Glossary & Abbreviations-Acronyms
BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment Glossary 915

Glossary & Abbreviations-Acronyms

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GLOSSARY

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Acquisition: Acquisition of lands can be pursued to facilitate various resource management objectives. Acquisitions, 

including easements, can be completed through exchange, Land and Water Conservation Fund purchases, or 

donations. 

Active nest: A raptor nest site that is currently occupied by a pair of breeding raptors. 

Actual use: The number of animal unit month (AUMs) consumed by livestock, based on the numbers of livestock 

and grazing dates submitted by the livestock operator and confirmed by periodic field checks by the BLM. 

Adaptive Management: A type of natural resource management in which decisions are made as part of an ongoing 

science-based process. Adaptive management involves testing, monitoring, and evaluating applied strategies, and 

incorporating new knowledge into management approaches that are based on scientific findings and the needs of 

society. Results are used to modify management policy, strategies, and practices. 

Administrative use/access: Administrative use/access pertains to motorized travel on routes that are limited to 

authorized users. Such authorized users could be livestock grazing permittees, Federal or state employees, or ROW 

holders. These are existing routes that lead to developments that have an administrative purpose (e.g. right-of-ways, 

livestock grazing developments), or where the BLM or a permitted user must have access for regular maintenance or 

operation. 

Age classes: A classification that describes the general age of vegetation within a given area (e.g. early seral, midseral, late seral). 

Air Pollution: Degradation of air quality resulting from unwanted chemicals or other materials occurring in the air. 

Allotment: An area of land in which one or more livestock operators graze their livestock. Allotments generally 

consist of BLM lands but may also include other federally managed, state owned, and private lands. An allotment may 

include one or more separate pastures. Livestock numbers and periods of use are specified for each allotment. 

Allotment Management Plan (AMP): A written program of livestock grazing management, including supportive 

measures, if required, designed to attain specific management goals in a grazing allotment. An AMP is prepared in 

consultation with the permittees, lessees, and other affected interests. Livestock grazing is considered in relation to 

other uses of the range and to renewable resources, such as watershed, vegetation, and wildlife. An AMP establishes 

seasons of use, the number of livestock to be permitted, the range improvements needed, and the grazing system. 

Allowable uses: As defined by the Omnibus Act of 2009, allowable uses in the Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs 

National Conservation Areas are those uses that further the purposes for which the NCAs was established. The 

Omnibus Act explicitly excludes operation under the mining, mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal 

leasing laws, as well as entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws. Within the Red Mountain and 

Cottonwood Wilderness, the Wilderness Act defines allowable uses.

All-terrain vehicle (ATV): A wheeled vehicle other than a snowmobile, which is defined as having a wheelbase and 

chassis of 50 inches in width or less, handlebars for steering, generally a dry weight of 800 pounds or less, three or 

more low-pressure tires, and a seat designed to be straddled by the operator. 

Animal unit month (AUM): The amount of forage necessary for the sustenance of one cow, five sheep, or five goats for 

a period of one month (approximately 800 pounds of air-dried material per AUM). 

Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC): Special Area designation established through the BLM’s land use 

planning process (43 CFR 1610.7-2) where special management attention is required (when such areas are developed or used or where no development is required) to protect and prevent irreparable damage to important historic, 

cultural, or scenic values, fish and wildlife resources, or other natural systems or processes, or to protect life and safety 

from natural hazards. The level of allowable use within an ACEC is established through the collaborative planning 

process. Designation of an ACEC allows for resource use limitations in order to protect identified resources or values. 
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▶ human activities that change the atmosphere's composition (e.g. through burning fossil fuels) and the land surface (e.g. deforestation, reforestation, urbanization, desertification, etc.). 

Closed: Generally denotes that an area is not available for a particular use or uses; refer to specific definitions found 

in law, regulations, or policy guidance for application to individual programs. For example, 43 CFR 8340.0-5 sets 

forth the specific meaning of “closed” as it relates to off-highway vehicle use, and 43 CFR 8364 defines “closed” as it 

relates to closure and restriction orders (BLM 2005). 

Collaboration: A cooperative process in which interested parties, often with widely varied interests, work together to 

seek solutions with broad support for managing public and other lands. This may or may not involve an agency as a 

cooperating agency. 

Comprehensive travel and transportation management: The proactive interdisciplinary planning, on-the-ground 

management, and administration of travel networks (both motorized and non-motorized) to ensure public access, 

natural resources, and regulatory needs are considered. It consists of inventory, planning, designation, implementation, education, enforcement, monitoring, easement acquisition, mapping and signing, and other measures necessary 

to provide access to public lands for a wide variety of uses (including uses for recreational, traditional, casual, agricultural, commercial, educational, and other purposes). 

Cooperating agency: Assists the lead Federal agency in developing an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. These can be any agency with jurisdiction by law or special expertise for proposals covered by 

NEPA (40 CFR 1501.6). Any tribe or Federal, State, or local government jurisdiction with such qualifications may 

become a cooperating agency by agreement with the lead agency. 

Corridor: A strip of land that aids in the movement of species between disconnected core areas of their natural 

habitat. 

