not limited to, breeding, feeding or 

sheltering (50 CFR § 17.3). 

Affected environment 

The natural, physical, and human-related 

environment that is sensitive to changes due to 

proposed actions. 

Air pollutant 

Any substance in air that could, if in high 

enough concentration, harm humans, animals, 

vegetation, or material. Air pollutants may 

include almost any natural or artificial matter 

capable of being airborne in the form of solid 

particles, liquid droplets, gases, or a 

combination of these. 

Air quality 

The composition of air with respect to 

quantities of pollution therein; used most 

frequently in connection with “standards” of 

maximum acceptable pollutant concentrations. 

Allotment (grazing) 

Area designated for the use of a certain 

number and kind of livestock for a prescribed 

period of time. 

All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) 

A type of off-highway vehicle that travels on 

three or more low-pressure tires; has handlebar steering; is less than or equal to 50 inches 

in width; and has a seat designed to be 

A - 2 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

straddled by the operator. 

Alternative 

One of a number of possible options for 

responding to the purpose and need for action. 

Anadromous fish 

Fish that hatch and rear in fresh water, migrate 

to the ocean, mature there, and return to fresh 

water to reproduce; for example, salmon and 

steelhead. 

Analysis area 

In contrast with the project area, which is 

comprised of and defined by the general area 

in which activities are proposed under the 

various alternatives, the analysis area varies by 

resources and issues. It is defined by the area 

and resources which could potentially be 

affected or influenced by proposed activities. 

Aquatic ecosystem 

40 CFR 230.3 - Waters of the United States 

that serve as habitat for interrelated and 

interacting communities and populations of 

plants and animals. FSM 2526.05 - The stream 

channel, lake or estuary bed, water, biotic 

communities and the habitat features that occur 

therein. 

Aquatic Integrity 

Aquatic integrity is an assessment and 

comparison of existing fish habitat conditions 

with historical conditions that existed before 

Euro-American settlement. Habitat conditions 

are assessed to determine how their integrity 

and resilience may have changed due to effects 

from past or current human-caused (road 

construction, timber harvest, livestock grazing, 

etc.) or natural (wildfire, floods, etc.) 

disturbance. Conditions or values assessed 

include numerous habitat parameters found in 

Appendix B of the Forest Plan. Relative 

integrity ratings are assigned at the 

subwatershed scale and are based on the 

quality of habitat conditions and the presence, 

abundance, and distribution of key native fish 

species. 

Area 

A discrete, specifically delineated space that is 

smaller, and in most cases much smaller, than 

a Ranger District. 

Arterial road 

A road serving a large land area and usually 

connecting with public highways or other 

Forest Service arterial roads to form an 

integrated network of primary travel routes. 

The location and standards are often 

determined by a demand for maximum 

mobility and travel efficiency rather than 

specific resource management service. Arterial 

roads are usually developed and operated for 

long-term land and resource management 

purposes and constant service. 

Attitudes, beliefs, and values 

FSH 1909.17. Preferences, expectations, and 

opinions people have for forests and the 

management and use of particular areas. 

Differing values and expectations have 

resulted in polarized perceptions that a healthy 

environment requires protection of lands from 

human influence, or increased attention to 

environmental quality presents a threat to 

employment, economy, or life-style. 

B 

Bankfull stage 

The bankfull stage corresponds to the 

discharge at which channel maintenance is the 

most effective, that is, the discharge at which 

moving sediment forms or changes bends and 

meanders, and generally results in the average 

morphologic characteristics of channels. This 

term generally describes the elevation on the 

stream bank where the stream begins to flow 

onto a flood plain; however, not all stream 

channels have distinct flood plains. 

Beneficial effect 

Beneficial effects are contemporaneous 

positive effects to resource, social, or 

economic conditions. 

Specific to ESA and TEPC species, beneficial 

effects are contemporaneous positive effects 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 3 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

without any adverse effects to the species. The 

appropriate conclusion when effects on listed 

species are expected to be beneficial would be: 

“Is not likely to adversely affect”. 

Beneficial use 

Any of the various uses that may be made of 

the water of an area, including, but not limited 

to: (1) agricultural water supply; (2) industrial 

water supply; (3) domestic water supply; (4) 

cold water biota; (5) primary contact 

recreational use; (6) secondary contact 

recreational use; (7) salmonid spawning, 

overwintering, emergence, and rearing; and (8) 

warm water biota. 

Best Management Practices (BMPs) 

Practices determined by the State of Idaho 

Division of Environmental Quality to be the 

most effective and practical means of 

preventing or reducing the amount of pollution 

generated by non-point sources. 

Big game 

Large wild animals that are hunted for sport 

and food. This hunting is controlled by state 

wildlife agencies. Big game animals found on 

this Forest include deer, elk, and moose. 

C 

Candidate species 

Plant and animal species being considered for 

listing as endangered or threatened, in the 

opinion of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

(USFWS) or the National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS). Category 1 candidate species 

are groups for which the FWS or NMFS has 

sufficient information to support listing 

proposals; category 2 candidate species are 

those for which available information indicates 

a possible problem, but that need further study 

to determine the need for listing. 

Classified road 

Roads wholly or partially within or adjacent to 

national Forest System lands that are 

determined to be needed for long-term motor 

vehicle access. Classified roads can include 

state roads, county roads, privately owned 

roads, National Forest System roads, and other 

roads authorized by the Forest Service. 

Clean Air Act 

An Act of Congress established to protect and 

enhance the quality of the Nation's air through 

air pollution prevention and control. 

Clean Water Act 

An Act of Congress which establishes policy 

to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, 

and biological integrity of the Nation's waters. 

Closed road 

A national forest road or segment which is 

restricted from certain types of use during 

certain seasons of the year. The prohibited use 

and the time period of closure must be 

specified. The closure is legal when the Forest 

Supervisor has issued an order and posted it in 

accordance with chapter 36 of the CFR section 

261. 

Coarse woody debris (CWD) 

Pieces of woody material having a diameter of 

at least 3 inches and a length greater than 6 

feet (also referred to as large woody debris, or 

LWD). 

Composition (species) 

The species that make up a plant or animal 

community, and their relative abundance. 

Connectivity 

The arrangement of habitat that allows 

organisms and ecological processes to move 

across the landscape. Patches of similar 

habitats are either close together or connected 

by corridors of appropriate vegetation (or live 

stream channels). Opposite of fragmentation. 

Sites in a landscape are “connected” if there 

are patterns or processes to link them in some 

way. These links arise either from static 

patterns (e.g., landforms, soil distributions, 

contiguous forest cover) or from dynamic 

processes (e.g., dispersal, fire). A particular 

landscape may have radically different degrees 

of connectivity with respect to different 

processes. Connectivity usually involves 

corridors and networks and describes how 

A - 4 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

patches are connected in the landscape. 

Conservation strategy or conservation 

agreement 

1. An active, affirmative process that (a) 

identifies issues and seeks input from 

appropriate American Indian governments, 

community groups, and individuals; and (b) 

considers their interests as a necessary an 

integral part of the BLM's and Forest Service's 

decision-making process. 

2. Plans to remove or reduce threats to 

Candidate or Sensitive species of plants and 

animals so that a federal listing as Threatened 

or Endangered is unnecessary. 

Controlled hunt area 

An area designated by the Idaho Department of 

Fish and Game to manage species, usually big 

game such as elk or deer. 

Corridor (landscape) 

Landscape element that connect similar 

patches of habitat through an area with 

different characteristics. For example, 

streamside vegetation may create a corridor of 

willows and hardwoods between meadows or 

through a conifer forest. 

Cover type 

The current or existing vegetation of an area, 

described by the dominant vegetation. 

Critical habitat 

Endangered Species Act - Designated by the 

USFWS or NMFS, specific areas, within a 

geographical area occupied by a threatened or 

endangered species, on which are found 

physical or biological features essential to 

conservation of the species. These areas may 

require special management consideration or 

protection, and can also include specific areas 

outside the occupied area that are deemed 

essential for conservation. 

