Appendix G: Glossary

All-terrain vehicle (ATV) ~ A type of off-highway vehicle that travels on three or more low-pressure 

tires; has handle-bar steering; is less than or equal to 50 inches in width; and has a seat designed to be 

straddled by the operator (FSM 7700).

Area ~ A discrete, specifically delineated space that is smaller, and in most cases much smaller, than a 

ranger district (36 CFR 212.1).

Arterial road ~ A National Forest System road that provides service to large land areas and usually 

connects with other arterial roads or public highways.

Background ~ The distant part of a landscape. The landscape area located from 4 miles to infinity from 

the viewer.

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 and elk.

Collector road ~ A National Forest System road that services smaller areas than an arterial road and that 

usually connects arterial roads to local roads or terminal facilities.

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.

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.

Designated road, route, trail, or area ~ A National Forest System road, National Forest System trail, or 

an area on National Forest System lands that is designated for motor vehicle use pursuant to 36 CFR 

212.51 on a motor vehicle use map (36 CFR 212.1).

Distance zones ~ Landscape areas denoted by specific distances from the observer. Used as a frame of 

reference in which to discuss landscape attributes or the scenic effect of human activities in a landscape.

Ephemeral stream - A stream that flows only in direct response to precipitation in the immediate locality 

(watershed or catchment basin), and whose channel is at all times above the zone of saturation.

Foreground ~ Detailed landscape generally found from the observer to 0.5-mile away. See also 

“Immediate foreground.”

Forest road or trail ~ A road or trail wholly or partially 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 (36 CFR 212.1).

Forest transportation atlas ~ A display of the system of roads, trails, and airfields of an administrative 

unit (36 CFR 212.1).
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 (36 CFR 212.1).

Forest transportation system ~ The National Forest System roads, trails, and airfields on National 

Forest System lands (36 CFR 212.1).

Gateway communities: Communities that are economically and socially interdependent on the 

associated public lands. Proximity to these lands contributes to the quality of life and sense of place for 

residents and visitors.

Highway-legal vehicle ~ Any motor vehicle that is licensed or certified under State law for general 

operation on all public roads within the State. Operators of highway-legal vehicles are subject to state 

traffic law, including requirements for operator licensing (FSM 7700).

Immediate foreground ~ The detailed feature landscape found within the first few hundred feet of the 

observer, generally, from the observer to 300-feet away.

Indicator ~ In effects analysis, a device for measuring effects from management alternatives on a 

particular resource or issue.

Intermittent stream - A stream or reach of stream channel that flows, in its natural condition, only 

during certain times of the year or in several years. Characterized by interspersed, permanent surface 

water areas containing aquatic flora and fauna adapted to the relatively harsh environmental conditions 

found in these types of environments.

Lacustrine - Relating to lakes and a system of inland wetlands and deep-water habitats associated with 

freshwater lakes and reservoirs, characterized by the absence of trees, shrubs, or emergent vegetation.

Local road ~ A National Forest System road that connects a terminal facility with collector roads, arterial 

roads, or public highways and that usually serves a single purpose involving intermittent use.

Maintenance level (ML) ~ Defined in FSH 7709.58, 10, 12. 3 as the level of service provided by, and 

maintenance required for, a specific road. Maintenance levels must be consistent with road management 

objectives, and maintenance criteria. Roads may be maintained at one level and planned to be maintained 

at a different level at some future date. The operational maintenance level is the maintenance level 

currently assigned to a road considering today’s needs, road condition, budget constraints, and 

environmental concerns; in other words, it defines the standard to which the road is currently being 

maintained. The objective maintenance level is the maintenance level to be assigned at a future date 

considering future road management objectives, traffic needs, budget constraints, and environmental 

concerns.