Critical habitat: An area occupied by a threatened or endangered species on which are found physical and biological 

features that are (1) essential to the conservation of the species, and (2) may require special management considerations or protection. 

Critically imperiled: see definition for imperiled 

Crucial winter range: That part of the overall big game range where 90 percent of the individuals are located during 

the average five winters out of 10 from the first heavy snowfall to spring green-up, or during a site-specific period of 

winter as defined for each Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Data Analysis Unit. 

Cultural resource: Locations of human activity, occupation, or use. Cultural resources include archaeological, historic, or architectural sites, structures, or places with important public and scientific uses, and locations of traditional 

cultural or religious importance to specified social or cultural groups. 

Cultural resources inventory: A procedure to assess the potential presence of cultural resources. There are three 

classes of surveys:

▶ Class I. A literature review of prior cultural resource data collection in a study area to (1) provide a narrative 

overview of cultural resources by using existing information, and (2) compile existing cultural resources site 

record data on which to base the development of the BLM’s site record system. 

▶ Class II. A sampling field inventory designed to locate, from surface and exposed profile indications, all cultural 

resource sites within a portion of an area so that an estimate can be made of the cultural resources for the entire 

area. 

▶ Class III. An intensive field inventory designed to locate, from surface and exposed profile indications, all cultural resource sites in an area. 

Cultural site use allocations: BLM Manual 8110 direct that each cultural resource within the planning area should be 

assigned to at least one of the following: 

▶ Scientific Use-applies to a cultural property determined to be available for scientific or historical study using 

currently available research techniques or to be preserved until the research potential is realized. 

Associated settings (as it relates to National Historic Trails): The geographic extent of the resources, qualities, and 

values or landscape elements within the surrounding environment that influence the trail experience and contribute 

to resource protection. Settings associated with a National Scenic or Historic Trail include scenic, historic, cultural, 

recreation, natural (including biological, geological, and scientific), and other landscape elements. 

B

Bat gate: A structure designed to keep people out of abandoned mines, yet allow bats to use the mine as a roost. 

Gates can also protect bat roosts from predators. 

Beneficial outcomes: Also referenced as “recreation benefits;” improved conditions, maintenance of desired conditions, prevention of worse conditions, and realization of desired experiences. 

Big game: Indigenous ungulate wildlife species that are hunted, such as elk, deer, bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope. 

Biodiversity (biological diversity): The variety of life and its processes, and the interrelationships within and among 

various levels of ecological organization. Conservation, protection, and restoration of biological species and genetic 

diversity are needed to sustain the health of existing biological systems. Federal resource management agencies must 

examine the implications of management actions and development decisions on regional and local biodiversity.

Biological control: the use of living organisms (e.g. insects, pathogens, nematodes, mites) to achieve management 

objectives, such as noxious weed control. 

Biological soil crust (BSC): A complex association between soil particles and cyanobacteria, algae, microfungi, 

lichens, and bryophytes that live within or atop the uppermost millimeters of soil. Also referred to as cryptobiotic soil 

and cryptogamic soil.

C

Candidate species: Plants and animals for which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (UFWS) has sufficient information on their biological status and threats to propose them as endangered or threatened under the Endangered 

Species Act (ESA) but for which development of a proposed listing regulation is precluded by other higher priority 

listing activities. Separate lists for plants, vertebrate animals, and invertebrate animals are published periodically in 

the Federal Register (BLM Manual 6840, Special Status Species Manual). 

Carrying capacity: The maximum stocking rate possible without damaging vegetation or related resources. Carrying 

capacity may vary from year to year on the same area due to fluctuating forage production. 

Casual use (Mining): Activities involving practices that do not ordinarily cause appreciable disturbance or damage 

to the public lands, resources or improvements and, therefore, do not require a right-of-way grant or temporary use 

permit (43 CFR 2800). Casual use generally includes the collecting of geochemical, rock, soil, or mineral specimens 

using hand tools, hand panning, and non-motorized sluicing. It also generally includes use of metal detectors, gold 

spears, and other battery-operated devices for sensing the presence of minerals, and hand battery-operated dry washers. Casual use does not include use of mechanized earth-moving equipment, truck-mounted drilling equipment, 

suction dredges, motorized vehicles in areas designated as closed to off-road vehicles, chemicals, or explosives. It also 

does not include occupancy or operations where the cumulative effects of the activities result in more than negligible 

disturbance. 

Chemical vegetation treatment: Application of herbicides to control invasive species/noxious weeds and/or unwanted vegetation.

Clean Air Act of 1963 and amendments: Federal legislation governing air pollution control. 

Climate change: Any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting 

for an extended period (decades or longer). Climate change may result from: 

▶ natural factors, such as changes in the sun's intensity or slow changes in the Earth's orbit around the sun; 

▶ natural processes within the climate system (e.g. changes in ocean circulation); and 
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Ecological Site Description: A category of land having a unique combination of potential natural community, soil, 

landscape features, climate, and differing from other ecological types in its ability to produce vegetation and respond 

to management (from U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, 1991b: Section 2090.11–05) 

Emergency stabilization and rehabilitation (ES&R): Actions taken immediately following a wildfire incident and 

that are completed within one year. They are intended to stabilize and prevent unacceptable degradation to natural 

and cultural resources, to minimize threats to life or property resulting from the effects of a fire, and to repair/replace/

construct physical improvements necessary to prevent degradation to critical biological or cultural resources. 