Critical life stages 

Animal life stages associated with the time of 

the year when reproduction, rearing young, 

and over-wintering occur. 

Cross-country Motor Vehicle Use 

Motorized travel is considered cross-country 

when a motorized vehicle (except motorized 

over-snow vehicles on snow) is more than 300 

feet from a designated road and 100 feet from 

a designated trail. 

Cultural resources 

Cultural resources include sites, structures, or 

objects used by prehistoric and historic 

residents or travelers. They are non-renewable 

resources that tell of life-styles of prehistoric 

and historic people. Cultural resources within 

the Forests are diverse and include properties 

such as archaeological ruins, pictographs, early 

tools, burial sites, log cabins, mining 

structures, guard stations, and fire lookouts. 

Cumulative effects 

Impacts on the environment that result from 

the incremental impact of an action when 

added to other past, present, and reasonably 

foreseeable future actions. Cumulative effects 

can result from individually minor but 

collectively significant actions taking place 

over a period of time. 

D 

Degradation 

To degrade, or the act of degrading. Refer to 

the definition of “degrade” in this glossary. 

Degrade 

To degrade is to measurably change a resource 

condition for the worse within an identified 

scale and time frame. Where existing 

conditions are within the range of desired 

conditions, “degrade” means to move the 

existing condition outside of the desired range. 

Where existing conditions are already outside 

the range of desired conditions, “degrade” 

means to change the existing condition to 

anything measurably worse. The term 

“degrade” can apply to any condition or 

condition indicator at any scale of size or time, 

but those scales need to be identified. This 

definition of “degrade” is not intended to 

define degradation for the State of Idaho as it 

applies to their Antidegradation Policy 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 5 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

(IDAPA 16.01.02.051). 

Demographic 

Related to the vital statistics of human 

populations (size, density, growth, distribution, 

etcetera). 

Denning habitat or sites 

Habitat and locations used by mammals during 

reproduction and rearing of their young, when 

the young are highly dependent on adults for 

survival. 

Designated road, trail, or area 

A National Forest System road, a National 

Forest System trail, or an area on National 

Forest System lands that is designated for 

motor vehicle use pursuant to CFR 212.51 on a 

motor vehicle use map. 

Desired Condition (DC) 

Also called Desired Future Condition, a 

portrayal of the land, resource, or social and 

economic conditions that are expected in 50-

100 years if management goals and objectives 

are achieved. A vision of the long-term 

conditions of the land. 

Desired Future Condition (DFC) 

Also called desired condition, a portrayal of 

the land, resource, or social and economic 

conditions that are expected in 50-100 years if 

management goals and objectives are 

achieved. A vision of the long-term conditions 

of the land. 

Detrimental soil disturbance (DD) 

Detrimental soil disturbance (DD) is the 

alteration of natural soil characteristics that 

results in immediate or prolonged loss of soil 

productivity and soil-hydrologic conditions. At 

least 85 percent of an activity area should be in 

a non-detrimentally disturbed condition. Stated 

another way, no more than 15 percent of an 

activity area should have detrimentally 

disturbed soil after the management activity is 

completed. DD can occur from soil that has 

been displaced, compacted, puddle, or severely 

burned. Determination of DD excludes 

existing or planned classified transportation 

facilities, dedicated trails, and landings, mining 

dumps or excavations, parking areas, 

developed campgrounds, and other dedicated 

facilities. However, the impacts of these 

actions are considered total soil resource 

commitment (TSRC - see definition in this 

glossary). 

Standards for detrimentally disturbed soils are 

to be applied to existing or planned activities 

that are available for multiple uses. These 

standards do not apply to areas with dedicated 

uses such as mines, ski areas, campgrounds, 

and administrative sites. 

Developed recreation 

Recreation that requires facilities that in turn 

result in concentrated use of an area; for 

example, a campground or ski resort. 

Discountable effect 

A discountable effect is one that is highly 

unlikely to occur. Therefore, no change to a 

resource, social, or economic condition would 

be expected from a discountable effect. 

Determination of a discountable effect may be 

based on scientific analysis, professional 

judgment, experience, or logic. 

Specific to the ESA and effects on Threatened, 

Endangered, Proposed or Candidate species, 

the appropriate determination for discountable 

effects on these species would be: “Is not 

likely to adversely affect”. Refer to the 

“adverse effect” definition in this glossary. 

Dispersed recreation 

Recreation that does not occur in a developed 

recreation setting, such as hunting, scenic 

driving, or backpacking. 

E 

Easement 

A special-use authorization for a right-of-way 

that conveys a conditioned interest in National 

Forest System land, and is compensable 

according to its terms. 

Economic efficiency 

Producing goods and services in areas best 

A - 6 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
suited for that production based on natural 

biophysical advantage or an area’s ability to 

best serve regional demands of people. 

Economic dependency 

The degree to which a community is dependent 

upon National Forest resources for 

employment and income. 

Economic region 

A group of communities and their surrounding 

rural areas that are linked together through 

trade. 

Ecosystem 

A naturally occurring, self-maintained system 

of living and non-living interacting parts that 

are organized into biophysical and human 

dimension components. 

Effective ground cover 

Effective ground cover consists of vegetation, 

litter, and rock fragments larger than threefourths inch in diameter. It is expressed as the 

percentage of material, other than bare ground, 

covering the land surface. It may include live 

vegetation, standing dead vegetation, litter, 

cobble, gravel, stones, and bedrock. The 

minimum effective ground cover, following 

the cessation of disturbance in an activity area, 

should be sufficient to prevent detrimental 

erosion. Minimum amounts of ground cover 

necessary to protect the soil from erosion are a 

function of soil properties, slope gradient and 

length, and erosivity (precipitation factor), and 

must be determined locally. Rock fragments, 

litter, and canopy might be treated 

independently, depending on the model used to 

estimate erosion hazard ratings. 

Eligibility 

For Wild and Scenic Rivers, an evaluation of 

river features to determine which rivers qualify 

to be studied for possible addition to the WSR 

System. Two screening criteria are used for a 

river segment to be eligible for inclusion in the 

WSR system. The river must be free-flowing, 

and it must possess one or more outstandingly 

remarkable scenic, recreational, geological, 

fish and wildlife, historical, cultural, 

ecological, or other value. 

APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

Endangered species 

Designated by the FWS or NMFS, an animal 

or plant species that has been given federal 

protection status because it is in danger of 

extinction throughout all or a significant 

portion of its natural range. 

Endangered Species Act (ESA) 

An act passed by Congress in 1973 intended to 

protect species and subspecies of plants and 

animals that are of “aesthetic, ecological, 

educational, historical, recreational, and 

scientific value”. It may also protect the listed 

species’ critical habitat, the geographic area 

occupied by or essential to the species. The 

FWS (USFWS) and NMFS share authority to 

list endangered species, determine critical 

habitat, and develop species’ recovery plans. 

Enhance 

In a Recreation Opportunity Spectrum context, 

enhance means to address or resolve setting 

inconsistencies in the adopted ROS strategy 

classifications. 

Ephemeral stream 

A stream or portion of a stream that flows only 

in direct response to precipitation or run-off 

events, and that receives little or no continuous 

water from springs, snow, or other sources. 

Unlike intermittent streams, an ephemeral 

usually does not have a defined stream channel 

or banks, and its channel is at all times above 

the water table. 

Eradicate (noxious weeds) 

To eliminate a noxious weed from a given 

area, including all viable seeds and vegetative 

propagules. 

Essential habitat 

Used to describe habitat of listed species under 

ESA, but not designated as “critical habitat”. 

Essential habitat has all the important elements 

of habitat necessary to sustain a species. 

Exotic species 

Animals or plants that have been introduced 

from a distant place and are non-native to the 

area of introduction. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 7 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

F 

Facility 

Structures needed to support the management, 

protection, and utilization of the National 

Forests, including buildings, utility systems, 

bridges, dams, communication system 

components, and other constructed features. 