Maintenance level 1 road ~ Defined in FSH 7709.58, 10, 12. 3 as intermittent service roads during the 

time they are closed to vehicular traffic. The closure period must exceed 1 year. 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. Emphasis is normally given to maintaining drainage 

facilities and runoff patterns. Planned road deterioration may occur at this level. Appropriate traffic 

management strategies are “prohibit” and “eliminate.” Roads receiving level 1 maintenance may be of 

any type, class, or construction standard, and may be managed at any other maintenance level during the 

time they are open for traffic. However, while being maintained at level 1, they are closed to vehicular

traffic, but may be open and suitable for nonmotorized uses. These roads have the following attributes: (1) 

vehicular traffic is eliminated, including administrative traffic; (2) physically blocked or entrance is 
disguised; (3) not subject to the requirements of the Highway Safety Act; (4) maintenance is done only to 

minimize resource impacts; and (5) no maintenance other than a condition survey may be required so as 

long as no potential exists for resource damage.

Maintenance level 2 road ~ Defined in FSH 7709.58, 10, 12.3 as roads open for use by high-clearance 

vehicles. Passenger car traffic is not a consideration. Traffic is normally minor, usually consisting of one 

or a combination of administrative, permitted, dispersed recreation, or other specialized uses. Log haul 

may occur at this level. Appropriate traffic management strategies are either (1) discourage or prohibit 

passenger cars or (2) accept or discourage high-clearance vehicles. These roads have the following 

attributes: (1) low traffic volume and low speed; (2) typically local roads; (3) typically connect collectors 

and other local roads; (4) dips are the preferred drainage treatment; (5) not subject to the requirements of 

the Highway Safety Act; (6) surface smoothness is not a consideration; and (7) not suitable for passenger 

cars.

Maintenance level 3 road ~ Defined in FSH 7709.58, 10, 12.3 as roads open and maintained for travel 

by prudent drivers in a standard passenger car. User comfort and convenience are low priorities. Roads in 

this maintenance level are typically low speed, single lane with turnouts, and spot surfacing. Some roads 

may be fully surfaced with either native or processed material. Appropriate traffic management strategies 

are either “encourage” or “accept.” “Discourage” or “prohibit” strategies may be employed for certain 

classes of vehicles or users. These roads have the following attributes: (1) subject to the requirements of 

the Highway Safety Act and Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD); (2) roads have low 

to moderate traffic volume; (3) typically connect arterial and collector roads; (4) a combination of dips 

and culverts provide drainage; (5) may include some dispersed recreation roads; and (6) potholing or 

washboarding may occur.

Maintenance level 4 road ~ Defined in FSH 7709.58, 10, 12.3 as roads that provide a moderate degree 

of user comfort and convenience at moderate travel speeds. Most roads are double lane and aggregate 

surfaced. However, some roads may be single lane. Some roads may be paved and/or dust abated. The 

most appropriate traffic management strategy is “encourage.” However, the “prohibit” strategy may apply 

to specific classes of vehicles or users at certain times. These roads have the following attributes: (1) 

subject to requirements of the Highway Safety Act and MUTCD; (2) roads have moderate traffic volume 

and speeds; (3) may connect to county roads; (4) culverts provide drainage; (5) usually a collector; and 

(6) may include some developed recreation roads.

Maintenance level 5 road ~ Defined in FSH 7709.58, 10, 12.3 as roads that provide a high degree of user 

comfort and convenience. These roads are normally double-lane, paved facilities. Some may be aggregate 

surfaced and dust abated. The appropriate traffic management strategy is “encourage.” These roads have 

the following attributes: (1) subject to the requirements of the Highway Safety Act and MUTCD; (2) 

highest traffic volume and speeds; (3) typically connect State and county roads; (4) culverts provide 

drainage; (5) usually arterial and collector; (6) may include some developed recreation roads; and (7) 

usually paved or chip-sealed.

Middleground ~ The zone between the foreground and the background in a landscape. The area located 

from 0.5 to 4 miles from the observer.

Mixed-use road ~ Segments of National Forest System roads that are identified and signed as open to 

state licensed and unlicensed vehicles; generally more than 50 inches in width and usually, but not 

always, low maintenance roads with no high-speed traffic.

Motor vehicle ~ Any vehicle which is self-propelled, other than: (a) a vehicle operated on rails; and (b) 

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 (36 

CFR 212.1).

Motor vehicle use map (MVUM) ~ A map reflecting designated roads, trails, and areas on an 

administrative unit or a ranger district of the National Forest System (36 CFR 212.1).