Endangered species: Any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range 

and so designated by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the 1973 Endangered Species Act. 

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): A detailed statement prepared by the responsible official in which a major 

Federal action that significantly affects the quality of the human environment is described, alternatives to the proposed action provided, and effects analyzed. 

Erosion: Detachment and movement of soil from the land by wind, water, or gravity. 

Exchange: A transaction whereby the Federal Government receives land or interests in land in exchange for other 

land or interests in land. 

Exclosure: In a grazing context, a limited area from which livestock (and sometimes wildlife) are excluded by fencing. 

Existing routes: The roads, trails, or ways that are used by motorized vehicles (jeeps, all-terrain vehicles, motorized 

dirt bikes, etc.), mechanized uses (mountain bikes, wheelbarrows, game carts), pedestrians (hikers), and/or equestrians (horseback riders) and were, to the best of the BLM’s knowledge, in existence at the time that the BLM finalized 

its route inventory.

Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA): Administrative units that require specific management consideration in order to address recreation use, demand, or Recreation and Visitor Services program investments. 

F

Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA): Public Law 94-579, October 21, 1976, often referred to 

as the BLM’s “Organic Act,” which provides the majority of the BLM’s legislated authority, direction policy and basic 

management guidance.

Film Permit: Special permits to use the public lands for commercial film production are issued by the BLM under 

Section 302(b) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act. Regulations governing filming on public lands are 

covered in 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 2920, Leases Permits, and Easements.

Firearm: A weapon, especially a portable gun or pistol, from which a projectile can be discharged by an explosion 

caused by igniting gunpowder. 

Fire regime condition class (FRCC): An interagency, standardized tool for determining the degree of departure from 

reference condition vegetation, fuels and disturbance regimes. Assessing FRCC can help guide management objectives and set priorities for treatments. 

Fire suppression: All work activities connected with fire extinguishing operations, beginning with discovery of a fire 

and continuing until the fire is completely out. 

Flow regime: The pattern and volume of flow that is characteristic to a river. Five critical components of the flow regime regulate ecological processes in river ecosystems: the magnitude, frequency, duration, timing, and rate of change 

of hydrologic conditions. 

Forage: All browse and herbaceous foods that are available to grazing animals. 

Forb: A herbaceous plant that is not a grass, sedge, or rush. 

Fragile soils: Soils having a shallow depth to bedrock, minimal surface layer of organic material, textures that are 

more easily detached and eroded, or are on slopes over 35 percent. 

▶ Conservation for Future Use-reserved for unique cultural properties, those that are unusually scarce, have significant data that cannot be removed with current technology, have singular historic or other importance, and 

can be “banked” for future scientific or historic study. 

▶ Traditional Use-is applied to a cultural resource known to be perceived by a specified social and/or cultural 

group as important in maintaining their cultural identity, heritage, or well-being. 

▶ Public Use-is applied to a cultural property that has qualities useful for on-site interpretation or for other related 

educational and recreational uses by the general public. 

▶ Experimental Use-is applied to a cultural property determined to be suitable for controlled experimental study 

to improve management techniques. 

▶ Discharged from Management-is assigned to a cultural property with no remaining identifiable use. No cultural 

resources may be removed from management before documentation, but many kinds of sites may be removed 

following the appropriate level of documentation and/or study. 

Cumulative effects: The direct and indirect effects of a proposed project alternative’s incremental impacts when they 

are added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions, regardless of who carries out the action. 

D

Dead-end routes: Routes that terminate after less than 0.5 miles, do not connect to other routes, and do not lead to 

points of interest (e.g. established campsites, scenic overlooks, facilities or developments). 

Decision area: Lands and Federal mineral estate within the planning area that are administered by the BLM.

Designated roads and trails: Specific roads and trails identified by the BLM where some type of use is appropriate 

and allowed. 

Desired future condition (DFC): For rangeland vegetation, the condition of rangeland resources on a landscape scale 

that meet management objectives. It is based on ecological, social, and economic considerations during the land 

planning process. It is usually expressed as ecological status or management status of vegetation (species composition, 

habitat diversity, and age and size class of species) and desired soil qualities (soil cover, erosion, and compaction). In a 

general context, desired future condition is a portrayal of the land or resource conditions that are expected to result if 

goals and objectives are fully achieved. 

Disposal: Transfer of public land out of Federal ownership to another party through sale, exchange, Recreation and 

Public Purposes Act, Desert Land Entry or other land law statutes. 

Disruptive activities: Human-caused disturbance that induces stress on an individual of a species, population, community, or ecosystem and that causes potential loss of fitness (survival, reproduction, and recruitment) within crucial 

habitats or other sensitive areas during specified time periods; may or may not entail surface disturbance. This does 

not include regular background levels of activity (such as hiking or livestock grazing) to which individuals would be 

accustomed. Examples of disruptive activities: 

▶ Commercial recreation activities, especially large groups 

▶ Abnormally loud or sustained noise 

▶ Road maintenance.