There are three categories of facilities: 

recreation, administrative, and permitted. 

Federal Register 

A daily publication which reports Presidential 

and Federal Agency documents. 

Fine filter approach 

A focus on individual species (management 

indicator species, threatened and endangered 

species, etc.). 

Floodprone area width 

The area that would be expected to be covered 

by water if the wetted stream depth were twice 

bank full height, determined at the deepest part 

on a given transect. This width is then 

extrapolated over the length of the stream 

reach by averaging several random transects 

taken within the project area. 

Fluvial fish 

Fish that migrate, but only within a river 

system. Bull trout that migrate into larger river 

systems. 

Forbs 

Broadleaf ground vegetation with little or no 

woody material. 

Forest road or trail 

A road or trail wholly or partly within or 

adjacent to and serving the National Forest 

System that the Forest Service determines is 

necessary for the protection, administration, 

and utilization of the National Forest System 

and the use and development of its resources. 

Forest transportation atlas 

A display of the system of roads, trails, and 

airfields of an administrative unit. 

Forest transportation facility 

A forest road or trail or an airfield that is 

displayed in a forest transportation atlas, 

including bridges, culverts, parking lots, 

marine access facilities, safety devices, and 

other improvements appurtenant to the forest 

transportation system. 

Forest transportation system 

The system of National Forest System roads, 

National Forest system trails, and airfields on 

National Forest System lands. 

Fragmentation 

The splitting or isolation of habitat into smaller 

patches because of human actions. Habitat can 

be fragmented by management activities such 

as timber harvest and road construction, and 

changes such as agricultural development, 

major road systems, and reservoir 

impoundments. 

Free flowing 

Existing or flowing in a natural condition 

without impoundment, diversion, 

straightening, riprapping, or other modification 

in the waterway. 

G 

Geographic Information System (GIS) 

A computer system that stores and uses spatial 

(mappable) data. 

Geomorphic Integrity 

Geomorphic integrity is an assessment and 

comparison of existing soil-hydrologic 

conditions with historical conditions that 

existed before Euro-American settlement. 

Upland, riparian, and stream conditions are 

assessed to determine how their integrity and 

resilience may have changed due to effects 

from past or current human-caused (road 

construction, timber harvest, livestock grazing, 

etc.) or natural (wildfire, floods, etc.) 

disturbance. Relative integrity ratings are 

assessed at the subwatershed scale and based 

on the geomorphic resilience of streams and 

wetland/riparian areas, and the ability of the 

system to absorb and store water. 

A - 8 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

Goal 

As Forest Plan management direction, a goal is 

a concise statement that helps describe a 

desired condition, or how to achieve that 

condition. Goals are typically expressed in 

broad, general terms that are timeless, in that 

there are no specific dates by which the goals 

are to be achieved. Goal statements form the 

basis from which objectives are developed. 

Guideline 

As Forest Plan management direction, a 

guideline is a preferred or advisable course of 

action generally expected to be carried out. 

Deviation from compliance does not require a 

Forest Plan amendment (as with a standard), 

but rationale for deviation must be documented 

in the project decision document. 

H 

Habitat 

A place that provides seasonal or year-round 

food, water, shelter, and other environmental 

conditions for an organism, community, or 

population of plants or animals. 

Habitat security 

The protection inherent in any situation that 

allows big game to remain in a defined area 

despite an increase in stress or disturbance 

associated with the hunting season or other 

human activity. The components of security 

may include, but are not limited to: vegetation, 

topography, road density, general accessibility, 

hunting season timing and duration, and land 

ownership. Habitat security is area specific, 

while hiding cover (see definition below) is 

site specific. 

Hardening 

Used in the context of facility management, 

hardening refers to improvements, usually to 

the surfacing of roads, trails, campsite areas, 

and facility access areas, to reduce soil erosion 

and/or sedimentation in nearby watercourses. 

These improvements can include paving, 

gravel surfacing, or a number of other soil 

stabilization products and techniques. 

Harmful Discharge 

Discharge of oil in such quantities as “may be 

harmful” pursuant to section 311(b)(4) of the 

Act. ([61FR 7421, Feb. 28, 1996]) For 

purposes of section 311(b)(4) of the Act, 

discharges of oil in such quantities that the 

Administrator has determined may be harmful 

to the public health or welfare or the 

environment of the United States include 

discharges of oil that: (a) Violate applicable 

water quality standards; or (b) Cause a film or 

sheen upon or discoloration of the surface of 

the water or adjoining shorelines or cause a 

sludge or emulsion to be deposited beneath the 

surface of the water or upon adjoining 

shorelines. 

Heritage Program 

The Forest Service program that encompasses 

all aspects of cultural resource management, 

including both project and non-project 

resource inventory, evaluation, mitigation, 

curation, interpretation, public participation 

and education, protection and monitoring, and 

support to other resources. 

Hibernaculum 

Winter residence, or any natural covering for 

protecting organisms during the winter. This 

term is often used for bat wintering and 

roosting areas, which may include caves, mine 

adits, or loose tree bark. 

Hiding cover 

Vegetation capable of hiding 90 percent of an 

adult elk or deer from a human’s view at a 

distance equal to or less than 200 feet. 

Hierarchy 

A general integrated system comprising two or 

more levels, the higher controlling to some 

extent the activities of the lower levels; a series 

of consecutively subordinate categories 

forming a system of classification. 

Historical Range of Variability (HRV) 

The natural fluctuation of healthy ecosystem 

components over time. In this document, HRV 

refers to the range of conditions and processes 

that likely occurred prior to settlement of the 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 9 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

area by people of European descent (around 

the mid 1800s), and that would have varied 

within certain limits over time. 

Historic property 

Any prehistoric or historic district, site, 

building, structure, or object included on, or 

eligible for inclusion on the National Register, 

including artifacts, records, and material 

remains related to such a property or resource. 

Human dimensions 

Refers to social and economic components of 

an ecosystem. 

Hydrologic 

Refers to the properties, distribution, and 

effects of water. “Hydrology” is the study of 

water; its occurrence, circulation, distribution, 

properties, and reactions with the environment. 

Hydrologic Unit (HU) 

A hierarchal coding system developed by the 

U.S. Geological Service to map geographic 

boundaries of watersheds of various sizes. 

Hydric 

Wet or moist conditions. Can refer to a habitat 

characterized by, or a species adapted to wet or 

moist conditions, rather than mesic (moderate) 

or xeric (dry) conditions. 

I 

Indicator 

In effects analysis, a way or device for 

measuring effects from management 

alternatives on a particular resource or issue. 

Infish 

Interim Inland Native Fish Strategy for 

Intermountain, Northern, and Pacific 

Northwest Regions (USDA Forest Service). 

Infrastructure 

The facilities, utilities, and transportation 

systems needed to meet public and 

administrative needs. 

Insignificant effect 

An insignificant effect is one that cannot by 

detected, measured, or evaluated in any 

meaningful way. Therefore, no change to a 

resource, social, or economic condition would 

be expected from a insignificant effect. 

Determination of an insignificant effect may 

be based on scientific analysis, professional 

judgment, experience, or logic. 

Specific to the ESA and effects on Threatened, 

Endangered, Proposed or Candidate species, an 

insignificant effect can never reach the scale or 

magnitude where a species take occurs. The 

appropriate effects determination for 

insignificant effects on these species would be: 

“Is not likely to adversely affect”. Refer to the 

“adverse effect” definition in this glossary. 

Integrated Weed Management 

A multi-disciplinary, ecological approach to 

managing weed infestations involving the 

deliberate selection, integration, and 

implementation of effective weed control 

measures with due consideration of economic, 

ecological, and sociological consequences. 