Motorcycle ~ A two-wheeled motor vehicle on which the two wheels are not side-by-side but in line

(FSM 7700).

Motorized mixed use ~ Designation of a National Forest System road for use by both highway-legal and 

non-highway legal motor vehicles (FSM 7700).

Motorized trail ~ A travelway usually, but not always, less than 50 inches in width usually, but not 

always, available for use by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and/or motorcycles. These travelways may also be 

made available to high-clearance four-wheel drive vehicles, and may also be used by bicycles, horses, and 

hikers.

MVUM ~ See “Motor vehicle use map.”

Natural scenery ~ The landforms including rock outcrops, vegetation, and animals that are naturally 

found in this ecosystem.

National Forest System road ~ A forest road other than a road which has been authorized by a legally 

documented right-of-way held by a state, county, or local public road authority (36 CFR 212.1).

National Forest System trail ~ A forest trail other than a trail which has been authorized by a legally 

documented right-of-way held by a state, county, or local public road authority (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-highway-legal vehicle ~ Any motor vehicle that is not licensed or certified under state law for 

general operation on all public roads within the state. Operators of non-highway-legal vehicles are subject 

to state requirements, if any, for licensing and operation of the vehicle in question (FSM 7700).

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) ~ Any motor vehicle designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or 

immediately over land, water, sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or other natural terrain (36 CFR 

212.1).

Off-road vehicle (ORV) ~ See “Off-highway vehicle.”

Over-snow vehicle (OSV) ~ A motor vehicle that is designed for use over snow and that runs on a track 

or tracks and/or a ski or skis, while in use over snow (36 CFR 212.1).

Palustrine - Relating to a system of inland, nontidal wetlands characterized by the presence of trees, 

shrubs, and emergent vegetation (vegetation that is rooted below water but grows above the surface). 

Palustrine wetlands range from permanently saturated or flooded land (as in marshes, swamps, and lake 

shores) to land that is wet only seasonally (as in vernal pools).

Perennial stream - A stream or reach of a channel that flows continuously or nearly so throughout the 

year and whose upper surface is generally lower than the top of the zone of saturation in the areas 

adjacent to the stream.
Private road ~ A road under private ownership authorized by an easement granted to a private party or a 

road that provides access pursuant to a reserved or outstanding right.

Public road ~ The road under the jurisdiction of and maintained by a public road authority and open to 

public travel (23 U.S.C. 101 (a)).

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 human-induced 

restrictions and controls. Motorized use within the area is not permitted.

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.

Qualified engineer ~ An engineer who by experience, certification, education, or license is technically 

trained and experienced to perform the engineering tasks specified and is designated by the Director of 

Engineering, Regional Office.

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 seven 

classes—primitive, semi-primitive nonmotorized, semi-primitive motorized, roaded natural, roaded 

natural nonmotorized, rural, and urban. These are defined in this Glossary under their individual entries.

Riverine - Relating to, formed by, or resembling a river and to a system of inland wetlands and deepwater habitats associated with nontidal flowing water, characterized by the absence of trees, shrubs, or 

emergent vegetation.

Road ~ A motor vehicle route over 50-inches wide, unless identified and managed as a trail (36 CFR 

212.1).

Road construction or reconstruction ~ Supervising, inspecting, actual building, and incurrence of all 

costs incidental to the construction or reconstruction of a road (36 CFR 212.1).

Road decommissioning ~ Activities that result in restoration of unneeded roads to a more natural state 

(FSM 7734).

Road maintenance ~ Ongoing upkeep of a road necessary to maintain or restore the road in accordance 

with its road management objectives (FSM 7714).

Road Subject to the Highway Safety Act ~ A National Forest System road that is open to public use in a 

standard passenger car, including a road with access restricted on a seasonal basis and a road closed 

during extreme weather conditions or for emergencies, but which is otherwise open to public travel.