E

Early detection/rapid response: considered the “second line of defense” after prevention, early detection and rapid 

response (EDRR) is a critical component of any effective invasive species management program. When new invasive 

species infestations are detected, a prompt and coordinated containment and eradication response can reduce environmental and economic impacts. This action results in lower cost and less resource damage than implementing a 

long-term control program after the species is established. 

Easement: A right afforded a person or agency to make limited use of another’s real property for other purposes. 
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Historic significance: importance for which a property has been evaluated and found to meet the National Register 

criteria. 

Hydrograph: a graph of the water level or rate of flow of a body of water as a function of time, showing the seasonal 

change. 

I

Indicator: Measure of the health of a species or vegetative/habitat type, which are often quantifiable. 

Infiltration and permeability rate: Rate at which water penetrates the surface of the soil at any given moment, usually 

expressed in inches per hour. Permeability is the relative ease (or lack thereof) with which water moves downward 

through soil. Permeability is measured in inches per hour. Land Health Standard I is designed to ensure soils exhibit 

infiltration and permeability rates that are appropriate to soil type, climate, land form, and geologic processes. 

Implementation decisions: Decisions that take action to implement land use planning; generally appealable to 

Interior Board of Land Appeals under 43 CFR 4.410. These decisions are generally more site-specific than land-use 

plan decisions 

Implementation plan: An area or site-specific plan written to implement decisions made in a land use plan. 

Implementation plans include both activity plans and project plans. Examples of implementation plans include interdisciplinary management plans, habitat management plans, and allotment management plans. 

Intact vegetation: An area where vegetation exhibits “good” or “very good” indicators of health. 

Integrated weed management (IWM): A balanced approach to weed management that includes the following 

processes: 

▶ managing the resource to prevent weeds from invading 

▶ proper identification and knowledge of invasive weed species 

▶ inventory, mapping out and monitoring of weed populations and damage 

▶ making control decisions based on knowledge of potential damage, cost of control method and environmental 

impact of the weed and control decision 

▶ using control strategies that may include a combination of methods to reduce the weed population to an acceptable level 

▶ evaluating the effectiveness and effects of management decisions.

Intermittent Stream: A flowing system under normal weather conditions. During the dry season and throughout 

minor drought periods, these streams will not exhibit flow. Geomorphologic characteristics are not well defined and 

are often inconspicuous. In the absence of external limiting factors (pollution, thermal modifications, etc.), biology is 

scarce and adapted to the wet and dry conditions of the fluctuating water level. 

Interpretive site: Site or facility for the interpretation of cultural, historical, paleontological, geological and/or 

biological information. Includes Internet sites, printed brochures, information kiosks and on-site presentations of 

information. 

Invertebrate: An animal lacking a backbone or spinal column. 

L

Land tenure adjustments: Ownership or jurisdictional changes are referred as "Land Tenure Adjustments". To 

improve the manageability of the BLM lands and improve their usefulness to the public, the BLM has numerous 

authorities for "repositioning" lands into a more consolidated pattern, disposing of lands, and entering into cooperative management agreements. These land pattern improvements are completed primarily through the use of land 

exchanges, but also through land sales, jurisdictional transfers to other agencies, and through the use of cooperative 

management agreements and leases. 

Land use allocation: The identification in a land use plan of the activities and foreseeable development that are allowed, restricted, or excluded for all or part of the planning area, based on desired future conditions (BLM 2005). 

Functional groups: A group of plant species that, because of similar shoot or root structure, rooting depth, woody or 

non-woody stems, plant height, photosynthetic pathways, nitrogen fixing ability, life cycle, etc, have similar roles or 

functions in the ecosystem and are grouped together on an ecological site basis. 

Functioning at risk: (1) Condition in which vegetation and soil are susceptible to losing their ability to sustain 

naturally functioning biotic communities. Human activities, past or present, may increase the risks. (2) Uplands or 

riparian-wetland areas that are properly functioning, but a soil, water, or vegetation attribute makes them susceptible 

to degradation and lessens their ability to sustain natural biotic communities. Uplands are particularly at risk if their 

soils are susceptible to degradation. Human activities, past or present, may increase the risks (Rangeland Reform 

Draft EIS Glossary). SEE ALSO Properly Functioning Condition and Nonfunctioning Condition (from H-4180-1, 

BLM Rangeland Health Standards Manual). 

G

Geologic hazard survey: A geologic hazard is a natural geologic event that can endanger human lives and threaten 

human property. Earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes and volcanoes are all types of geologic hazards. A geologic hazard 

survey would identify such risks.

Goal: A broad statement of a desired outcome; usually not quantifiable and may not have established time frames for 

achievement. For the NCAs, goals are generally derived from the Omnibus Act of 2009 and BLM policy guidance. 

Grass bank: A parcel of land for which a term livestock grazing permit has not been issued but is available for livestock grazing authorization under special circumstances. Those circumstances may include but are not limited to 

instances where livestock grazing on permitted allotments is not available in a given year due to drought conditions 

or post fire rehabilitation and/or vegetation treatment grazing deferrals. 