Interim management direction 

For Wild and Scenic Rivers, the identified 

outstandingly remarkable values are afforded 

adequate protection, subject to valid existing 

rights. Affording adequate protection requires 

sound resource management decisions based 

on NEPA analysis. Protective management 

may be initiated by the administering agency 

as soon as eligibility is determined. Specific 

management prescriptions for eligible river 

segments provide protection to free-flowing 

values, river-related values, and classification 

impacts. 

Intermittent stream 

A stream or portion of a stream that flows only 

in direct response to precipitation or seasonal 

run-off, and that receives little or no water 

from springs or other permanent sources. 

Unlike ephemeral streams, an intermittent has 

well-defined channel and banks, and it may 

seasonally be below the water table. 

A - 10 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA) 

An area that: 

• is larger than 5,000 acres or, if smaller, 

contiguous to a designated wilderness or 

primitive area; 

• contains no improved roads maintained for 

travel by standard passenger-type vehicles; 

• is characterized by a substantially 

undeveloped character; and 

• has been inventoried by the Forest Service 

for possible inclusion in the Wilderness 

Preservation System. 

These areas include those identified in a set of 

IRA maps—contained in the Forest Service 

Roadless Area Conservation Final EIS, 

Volume 2 (November 2000), and held at the 

National headquarters of the Forest Service— 

or any update, correction, or revision of those 

maps. Refer to Table C-5 in Appendix C to the 

Forest Plan Revision Final EIS for a listing of 

IRAs, their location, and acreage. 

K 

Key watershed 

Governor's Bull Trout Conservation Plan 

(7/96) - A watershed that has been designated 

as critical to long-term persistence of 

regionally important bull trout populations. 

Designation is based on existing bull trout 

population biology and not land ownership. 

Land management actions emphasize 

maintenance or recovery of bull trout. Pacfish 

(1995) - A watershed that is important to "at 

risk" anadromous fish, provides good 

anadromous fish habitat, or is readily capable 

of providing good anadromous fish habitat, 

and is selected to contribute to a network 

across the landscape that provides for the longterm conservation of anadromous fish. By 

definition, a key watershed is currently 

occupied habitat, similar to a bull trout 

"priority" watershed. 

L 

Landscape scale assessment 

An assessment done for a landscape area 

varying in size from a 6th-field HU to a 

combination of 5th-field HUs, or 

approximately 10,000 to 100,000 acres. This 

scale is synonymous with “fine-scale 

analysis.” Ecosystem Analysis at the 

Watershed Scale (EAWS) occurs at this scale. 

Landslide 

Any downslope mass movement of soil, rock, 

or debris. 

Landslide prone area 

An area with a tendency for rapid soil mass 

movements typified by shallow, non-cohesive 

soils on slopes where shallow translational 

planar landsliding phenomena are controlled 

by shallow groundwater flow convergence. 

The initiation is often associated with 

extremely wet periods, such as rain-on-snow 

events. It does not include slow soil mass 

movements that include deep earth-flows and 

rotational slumps, nor snow avalanche or rock 

fall areas. Translational slides have been 

documented as the dominant form of 

landslides for the majority of the Forest. 

Landtype 

A portion of the landscape resulting from 

geomorphic and climatic processes with 

defined characteristics having predictable soil, 

hydrologic, engineering, productivity, and 

other behavior patterns. 

Landtype associations 

A grouping of landtypes similar in general 

surface configuration and origin. 

Local road 

Roads that connect terminal facilities with 

Forest collector or arterial roads, or public 

highways. The location and standard are 

usually controlled by topography and specific 

resource activities rather than travel efficiency. 

Forest local roads may be developed and 

operated for long-term, intermittent, shortterm, or temporary service. 

Lynx Analysis Unit (LAU) 

The LAU is a project analysis unit upon which 

direct, indirect, and cumulative effects 

analyses are performed. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 11 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

Lynx denning habitat 

Habitat used during parturition and rearing of 

young until they are mobile. Denning habitat 

may be found in older mature forest of conifer 

or mixed conifer/deciduous types, or in 

regenerating stands (>20 years since 

disturbance). Denning habitat must be located 

within daily travel distance of foraging habitat 

(typical maximum daily distance for females is 

3-6 miles). 

Lynx foraging habitat 

Habitat that supports primary prey (snowshoe 

hare) and/or important alternative prey that are 

available to lynx. These conditions may occur 

in early successional stands following some 

type of disturbance, or in older forests with a 

substantial understory of shrubs and young 

conifer trees. 

Lynx habitat currently in unsuitable 

condition. 

Areas within identified/mapped lynx habitat 

that are in early successional stages as a result 

of recent fires or vegetation management, in 

which the vegetation has not developed 

sufficiently to support snowshoe hare 

populations during all seasons. 

M 

Maintain 

When used in a management goal or objective 

for biological and physical resources, 

“maintain” means to stay within the range of 

desired conditions. The context is that resource 

conditions are already within their desired 

range, and the expectation is that management 

actions to achieve goals or objectives maintain 

resource conditions within their desired range 

in the planning period. 

When used in a standard or guideline for 

biological and physical resources, “maintain” 

means that current conditions are neither 

restored or degraded, but remain essentially the 

same. The context is that resource conditions 

may or may not be in their desired range, and 

the expectation is that maintenance 

management actions do not degrade or restore 

current conditions. 

This is an important distinction because most 

goal or objective management actions cannot 

be designed to achieve desired conditions for 

all resources. Specific actions are designed to 

achieve desired conditions for specific 

resources, but may simultaneously have effects 

on those or other resources. The intent behind 

“maintain” when used in a standard or 

guideline is to keep those effects from 

degrading resource conditions; i.e., moving 

conditions from functioning properly to 

functioning at risk, or making conditions 

measurably worse when they are currently 

functioning at risk or not functioning properly. 

See definitions for “degrade” and “restore” in 

this Glossary. 

For Recreation, Scenic Environment, Heritage, 

Lands, Special Uses, and Wilderness 

resources, “maintain” means to continue a 

current or existing practice, activity, 

management strategy, resource condition, or 

level of use. 

For physical improvements managed under the 

Roads and Facilities programs, “maintain” 

means to keep the road or facility in a usable 

condition. 

For resource inventories, databases, plans, 

maps, or other documents related to all 

resources, “maintain” means to periodically 

update these items to reflect current conditions 

and/or status. 

Management action or activity 

As identified in FSM 2527.05 - Any Federal 

activity including (1) acquiring, managing, and 

disposing of Federal lands and facilities, (2) 

providing federally undertaken, financed, or 

assisted construction or improvements, and (3) 

conducting Federal activities and programs 

affecting land use, including but not limited to 

water and related land resources planning, 

regulating, and licensing activities. 

An exception to this definition is fire 

suppression, which is considered an 

A - 12 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

emergency response action rather than a 

management action. FSM 2671.45f, part 2(a) 

states, “Human safety is the highest priority for 

every emergency response action (see FSM 

5130.3 for related direction on the wildland 

fire suppression policy and the priority for the 

safety of firefighters, other personnel, and the 

public).” 

Management area 

A land area with similar management goals 

and a common prescription, as described in the 

Forest Plan. 

Management Indicator Species (MIS) 

Representative species whose habitat 

conditions or population changes are used to 

assess the impacts of management activities on 

similar species in a particular area. MIS are 

generally presumed to be sensitive to habitat 

changes. 

Management Prescription Category (MPC) 

Management prescriptions are defined as, 

“Management practices and intensity selected 

and scheduled for application on a specific 

area to attain multiple use and other goals and 

objectives” (36 CFR 219.3). MPCs are broad 

categories of management prescriptions that 

indicate the general management emphasis 

prescribed for a given area. They are based on 

Forest Service definitions developed at the 

national level, and represent management 

emphasis themes, ranging from Wilderness 

(1.0) to Concentrated Development (8.0). The 

national MPCs have been customized during 

Forest Plan revision to better fit the needs and 

issues of the Southwest Idaho Ecogroup 

Forests. 

Measurable change 

A measurable change is one that can be 

meaningfully detected, measured, or evaluated 

using accepted analysis or monitoring 

methods. A measurable change would not 

result from an insignificant or discountable 

effect. 