Roaded Natural ~ ROS classification for areas characterized by predominantly natural-appearing 

environments 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 utilization practices are evident, but 

harmonize with the natural environment. Conventional motorized use is allowed and incorporated into 

construction standards and design of facilities.
Roaded Natural Nonmotorized ~ ROS classification for areas characterized as closed to motorized use 

yet which have been heavily modified or are not large enough to be set aside as semi-primitive 

nonmotorized.

ROS ~ See “Recreation Opportunity Spectrum.”

Route ~ A road or trail.

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 sounds 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.

Scenic Integrity Objective (SIO) ~ Management objectives that were adopted from the scenic class 

values. Scenic Integrity is a measure of the degree to which a landscape is visually perceived to be 

“complete”. The highest scenic integrity ratings are given to those landscapes that have little or no 

deviation from the character valued by constituents for its aesthetic appeal.

Very high ~ A scenic integrity level that generally provides for ecological change only.

High ~ A scenic integrity level meaning human activities are not visually evident. In high scenic 

integrity areas, activities may only repeat attributes of form, line, color and texture found in the 

existing landscape character.

Moderate ~ A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued landscape character 

“appears slightly altered”. Noticeable deviations must remain visual subordinate to the landscape 

character being viewed.

Low ~ A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued landscape character 

“appears moderately altered.” Deviations begin to dominate the valued landscape character being 

viewed, but they borrow valued attributes such as size, shape, effect, and pattern of natural opening, 

vegetative type changes or architectural styles within or outside the landscape being viewed. They 

should not only appear as valued character outside the landscape being viewed, but compatible or 

complimentary to the character within.

Very low ~ A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued landscape character 

“appears heavily altered.” Deviations may strongly dominate the valued landscape character. They 

may not borrow from valued attributes such as size, shape, edge effect and pattern of natural 

openings, vegetative type changes or architectural styles within or outside the landscape being 

viewed. However, deviations must be shaped and blended with the natural terrain so that elements 

such as unnatural edges, roads, landings, and structures do not dominate the composition.

Unacceptably low ~ A scenic integrity level that refers to landscapes where the valued landscape 

character being viewed appears extremely altered. Deviations are extremely dominant and borrow 

little if any line, form, color, texture, pattern or scale from the landscape character. Landscapes at this 

level of integrity need rehabilitation. This level should only be used to inventory existing integrity. It 

must not be used as a management objective.
Scoping ~ The process the Forest Service uses to determine, through public involvement, the range of 

issues that the planning process should address.

Semi-primitive 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.

Semi-primitive 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 

restricts may be present, but would be subtle. Motorized recreation us is not permitted, but local roads 

used for other resource management activities may be present on a limited bases. Use of such roads is 

restricted to minimize impacts on recreational experience opportunities.

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 a forest trail and that is not included 

in a forest transportation atlas (36 CFR 212.1).

Terminal facility ~ A transfer point between the forest transportation system and forest resources served 

by the system or between different transportation modes, including parking areas, boat ramps and docks, 

trailheads, marine access facilities, airfields, and heliports (FSM 7705).

Trail ~ A route 50 inches or less in width or a route over 50 inches wide that is identified and managed as 

a trail (36 CFR 212.1).

Trailhead ~ The transfer point between a trail and a road, water body, or airfield, which may have 

developments that facilitate transfer from one mode of transportation to another. For purposes of the 

interpretation of FSM 2353.27, a trailhead is a site designed and developed to provide staging for trail use 

and does not include: a) Junctions between trails where there is no other access; or, b) Intersections where 

a trail crosses a road or users have developed an access point, but no improvements have been provided 

beyond minimal signage for public safety (FSM 2353.05).

Travel management atlas ~ An atlas that consists of a forest transportation atlas and a motor vehicle use 

map or maps (36 CFR 212.1).

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 (36 CFR 212.1).

Unauthorized route ~ Could refer to either an unauthorized road or unauthorized trail, or (plural) both.

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 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.

Utility-Terrain Vehicle (UTV) or Side-by-Side ~ A type of off-highway vehicle that travels on 4 or more 

low-pressure tires, has a steering wheel or tiller, provides side-by-side seating, and is of various widths. 

(FSM2353.05).
Wheelchair or mobility device ~ A 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. 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).