Grazing allotment: An area where one or more livestock operators graze their livestock. An allotment generally consists of Federal land but may include parcels of private or state-owned land. 

Grazing permit/license/lease: Official written permission to graze a specific number, kind, and class of livestock for a 

specified time period on a defined rangeland. 

Grazing preference: A superior or priority position against others for the purpose of receiving a grazing permit or 

lease. This priority is attached to base property owned or controlled by a permittee or lessee.

Grazing system: Scheduled grazing use and non-use of an allotment to reach identified goals or objectives by improving the quality and quantity of vegetation. 

Groundwater: Water held underground in soil or permeable rock, often feeding springs and wells. 

H

Habitat: An environment that meets a specific set of physical, biological, temporal or spatial characteristics that satisfy the requirements of a plant or animal species or group of species for part or all of their life cycle. 

Habitat fragmentation: The degree to which an area of habitat is divided into smaller patches of habitat as a result of 

human activities and developments (e.g. trails, roads, fencing) or as a result of natural barriers (e.g. cliffs, rivers). 

Hand tools: Refers to non-mechanical, non-motorized tools (e.g. brushes, trowels, shovels, hammers, and plum 

lines). 

Heritage areas: Places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, important landscape. Characterized by distinctive natural, cultural, historic, and scenic resources that, when linked together, tell a 

unique story. 

Heritage tourism: Tourism that emphasizes experiencing the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present. 

Hibernacula: hibernation site, overwintering site, refugia or den for bats and snakes.

Historic occurrence: a previously known location of an individual or population of individuals of a plant or animal 

species that is no longer at that location or it’s current status at that location is unknown. 
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Mitigation: in general, a combination of measures to lessen the impacts of a project or activity on an element of 

the natural environment or various other cultural or historic values; more specifically, as defined by the Council on 

Environmental Quality in its regulations for implementing NEPA, mitigation includes: (a) avoiding the impact, (b) 

minimizing the impact, (c) rectifying (i.e., repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring) the impact (d) reducing or eliminating the impact through operations during the life of the project, or (e) compensating by replacing or substituting 

resources (40 CFR Section 1508.20). 

Monitoring (plan monitoring): The process of tracking the implementation of land use plan decisions and collecting 

and assessing data necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of land use planning decisions. 

Motorcycle: A motorized vehicle with two tires and with a seat designed to be straddled by the operator. 

Motorized vehicles or uses: Any vehicle that is self-propelled, including but not limited to jeeps, all-terrain vehicles 

(such as four-wheelers and three-wheelers), snow machines or snowmobiles, and trail motorcycles or dirt bikes. 

Multiple use: The management of the public lands and their various resource values so that they are utilized in the 

combination that will best meet the present and future needs of the American people; making the most judicious 

use of the land for some or all of these resources or related services over areas large enough to provide sufficient 

latitude for periodic adjustments in use to changing needs and conditions; the use of some land for less than all of 

the resources; a combination of balanced and diverse resource uses that takes into account the long-term needs of 

future generations for renewable and nonrenewable resources, including, but not limited to, recreation, range, timber, minerals, watershed, wildlife and fish, and natural scenic, scientific and historical values; and harmonious and 

coordinated management of the various resources without permanent impairment of the productivity of the land and 

the quality of the environment with consideration being given to the relative values of the resources and not necessarily to the combination of uses that will give the greatest economic return or the greatest unit output (FLPMA) (from 

M6840, Special Status Species Manual). 

N

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969: A law that established a national policy to maintain conditions 

under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans. It established the Council on Environmental Quality for coordinating environmental matters at the Federal level and to serve as the advisor to the President on such matters. The 

law made all Federal actions and proposals that could have significant impact on the environment subject to review 

by Federal, state, and local environmental authorities. 

National Forest System (NFS) lands: Forests and grasslands managed by the US Forest Service. 

National Historic Preservation Act as amended: 1966 legislation establishing the National Register of Historic 

Places and extending the national historic preservation programs to properties of State and local significance. 

National Historic Trail: A Congressionally-designated trail that is an extended, long-distance trail, not necessarily 

managed as continuous, that follows as closely as possible and practicable the original trails or routes of travel of national historic significance. The purpose of a National Historic Trail is the identification and protection of the historic 

route and the historic remnants and artifacts for public use and enjoyment. A National Historic Trail is managed in a 

manner to protect the nationally significant resources, qualities, values, and associated settings of the areas through 

which such trails may pass, including the primary use or uses of the trail. The Old Spanish National Historic Trail is a 

National Historic Trail. 

National Register of Historic Places: Official inventory of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects significant 

in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and culture. 

National Register District: a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, structures, or objects 

united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development. 

National Wild and Scenic Rivers System: A system of nationally designated rivers and their immediate environments that have outstanding scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural, and other similar values 

and are preserved in a free-flowing condition. The system consists of three types of streams: (1) recreational: rivers 

Land use plan: A set of decisions that establish management direction for land within an administrative area, as prescribed under the planning provisions of FLPMA; an assimilation of land-use-plan level decisions developed through 

the planning process outlined in 43 CFR 1600, regardless of the scale at which the decisions were developed. The term 

includes both RMPs and MFPs (BLM 2005). 