Mesic 

Moderate moisture conditions. Can refer to a 

habitat characterized by, or a species adapted 

to moderate moisture conditions rather than 

hydric (wet) or xeric (dry) conditions. 

Metapopulation 

A group or collection of semi-isolated 

subpopulations of organisms that are 

interconnected and interact both physically and 

genetically. A population comprising local 

populations that are linked by migrants, 

allowing for recolonization of unoccupied 

habitat patches after local extinction events. 

Mitigate 

To avoid, minimize, reduce, eliminate, rectify, 

or compensate for impacts or degradation that 

might otherwise result from management 

actions. 

Monitoring 

The process of collecting information to 

evaluate if objectives and anticipated results of 

a management plan are being realized, or if 

implementation is proceeding as planned. 

Motor vehicle 

Any vehicle which is self-propelled, other 

than: 1) A vehicle operated on rails; and 2) 

Any wheelchair or mobility device, including 

one that is battery-powered, that is designed 

solely for use by a mobility-impaired person 

for locomotion, and that is suitable for use in 

an indoor pedestrian area. 

Motor vehicle use map 

A map reflecting designated roads, trails, and 

areas on an administrative unit or a Ranger 

District of the National Forest System. 

N 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

The National Environmental Policy Act of 

1969 requires environmental analysis and 

public disclosure of federal actions. 

National Forest System road 

A forest road other than a road which has been 

authorized by a legally documented right-ofway held by a State, County, or other local 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 13 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

public road authority. 

National Forest System trail 

A forest trail other than a trail which has been 

authorized by a legally documented right-ofway held by a State, County, or other local 

public road authority. 

National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) 

A Federal Act, passed in 1966, which 

established a program for the preservation of 

additional historic properties throughout the 

nation and for other purposes, including the 

establishment of the National Register of 

Historic Places, the National Historic 

Landmarks designation, regulations for 

supervision of antiquities, designation of the 

State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPO), 

guidelines for federal agency responsibilities, 

technical advice, and the establishment of the 

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. 

National Register of Historic Places 

(NRHP) 

A list of cultural resources that have local, 

state, or national significance maintained by 

the Secretary of the Interior. 

Native species 

Animals or plants that originated in the area in 

which they live. Species that normally live 

and thrive in a particular ecosystem. 

New facilities 

Facilities resulting from new construction in 

locations where no facilities previously 

existed. 

New road construction 

Activity that results in the addition of forest 

classified or temporary road miles (36 CFR 

212.1). 

No Action (Alternative) 

The most likely condition expected to exist if 

current management practices continue 

unchanged. The analysis of this alternative is 

required for federal actions under NEPA. 

Non-discretionary actions 

Land management activities initiated from 

outside the National Forest Service—such as 

mining proposals, special-use permitted 

activities, or suppression tactics for lifethreatening situations. 

Non-system road 

Another name for an unauthorized or 

unclassified road. 

Noxious weed 

A state-designated plant species that causes 

negative ecological and economic impacts to 

both agricultural and other lands within the 

state. 

O 

Objective 

As Forest Plan management direction, an 

objective is a concise time-specific statement 

of actions or results designed to help achieve 

goals. Objectives form the basis for projectlevel actions or proposals to help achieve 

Forest goals. The time frame for 

accomplishing objectives, unless otherwise 

stated, is generally considered to be the 

planning period, or the next 10 to 15 years. 

More specific dates are not typically used 

because achievement can be delayed by 

funding, litigation, environmental changes, and 

other influences beyond the Forest’s control. 

Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) 

Any motorized vehicle designed for or capable 

of cross-country travel on or immediately over 

land, water, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or 

other natural terrain. These include common 

vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs, 

snowmobiles, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and trail 

bikes. 

Over-snow vehicle 

A motor vehicle that is designed for use over 

snow and that runs on a track or tracks and/or 

ski or skis, while in use over snow. 

P 

Pacfish 

Interim strategies for managing Pacific 

A - 14 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

anadromous fish-producing watersheds in 

eastern Oregon and Washington, Idaho, and 

portions of California. 

Population 

The people, wildlife, fish, or plants that inhabit 

and reproduce in a specific area. Also, a group 

of individuals of the same species occupying a 

defined locality during a given time that 

exhibit reproductive continuity from 

generation to generation. 

Primitive 

A Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

classification for areas characterized by an 

essentially unmodified natural environment of 

fairly large size. Interaction between users is 

very low and evidence of other users is 

minimal. The area is managed to be 

essentially free from evidence of humaninduced restrictions and controls. Motorized 

use within the area is not permitted. 

Priority wildlife habitats 

Those habitats that have most decreased or 

changed from historic times. They can be used 

to rank the need for restoration or management 

emphasis. 

Priority watershed 

Governor's Bull Trout Conservation Plan 

(7/96) - A watershed that is either in the best 

condition for this species or is most 

recoverable with the greatest opportunity for 

success. Priority watersheds can be classified 

as follows: 

Focal - highly occupied, existing 

protection and maintenance, cost for 

protection is low, chance of success is 

high over the short term. 

Adjunct - considerable restoration may 

be needed, riparian and in-channel 

restoration stand a good chance of 

succeeding, good opportunity for 

colonizing from adjacent habitat, 

restoration can improve adjacent refuge 

populations. 

Nodal - critical to sustaining existing 

populations within the watershed, 

connected and accessible to migrating 

populations, restoration potential is 

high. 

Critical Contributing Area - restoration is 

necessary to secure functional value for 

associated focal, adjunct, or nodal 

habitats. 

Lost Cause - level of effort exceeds 

benefits. 

Private road 

A road under private ownership authorized by 

an easement to a private party, or a road that 

provides access pursuant to a reserved or 

private right. 

Professional judgment 

Intuitive conclusions and predictions 

dependent upon training; interpretation of 

facts, information, observations, and/or 

personal knowledge. 

Project Design Features (PDF) 

Modifications of actions that: (1) avoid 

impacts by not taking a certain action or parts 

of an action in a given area of concern; (2) 

minimize impacts by limiting the degree or 

magnitude of the actions and its 

implementation; (3) rectify impacts by 

repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the 

affected environment; (4) reduce or eliminate 

impacts over time by preservation and 

maintenance operations during the life of the 

action; or (5) compensate for impacts by 

replacing or providing substitute resources or 

environments. 

Proposed Action 

A proposal made by the Forest Service or other 

federal agency to authorize, recommend, or 

implement an action to meet a specific purpose 

and need. 

Public road 

Any road or street under the jurisdiction of, 

and maintained by, a public authority and open 

to public travel [23 U.S.C. 101(a)]. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 15 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

R 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) 

A framework for stratifying and defining 

classes of outdoor recreation environments, 

activities, and experience opportunities. The 

settings, activities, and opportunities for 

obtaining experiences are arranged along a 

continuum or spectrum divided into six 

classes--primitive, semi-primitive 

nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, 

roaded natural, rural, and urban. 

Recreation Visitor Day (RVD) 

Twelve hours of recreation use in any 

combination of persons and hours (one person 

for 12 hours, three persons for four hours, 

etc.). 

Resident fish 

Fish that are non-migratory and spend their 

entire life cycle within a given freshwater area. 

Resilient, resiliency 

The ability of a system to respond to 

disturbances. Resiliency is one of the 

properties that enable the system to persist in 

many different states of successional stages. In 

human communities, refers to the ability of a 

community to respond to externally induced 

changes such as larger economic or social 

forces. 

Restoration 

Management actions or decisions taken to 

restore the desired conditions of habitats, 

communities, ecosystems, resources, or 

watersheds. For soil, water, riparian, or aquatic 

resources, restoration may include any one or a 

combination of active, passive, or conservation 

management strategies or approaches. 

