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APPENDIX E – RECREATION 

OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM CLASSES

Defining recreation opportunities is used as a tool to 

help recreation managers create and maintain the 

appropriate recreation experiences that suit various 

types of land and visitors. The ROS continuum 

characterizes recreation opportunities in terms of 

setting, activity, and experience. The spectrum contains 

seven classes as described below: primitive, semiprimitive non-motorized, semi-primitive motorized, 

roaded natural, roaded modified, rural, and urban.

ROS Class Descriptions

Primitive

Opportunity for isolation from man-made sights, sounds, and management controls 

in an unmodified natural environment. Only facilities essential for resource 

protection are available. A high degree of challenge and risk are present. Visitors 

use outdoor skills and have minimal contact with other users or groups. Motorized 

use is prohibited.

Semi-primitive nonmotorized

Some opportunity for isolation from man-made sights, sounds, and management 

controls in a predominantly unmodified environment. Opportunity to have a high 

degree of interaction with the natural environment, to have moderate challenge and 

risk and to use outdoor skills. Concentration of visitors is low, but evidence of users 

is often present. On-site managerial controls are subtle. Facilities are provided for 

resource protection and the safety of users. Motorized use is prohibited.

Semi-primitive 

motorized

Some opportunity for isolation from man-made sights, sounds, and management 

controls in a predominantly unmodified environment. Opportunity to have a high 

degree of interaction with the natural environment, to have moderate challenge and 

risk and to use outdoor skills. Concentration of visitors is low, but evidence of other 

area users is present. On-site managerial controls are subtle. Facilities are provided 

for resource protection and the safety of users. Motorized use is permitted.

Roaded Natural

Mostly equal opportunities to affiliate with other groups or be isolated from sights 

and sounds of man. The landscape is generally natural with modifications 

moderately evident. Concentration of users is low to moderate, but facilities for 

group activities may be present. Challenge and risk opportunities are generally not 

important in this class. Opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized 

activities are present. Construction standards and facility design incorporate 

conventional motorized uses.

Roaded Modified

Similar to the Roaded Natural setting, except this area has been heavily modified 

(roads or recreation facilities). This class still offers opportunity to have a high 

degree of interaction with the natural environment and to have moderate challenge 

and risk and to use outdoor skills.

Rural

Area is characterized by a substantially modified natural environment. Opportunities 

to affiliate with others are prevalent. The convenience of recreation sites and 

opportunities are more important than a natural landscape or setting. Sights and 

sounds of man are readily evident, and the concentration of users is often moderate 

to high. Developed sites, roads, and trails are designed for moderate to high uses.

Urban

Area is characterized by a substantially urbanized environment, although the 

background may have natural-appealing elements. High levels of human activity 

and concentrated development, including recreation opportunities are prevalent. 

Developed sites, roads and other recreation opportunities are designed for high use.
Appendix E

160 Record of Decision (ROD)/Approved RMP