Land use plan decision: Establishes desired outcomes and actions needed to achieve them. Decisions are reached 

using the planning process in 43 CFR 1600. When they are presented to the public as proposed decisions, they can be 

protested to the BLM Director. They are not appealable to Interior Board of Land Appeals. 

Lease: Section 302 of FLPMA provides the BLM with authority to issue leases for the use, occupancy, and development of public lands. Leases are issued for purposes such as a commercial filming, advertising displays, commercial 

or noncommercial croplands, apiaries, livestock holding or feeding areas not related to grazing permits and leases, 

harvesting of native or introduced species, temporary or permanent facilities for commercial purposes (does not 

include mining claims), residential occupancy, ski resorts, construction equipment storage sites, assembly yards, oil 

rig stacking sites, mining claim occupancy if the residential structures are not incidental to the mining operation, and 

water pipelines and well pumps related to irrigation and non-irrigation facilities. The regulations establishing procedures for the processing of these leases and permits are found in 43 CFR 2920. 

Lentic riparian wetlands: associated with still water systems; occur in basins, on slopes or on flats and lack a defined 

channel and floodplain. 

Limited area: Designated areas and trails where the use of off-road vehicles is subject to restrictions, such as limiting 

the number or types or vehicles allowed, dates and times of use (seasonal restrictions), limiting use to existing roads 

and trails, or limiting use to designated roads and trails. Under the designated roads and trails designation, use would 

be allowed only on roads and trails that are signed for use. Combinations of restrictions are possible, such as limiting 

use to certain types of vehicles during certain times of the year (from BLM National Management Strategy for OHV 

Use on Public Lands). 

Lithic site: An archaeological site containing debris left from the manufacture, use, or maintenance of flaked stone 

tools. 

Locally derived plant materials: Plant materials (seeds, cuttings, etc.) derived from similar elevations, habitat types 

and soils within the eco-region. 

Long-term effect: The effect could occur for an extended period after implementation of the alternative. The effect 

could last several years or more. 

Lotic riparian wetlands: Associated with running water systems; contain a defined channel and floodplain and have 

an open-conduit channel carrying flowing water and dissolved and suspended material. 

M

Management decision: A decision made by the BLM to manage public lands. Management decisions include both 

land use plan decisions and implementation decisions. 

Maternity roost sites: Location where female bats bear and raise their young. 

Mechanized equipment: Used outside wilderness areas on archeological and paleontological digs, includes pneumatic air scribe, diamond saw, large construction drills and delicate dental drills. 

Mechanical transport: Any vehicle, device, or contrivance for moving people or material in or over land, water, snow, 

or air that has moving parts. 

Mechanical vegetation treatment: Includes mowing, chaining, chopping, drill seeding, and cutting vegetation to 

meet resource objective. Mechanical treatments generally occur in areas where fuel loads or invasive species need to 

be reduced prior to prescribed fire application; when fire risk to resources is too great to use naturally started wildland fires or prescribed fires; or where opportunities exist for biomass utilization or timber harvest. 

Minimum impact suppression tactics (MIST): The use of fire management tactics commensurate with the fire’s potential or existing behavior while producing the least impact on the resource being protected. 
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Off-site mitigation: Refers to treatments that attempt to restore a comparable area of similar vegetation/habitat to the 

amount of vegetation/habitat being impacted by a project or allowable use. 

Old growth forest stands: Stands composed of trees that are generally in the late successional stages of development. 

The desired attributes of old-growth stands are older, large trees for the species and site; signs of decadence (broken or 

deformed tops or boles and some root decay); multiple layers of canopy; standing and down dead trees; a variation in 

tree age, size, and spacing; and gaps or patchiness in the canopy and understory (Mehl 1992). Old growth characteristics can start at 200 years on some sites. 

On-site education and interpretation: May include kiosks and information plates. 

Open: Designated areas and trails where off-road vehicles may be operated, subject to operating regulations and 

vehicle standards set forth in BLM Manuals 8341 and 8343, or an area where all types of vehicle use is permitted at all 

times, subject to the standards in BLM Manuals 8341 and 8343. 

Ordinary high water mark: That line on the shore established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical 

characteristics such as clear, natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the character of soil, destruction 

of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider the characteristics 

of the surrounding areas. 

Outstanding geological features: A geologic feature (e.g., arch, hoodoo, monument, ripple marks, etc.) having uncommon, rare, or exceptional aesthetic, educational or scientific values. 

Overstory: That portion of a plant community consisting of the taller plants on the site; the forest or woodland 

canopy. 

P

Paleontological resources: Any fossilized remains, traces, or imprints of organisms, preserved in or on the 

earth's crust, that are of paleontological interest and that provide information about the history of life on earth. 

Paleontological resources do not include any materials associated with an archaeological resource or any cultural item 

(16 U.S.C. 470aaa(4)). 