Restoration priority 

A means used in this Forest Plan revision to 

prioritize water quality and aquatic restoration 

using beneficial uses, current condition, 

imperiled fish species, 303(d)-listed water 

bodies, and TMDL-assigned subbasins. This 

process also includes whether restoration 

should be active or passive based upon districtlevel properly functioning condition analyses 

for 6th level hydrologic units (subwatersheds). 

Restore 

For biological and physical resources, 

restore means to repair, re-establish, or 

recover ecosystem functions, processes, 

or components so that they are moving 

toward or within their range of desired 

conditions. 

For the Recreation, Scenic Environment, 

Heritage, Lands, Special Uses, 

Wilderness, Roads and Facilities 

resources, restore means to use 

management actions to re-establish 

desired resource conditions. 

Retard attainment of desired resource 

conditions 

When an effect resulting from a management 

action, individually or in combination with 

effects from other management actions, within 

a specified area and time frame, measurably 

slows the recovery rate of existing conditions 

moving toward the range of desired resource 

conditions. 

Riparian areas or zones 

Terrestrial areas where the vegetation complex 

and microclimate conditions are products of 

the combined presence and influence of 

perennial and/or intermittent water, associated 

with high water tables, and soils that exhibit 

some wetness characteristics. 

Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs) 

Portions of watersheds where ripariandependant resources receive primary emphasis, 

and management activities are subject to 

specific goals, objectives, standards, and 

guidelines. RCAs include traditional riparian 

corridors, perennial and intermittent streams, 

wetlands, lakes, springs, reservoirs, and other 

areas where proper riparian functions and 

ecological processes are crucial to maintenance 

of the area’s water, sediment, woody debris, 

nutrient delivery system, and associated biotic 

communities and habitat. 

A - 16 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

Road 

A motor vehicle travelway over 50 inches 

wide, unless designated and managed as a trail. 

Road decommissioning 

Activities that result in the stabilization and 

restoration of unneeded roads to a more natural 

state (36 CFR 212.1, FSM 7703). 

Road maintenance 

The ongoing upkeep of a road necessary to 

retain or restore the road to the approved road 

management objective (FSM 7712.3). 

Road maintenance level 

Road maintenance is classified in terms of the 

following levels: 

• Maintenance level 1 - Assigned to 

intermittent service roads during the time 

they are closed to vehicular traffic. Basic 

custodial maintenance is performed to keep 

damage to adjacent resources to an 

acceptable level and to perpetuate the road 

to facilitate future management activities. 

• Maintenance level 2 - Assigned to roads 

open for public or permitted use by high 

clearance vehicles. Passenger car traffic is 

not a consideration. 

• Maintenance level 3 - Assigned to roads 

open and maintained for travel by a prudent 

driver in a standard passenger car. User 

comfort and convenience are not 

considered priorities. 

• Maintenance level 4 - Assigned to roads 

that provide a moderate degree of user 

comfort and convenience at moderate travel 

speeds. Some roads may be paved and/or 

dust-abated. 

• Maintenance level 5 - Assigned to roads 

that provide a high degree of user comfort 

and convenience. These roads are normally 

paved. 

Road obliteration 

Road decommissioning technique used to 

eliminate the functional characteristics of a 

travelway and re-establish the natural resource 

production capability. The intent is to make the 

corridor unusable as a road or a trail and 

stabilize it against soil loss, which can involve 

re-contouring and restoring natural slopes. 

Road reconstruction 

Activity that results in improvement or 

realignment of an existing classified road as 

defined below: 

Road Improvement – Activity that 

results in an increase of an existing 

road’s traffic service level expansion of 

its capacity, or a change in its original 

design function. 

Road Realignment – Activity that results 

in a new location of an existing road or 

portions of an existing road and 

treatment of the old roadway (36 CFR 

212.1). 

Roads Analysis Process (RAP) 

Roads analysis is an integrated ecological, 

social, and economic science-based approach 

to transportation planning that addresses 

existing and future road management options. 

A completed science-based roads analysis will 

inform management decisions about the 

benefits and risks of constructing new roads in 

unroaded areas; relocating, stabilizing, 

changing the standards of, or decommissioning 

unneeded roads; access issues; and increasing, 

reducing, or discontinuing road maintenance. 

Roads subject to the Highway Safety Act 

National Forest System roads open to use by 

the public for standard passenger cars. This 

includes roads with access restricted on a 

seasonal basis and roads closed during extreme 

weather conditions or for emergencies, but 

which are otherwise open for general public 

use. 

Roaded natural 

A Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

classification for areas characterized by a 

predominantly natural or natural-appearing 

environment with moderate evidence of the 

sights and sounds of people. Such evidence 

usually harmonizes with the natural 

environment. Interaction between users may 

be moderate to high, with evidence of other 

users prevalent. Resource modification and 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 17 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

utilization practices are evident, but harmonize 

with the natural environment. Conventional 

motorized use is allowed and incorporated into 

construction standards and design of facilities. 

Roadless area 

See Inventoried Roadless Area. 

RS 2477 claim 

A claim for a pre-existing road right-of-way 

based upon a mining law passed in 1866. The 

law was later repealed as a part of the Federal 

Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) 

of 1976. 

Rural 

ROS classification for areas characterized by a 

natural environment that has been substantially 

modified by development of structures, 

vegetative manipulation, or pastoral 

agricultural development. Resource 

modification and utilization practices may be 

used to enhance specific recreation activities 

and to maintain vegetative cover and soil. 

Sights and sound of humans are readily 

evident, and the interaction between users is 

often moderate to high. A considerable 

number of facilities are designed for use by a 

large number of people. Facilities are often 

provided for special activities. Moderate user 

densities are present away from developed 

sites. Facilities for intensified motorized use 

and parking are available. 

S 

Scale 

Defined in this framework as geographic 

extent; for example, region, sub-regional, or 

landscape scale. 

Scoping 

The process the Forest Service uses to 

determine, through public involvement, the 

range of issues that the planning process 

should address. 

Security cover or habitat 

Vegetation cover used by elk for concealment 

during the rifle-hunting season (Lyon and 

Canfield, 1991). 

Sedimentation 

The action or process of forming and 

depositing sediments. Stream sedimentation 

occurs when water velocity cannot transport 

the bed load and suspended matter is deposited 

by gravity along the streambed. 

Semiprimitive motorized 

ROS classification for areas characterized by 

predominantly natural or natural-appearing 

environment of moderate to large size. 

Concentration of users is low, but there is often 

evidence of other users. The area is managed 

in such a way that minimum on-site controls 

and restrictions may be present, but would be 

subtle. Motorized use of primitive roads with 

predominantly natural surfaces and trails 

suitable for motorcycles is permitted. 

Semiprimitive nonmotorized 

ROS classification for areas characterized by 

predominantly natural or natural-appearing 

environment of moderate to large size. 

Interaction between users is low, but there is 

often evidence of other users. The area is 

managed in such a way that minimum on-site 

controls and restrictions may be present, but 

would be subtle. Motorized recreation use is 

not permitted, but primitive roads used for 

other resource management activities may be 

present on a limited basis. Use of such roads 

may be restricted to minimize impacts on 

recreational experience opportunities or other 

resources. 

Sensitive species 

A Forest Service or BLM designation, 

sensitive plant and animal species are selected 

by the Regional Forester or the BLM State 

Director because population viability may be a 

concern, as evidenced by a current or predicted 

downward trend in population numbers or 

density, or a current or predicted downward 

trend in habitat capability that would reduce a 

species' existing distribution. Sensitive species 

are not addressed in or covered by the 

Endangered Species Act. 

A - 18 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

Silviculture 

The care and tending of stands of trees to meet 

specific objectives. 

Snag 

A standing dead tree. 

Soil erosion 

Soil erosion is the detachment and transport of 

soil particles or aggregates by wind, water, or 

gravity. Management practices may increase 

soil erosion hazard when they remove ground 

cover and detach soil particles. . 