Particulate matter (PM): One of the six “criteria” pollutants for which the US EPA established National Ambient Air 

Quality Standards. Particulate matter is defined as two categories, fine particulates, with an aerodynamic diameter 

of 10 micrometers (PM10) or less, and fine particulates with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less 

(PM2.5). 

Perennial plant species: A plant that has a life cycle of three years or more. 

Perennial stream: Perennial streams carry flowing water continuously throughout the year, regardless of weather 

conditions. It exhibits well-defined geomorphologic characteristics and in the absence of pollution, thermal modifications, or other man-made disturbances has the ability to support aquatic life. 

Permitted use: In a livestock grazing context, the forage allocated by, or under the guidance of, an applicable land use 

plan for livestock grazing in an allotment under a permit or lease, and expressed in Animal Unit Months. 

Permittee: In a livestock grazing context, a person or company permitted to graze livestock on public land. 

Petroglyph: A form of rock art created by incising, scratching or pecking designs into rock surfaces. 

Pictograph: A form of rock art created by applying mineral based or organic paint to rock surfaces. 

Planning area: A geographic area for which land use and resource management plans are developed and maintained. 

Planning criteria: The standards, rules, and other factors developed by managers and interdisciplinary teams for their 

use in forming judgments about decision making, analysis, and data collection during planning. Planning criteria 

streamlines and simplifies the resource management planning actions. 

Planning issues: Concerns, conflicts, and problems with the existing management of public lands. Frequently, issues 

are based on how land uses affect resources. Some issues are concerned with how land uses can affect other land uses, 

or how the protection of resources affects land uses. 

or sections of rivers that are readily accessible by road or railroad and that may have some development along their 

shorelines and may have undergone some impoundments or diversion in the past, (2) scenic: rivers or sections of 

rivers free of impoundments with shorelines or watersheds still largely undeveloped but accessible in places by roads, 

and (3) wild: rivers or sections of rivers free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trails, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. 

Native vegetation: Plant species that were found here prior to European settlement, and consequently are in balance 

with these ecosystems because they have well developed parasites, predators, and pollinators. 

Naturalness: Refers to an area that “generally appears to have been affected primarily by the forces of nature, with the 

imprint of man’s work substantially unnoticeable” (Section 2[c] of the Wilderness Act of 1964).

Natural processes: Natural, unplanned wildland fire, drought, insect and disease outbreaks, flooding, and other 

events that existed prior to European settlement, and shaped vegetation composition and structure. 

Natural regeneration: The growth of trees (or other plants) from seeds, roots or bulbs without cultivation by 

humans. 

Nature and purposes (as it relates to National Historic Trails): The term used to describe the character, characteristics, and congressional intent for a designated National Trail, including the resources, qualities, values, and associated 

settings of the areas through which such trails may pass; the primary use or uses of a National Trail; and activities 

promoting the preservation of, public access to, travel within, and enjoyment and appreciation of National Trails. 

Nested management: A management approach whereby the health of a specific species is assumed to be dependent 

on the health of that species’ habitats. Under this approach, management is focused on the habitats, instead of the 

particular species. 

Noxious weeds: A plant species designated by Federal or State law as generally possessing one or more of the following characteristics: aggressive and difficult to manage; parasitic; a carrier or host of serious insects or disease; or 

non-native, new, or not common to the US. 

O

Objective: A description of a desired condition for a resource. Objectives can be quantified and measured and, where 

possible, have established time frames for achievement. 

Occurrence: A known location of an individual or population of individuals of a plant or animal species. 

Off-highway vehicle (OHV): Any motorized vehicle capable of, or designed for, travel on or immediately over land, 

water, or other natural terrain, excluding: (1) any non-amphibious registered motorboat: (2) any military, fire, emergency, or law enforcement vehicle while being used for emergency purposes; (3) any vehicle whose use is expressly 

authorized by the authorized officer, or otherwise officially approved; (4) vehicles in official use; and (5) any combat 

or combat support vehicle when used for national defense (BLM 2005). 

Off-highway vehicle area designations: BLM-administered lands in the SGFO are designated as Open, Limited, or 

Closed for OHV use. 

Open. Designated areas where all types of motorized vehicles (jeeps, all-terrain vehicles, motorized dirt bikes, etc.) 

are permitted at all times, anywhere in the area, on roads or cross country, subject to the operating regulations and 

vehicle standards set forth in 43 CFR subparts 8341 and 8342. 

▶ Limited. Designated areas where motorized vehicles are restricted to designated routes. Off-road, cross-country 

travel is prohibited in Limited areas, unless an area is specifically identified as an area where cross-country oversnow travel is allowed. Some existing routes 

▶ may be closed in Limited areas. 

▶ Closed. Designated areas where off-road motorized vehicle travel is prohibited yearlong. Emergency use of 

vehicles is allowed yearlong. 

Off-site education and interpretation: May include website, social media, printed brochures and maps. 
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Recreational target shooting: The lawful discharge of any projectile from a firearm or airsoft gun (a spring, electric, 

or gas powered gun that fires a spherical pellet) for recreational purposes other than the purpose of the lawful taking 

of game (hunting). This does not include the use of incendiary and tracer projectiles, which is prohibited under 43 

CFR 9212.1. In the Beaver Dam Wash NCA, the following are not considered targets for the purpose of recreational 

target shooting: natural features (except earthen berms or banks used as backstops), vegetation, structures, gates, 

vehicles, signs, other federal, state, or local agency improvements, appliances, furniture, glass, pets, service animals, 

livestock, wildlife, explosive and incendiary items, or garbage of any kind. 