Soil mass movement or soil mass erosion 

Soil mass movement is the downslope 

movement of earth caused by gravity. This 

includes but is not limited to landslides, rock 

falls, debris avalanches, and creep. It does not, 

however, include surface erosion by running 

water. It may be caused by natural erosional 

processes, or by natural disturbances (e.g., 

earthquakes or wildland fire) or human 

disturbances (e.g., mining or road 

construction). 

Soil productivity 

Soil productivity includes the inherent capacity 

of a soil under management to support the 

growth of specified plants, plant communities, 

or a sequence of plant communities. Soil 

productivity may be expressed in terms of 

volume or weight/unit area/year, percent plant 

cover, or other measures of biomass 

accumulation. 

Spawning 

The act of fish reproduction. The mixing of the 

sperm of a male fish and the eggs of a female 

fish. 

Special use authorization 

A permit, term permit, lease, or easement that 

allows occupancy or use rights or privileges on 

National Forest System lands (36 CFR 261.2). 

Special-use permit 

A special-use authorization that provides 

permission, without conveying an interest in 

land, to occupy and use National Forest 

System lands or facilities for specific purposes, 

and which is both revocable and terminable. 

Species of concern 

An unofficial status for a species whose 

abundance is at low levels. 

Standard 

As Forest Plan management direction, a 

standard is a binding limitation placed on 

management actions. It must be within the 

authority and ability of the Forest Service to 

enforce. A project or action that varies from a 

relevant standard may not be authorized unless 

the Forest Plan is amended to modify, remove, 

or waive application of the standard. 

State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) 

A person appointed by a state’s Governor to 

administer the State Historic Preservation 

Program. 

Strongholds 

For fish, strongholds are watersheds that: (1) 

include all major life-history forms (resident, 

fluvial, adfluvial) that historically occurred 

there; (2) have numbers that are stable or 

increasing, with local populations at least half 

of their historical size; and (3) have 

populations with at least 5,000 individuals or 

500 adults. 

Subbasin 

A fourth field hydrologic unit that nests within 

the hierarchical system developed by the U.S. 

Geological Survey to describe watersheds. 

Typically 800,000 to 1,000,000 acres in size, a 

subbasin is smaller than a river basin (third 

field unit), and larger than a watershed (fifth 

field unit). 

Substrate 

The composition of a streambed, including 

mineral and organic materials. 

Subwatershed 

An area of land that drains to a common point. 

A subwatershed is smaller subdivision of a 

watershed but is larger than a drainage or site. 

Subwatersheds are often synonymous with 

sixth-field hydrologic units, which are nested 

within larger watersheds (fifth-field units), and 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 19 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

are comprised of smaller drainages, sites, and 

stream reaches. 

Subwatershed vulnerability 

Subwatershed vulnerability is an assessment of 

a subwatershed’s sensitivity to disturbance and 

its resiliency or natural ability for restoration. 

The disturbance may be human-caused and/or 

natural. This assessment uses several criteria, 

including soil erosion rates, natural sediment 

yields, and percentage of landslide-prone areas 

within the subwatershed. 

Sustainability 

The ability to maintain a desired condition or 

flow of benefits over time. 

T 

Take of Listed Species 

The Endangered Species Act defines take of 

listed species as follows: [PL 93-205; 16 USC 

1531 et seq.] (19) The term “take” means to 

harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, 

trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage 

in any such conduct. 

Temporary road or trail 

A road or trail necessary for emergency 

operations or authorized by contract, permit, 

lease, or other written authorization that is not 

a forest road or trail and that is not included in 

a forest transportation atlas. 

Thermal cover 

Vegetation used by animals to lessen the 

effects of weather. For elk, thermal cover is 

typically a stand of coniferous trees, 40 feet or 

taller, with an average crown closure of 70 

percent or more. 

Threatened species 

Designated by the USFWS or NMFS; a plant 

or animal species given federal protection 

because it is likely to become endangered 

throughout all or a specific portion of its range 

within the foreseeable future. 

Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) 

TMDL is the sum of waste load allocations for 

point sources, non-point sources, natural 

background, and a margin of safety. A TMDL 

specifies the amount of a pollutant that needs 

to be reduced to meet water quality standards 

set by the state. TMDL is used in a process to 

attain water quality standards that (1) identifies 

water quality problems and contributing 

pollutant sources, (2) allocates pollution 

control responsibilities among sources in the 

watershed, and (3) provides a basis for taking 

actions needed to restore a water body. 

Total Soil Resource Commitment (TSRC) 

TSRC is the conversion of a productive site to 

an essentially non-productive site for a period 

of more than 50 years. Examples include 

classified or unclassified roads, inadequately 

restored haul roads, designated skid roads, 

landing areas, parking lots, mining dumps or 

excavations, dedicated trails (skid trails also), 

developed campgrounds, other dedicated 

facilities, and some stock driveways. 

Productivity on these areas ranges from 0 to 40 

percent of natural. 

Standards for detrimentally disturbed soils are 

to be applied to existing or planned activities 

that are available for multiple uses. These 

standards do not apply to areas with dedicated 

uses such as mines, ski areas, campgrounds, 

and administrative sites. 

Traditional cultural property 

Traditional cultural property is defined as a 

property that is associated with cultural 

practices or beliefs or a living community that 

(1) are rooted in that community’s history, and 

(2) are important in maintaining the continuing 

cultural identity of the community (National 

Register Bulletin 38) 

Trail 

A route 50 inches or less in width or a route 

over 50 inches in wide that is identified and 

managed as a trail. 

Trail vehicle 

Vehicles designed for trail use, such as 

bicycles, snowmobiles, trail bikes, trail 

A - 20 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
scooters, and all terrain vehicles (ATVs). 

Transportation facility jurisdiction 

The legal right to control or regulate use of a 

transportation facility derived from fee title, an 

easement, an agreement, or other similar 

method. While jurisdiction requires authority, 

it does not necessarily reflect ownership. 

Travel corridor 

A linear strip of land defined for the present or 

future location of transportation facilities 

within its boundaries. 

Travel management 

The integrated planning of and providing for 

appropriate movement of people and products 

to and through National Forest System lands. 

Travel management atlas 

An atlas that consists of a forest transportation 

atlas and a motor vehicle use map or maps. 

Travel map or plan 

Physical documentation of the outcome of the 

travel management process reflecting the 

access decisions (travel orders) issued by the 

responsible official to restrict, prohibit, or 

allow the use of a described area or 

transportation facility to entry or mode of 

travel. 

Travelway 

Travelways existing on the national forest but 

not inventoried as part of the forest 

development transportation system. These 

routes vary in width, length and structure. 

Their origin is typically from off-road public 

travel, but may also be abandoned routes from 

past management activities such as mining, oil 

and gas exploration, grazing, and timber 

harvesting (see also unclassified roads). These 

roads may also include roads referred to as 

“two-tracks,” “non-system roads,” or “ghost 

roads”. 

APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

U 

Unauthorized road or trail 

A road or trail that is not a forest road or trail 

or a temporary road or trail, and that is not 

included in a forest transportation atlas. Also 

called unclassified, undetermined, and usercreated. 

Undertaking 

Any project, activity, or program that can 

result in changes in the character or use of any 

historic properties located in the area of 

potential effects (36 CFR 800.2). The project, 

activity, or program must be under the direct or 

indirect jurisdiction of a federal agency or 

licensed or assisted by a federal agency. 

Undeveloped character 

In the context of land management, an area of 

land retaining its primeval character and 

influence, without permanent improvements or 

human habitation, which is managed so as to 

preserve its natural conditions and which 

generally appears to have been affected 

primarily by the forces of nature, with the 

imprint of man’s work substantially 

unnoticeable. 

Unroaded areas 

Areas that do not contain classified roads. 

Unstable areas 

Land areas that have a higher probability of 

increased erosion, landslides, and channel 

adjustment disturbances during climatic or 

physical events such as major storms or fires. 

Urban 

ROS classification for areas characterized by a 

substantially urbanized environment, although 

the background may have natural-appearing 

elements. Renewable resource modification 

and utilization practices are often used to 

enhance specific recreational activities. 

Vegetative cover is often exotic and 

manicured. Sights and sounds of humans are 

predominant on the site. Large numbers of 

users can be expected both on the site and in 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 21 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

nearby areas. Facilities for highly intensified 

motor use and parking are available with forms 

of mass transit often available to carry people 

throughout the site. 

User-created route 

A route that has appeared on National Forest 

System land without Forest Service 

authorization. These routes were constructed 

through use and have no engineered features or 

drainage structures. 

Utility corridor 

A linear strip of land defined for the present or 

future location of utility facilities within its 

boundaries. 

V 

Viable population 

A population that is regarded as having the 

estimated numbers and distribution of 

reproductive individuals to ensure that it will 

continue to exist over time and will be well 

distributed within a given area. 

Vulnerability 

Refers to lack of animal security during the 

hunting season. Vulnerability can be affected 

by conditions such as road density, road 

closures, openings, and hunting pressure. 

W 

Water Quality Integrity 

Water quality integrity is an assessment and 

comparison of existing water quality 

conditions with historical conditions that 

existed before Euro-American settlement. 

Physical, chemical, and biological water 

conditions are assessed to determine how their 

integrity and resilience may have changed due 

to effects from past or current human-caused 

(road construction, timber harvest, livestock 

grazing, etc.) or natural (wildfire, floods, etc.) 

disturbance. Conditions or values assessed 

include stream bank damage, sediment loads, 

channel modification, flow disruption, thermal 

changes, chemical contamination, and 

biological stress. Relative integrity ratings are 

assigned at the subwatershed scale and are 

based on whether any designated beneficial 

use is not fully supported or any 

condition/value is seriously degraded. 

Water quality limited water bodies 

Denotes streams or other water bodies not 

meeting state Water Quality Standards. For 

purposes of Clean Water Act listing, these are 

waters that will not meet standards even with 

application of required effluent limitations. 

Watershed 

Region or area drained by surface and 

groundwater flow in rivers, streams, or other 

surface channels. A smaller watershed can be 

wholly contained within a larger one, as 

watersheds are hierarchal in structure. For this 

document, watersheds are often synonymous 

with 5th field hydrologic units, which are 

nested within larger subbasins (4th field units), 

and are comprised of smaller subwatersheds 

(6th field units). 

Watershed Condition Indicator (WCI) 

WCIs are an integrated suite of aquatic 

(including biophysical components), riparian 

(including riparian –associated vegetation 

species), and hydrologic (including uplands) 

condition measures that are intended to be used 

at the a variety of watershed scales. They 

assist in determining the current condition of a 

watershed and should be used to help design 

appropriate management actions, or to alter or 

mitigate proposed and or ongoing actions, to 

move watersheds toward desired conditions. 

WCIs represent a diagnostic means to 

determine factors of current condition and 

assist in determining future conditions 

associated with implementing management 

actions or natural restoration over time. 

Wetlands 

Land areas that are wet at least for part of the 

year, are poorly drained, and are characterized 

by hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and 

wetland hydrology. Examples of wetlands 

include swamps, marshes, and bogs. 

Wheelchair or mobility device 

A device, including one that is batteryA - 22 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

powered, that is designed solely for use by a 

mobility-impaired person for locomotion, and 

that is suitable for use in an indoor pedestrian 

area. A person whose disability requires use of 

a wheelchair or mobility device may use a 

wheelchair or mobility device that meets this 

definition anywhere foot travel is permitted 

(Title V, sec. 507c, of the ADA). 

Wilderness areas 

Areas which Congress has designated as part 

of the National Wilderness Preservation 

System and that are without developed and 

maintained roads, and that are substantially 

natural. 

Wildfire 

An unwanted wildland fire. Wildfires can be 

further described by two basic categories: 

characteristic, which produce effects 

similar to those that occurred in the 

historical fire regime, or 

uncharacteristic, which produce effects 

much different than those in the 

historical fire regime. 

Wildland fire 

Any fire not involving a home or other 

structure, other than prescribed fire, that occurs 

in the wildland. 

Wildland/urban interface 

The line, area, or zone where structures and 

other human developments meet or intermingle 

with wildland or vegetative fuel. Interface is 

further delineated into the following types: 

wildland/urban interface—developed 

areas with residential structures where 

many structures border wildland on a 

broad front. 

wildland/rural interface—developed 

areas with private residential structures 

where developments are few in number 

scattered over a large area surrounded 

by wildland. 

Winter range 

An area or areas where animals (usually 

ungulates such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep) 

concentrate due to favorable winter weather 

conditions. Conditions are often influenced by 

snow depth, and the availability or forage and 

thermal cover. 

Wolverine natal denning habitat 

Wolverine natal den habitat in the northern 

Rockies is strongly tied to high elevation and 

glaciated landscapes. Although cirques are 

used as natal denning habitat and may be 

preferred in most years, a given female that 

uses cirque basin one year will use other 

glaciated landforms in other years. Variable 

snow conditions may make other glaciated 

landforms, such as cirque headwalls, or 

avalanche chutes, more attractive as natal den 

sites in some years. Glaciated landscapes 

probably encompass most if not all natal den 

habitat in Region One (Hillis and Kennedy 

2003). 

X 

Xeric 

Dry conditions. Can refer to a habitat 

characterized by, or a species adapted to dry 

conditions, rather than hydric (wet) or mesic 

(moderate) moisture conditions. 

Z 

Zone of Influence (ZOI) 

The area that is economically and socioeconomically influenced by Forest Service 

management. 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 23 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

ACRONYMS AND SYMBOLS 

AMS Analysis of the Management Situation 

ATV All-Terrain Vehicle 

BA Biological Assessment 

BLM Bureau of Land Management 

BMP Best Management Practice 

BO Biological Opinion 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

CWD Coarse Woody Debris 

DC Desired Condition 

DD Detrimental Disturbance (soils) 

DEIS Draft Environment Impact Statement 

DFC Desired Future Condition 

EIS Environmental Impact Statement 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency 

ESA Endangered Species Act 

FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement 

FSH Forest Service Handbook 

FSM Forest Service Manual 

GIS Geographical Information System 

GPS Global Positioning System 

HU Hydrologic Unit 

ID CDC Idaho Conservation Data Center 

ID Team Interdisciplinary Team 

IRA Inventoried Roadless Area 

IWM Integrated Weed Management 

LAU Lynx Analysis Unit 

LCAS Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy 

LRMP Land and Resource Management Plan 

MA Management Area 

MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act 

MIS Management Indicator Species 

MOU Memorandum of Understanding 

MPC Management Prescription Category 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NF National Forest 

NFMA National Forest Management Act 

NFS National Forest System 

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act 

NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NOI Notice of Intent 

OHV Off-Highway Vehicle 

PDF Project Design Feature 

PFC Properly Functioning Condition 

RAP Roads Analysis Process 

A - 24 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

RARE Roadless Area Review and Evaluation 

RCA Riparian Conservation Area (from ICBEMP) 

RNA Research Natural Area 

ROD Record of Decision 

ROS Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

RPA Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 

RVD Recreation Visitor Day 

SFSR South Fork Salmon River 

TEPC Threatened, endangered, proposed/petitioned, and candidate 

(species) 

TEPCS Threatened, endangered, proposed/petitioned, candidate, and 

sensitive (species) 

TES Threatened, endangered, and sensitive (species) 

TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load 

TSRC Total Soil Resource Commitment 

USDA United States Department of Agriculture 

USDI United States Department of Interior 

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service 

WARS Watershed and Aquatic Recovery Strategy 

WCI Watershed Condition Indicator 

WQI Water Quality Integrity 

WQLWB Water Quality Limited Water Body 

WSR Wild and Scenic River 

ZOI Zone of Influence 

> Greater than 

< Less than 

Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS A - 25 
APPENDI X A. GLO SSARY 

A - 26 Payette National Forest Travel Plan FEIS