Recreation experiences: Psychological outcomes realized either by recreation-tourism participants as a direct result 

of their on-site leisure engagements and recreation-tourism activity participation or by nonparticipating community 

residents as a result of their interaction with visitors and guests within their community or interaction with the BLM 

and other public and private recreation-tourism providers and their actions. 

Recreation opportunities: Favorable circumstances enabling visitors’ engagement in a leisure activity to realize immediate psychological experiences and attain more lasting, value-added beneficial outcomes. 

Recreation setting character conditions: The distinguishing recreational qualities of any landscape, objectively defined along a continuum, ranging from primitive to urban landscapes, expressed in terms of the nature of the component parts of its physical, social, and administrative attributes. These recreational qualities can be both classified and 

mapped. This classification and mapping process should be based on variation that either exists (for example, setting 

descriptions) or is desired (for example, setting prescriptions) among component parts of the various physical, social, 

and administrative attributes of any landscape. The recreation opportunity spectrum is one of the tools for doing this. 

Recreation settings: The collective distinguishing attributes of landscapes that influence and sometimes actually 

determine what kinds of recreation opportunities are produced. Recreation settings are classified both in terms of 

existing conditions (inventory) and desired future conditions (planned). 

Recreation use permits: Authorizations for use of developed facilities that meet the fee criteria established by the 

Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act of 2004 or a subsequent authority. Recreation Use Permits are issued to 

ensure that United States residents receive a fair and equitable return for the use of those facilities to help recover the 

cost of construction, operation, maintenance, and management of the permits. 

Resource Management Plan (RMP): A land use plan as prescribed by the Federal Land Policy and Management Act 

that establishes, for a given area of land, land-use allocations, coordination guidelines for multiple-use, objectives, and 

actions to be achieved. 

Resources, qualities, and values (as it relates to National Historic Trails): The significant scenic, historic, cultural, 

recreation, natural (including biological, geological, and scientific), and other landscape areas through which such 

trails may pass as identified in the National Trails System Act. 

Restoration: The process by which areas are brought back to a former, original or specific desired condition or 

appearance. 

Revegetation: The process of putting vegetation back in an area where vegetation previously existed, which may or 

may not simulate natural conditions. 

Right-of-way (ROW): An easement or permit that authorizes public land to be used for a specified purpose that is in 

the public interest and that requires right-of-ways over, upon, under, or through such lands (e.g. roads, power-lines, 

pipelines). 

Right-of-way avoidance area: An area identified through resource management planning to be avoided but may be 

available for ROW location with special stipulations. 

Right-of-way exclusion area: An area identified through resource management planning that is not available for 

ROW location under any conditions. 

Riparian area: A form of wetland transition between permanently saturated wetlands and upland areas. Riparian 

areas exhibit vegetation or physical characteristics that reflect the influence of permanent surface or subsurface water. 

Typical riparian areas include lands along, adjacent to, or contiguous with perennially and intermittently flowing 

Plant materials: Materials derived from plants or vegetation, including firewood (fuelwood), posts & poles, wildings 

and boughs. 

Potential fossil yield category (PFYC): system that aids in assessing the potential for discovery of significant paleontological resources or the impact of surface disturbing activities to these resources. Classification system was originally developed by the Forest Service’s Paleontology Center of Excellence and the Region 2 (FS) Paleontology Initiative 

in 1996. 

Prehistoric resources: Any material remains, structures, and items used or modified by people before Euroamericans 

established a presence in the region. 

Prescribed fire treatments: A wildland fire originating from a planned ignition to meet specific objectives identified 

in a written, approved, prescribed fire plan for which NEPA requirements (where applicable) have been met prior to 

ignition. 

Primitive and unconfined recreation: Non-motorized, non-mechanized (except as provided by law) and undeveloped types of recreational activities. Bicycles are considered mechanical transport (from H-6310-1, Wilderness 

Inventory and Study Procedures). 

Primitive road: A linear route managed for use by four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles. Primitive roads do not 

normally meet any BLM road design standards. 

Proper functioning condition (PFC): (1) An element of the Fundamental of Rangeland Health for watersheds, and 

therefore a required element of State or regional standards and guidelines under 43 CFR § 4180.2(b). (2) Condition in 

which vegetation and ground cover maintain soil conditions that can sustain natural biotic communities. For riparian areas, the process of determining function is described in the BLM Technical Reference TR 1737-9. (3) Riparianwetland areas are functioning properly when adequate vegetation, landform, or large woody debris is present to 

dissipate stream energy associated with high water flows, thereby reducing erosion and improving water quality; filter 

sediment, capture bedload, and aid floodplain development; improve floodwater retention and groundwater recharge; 

develop root masses that stabilize stream banks against cutting action; develop diverse ponding and channel characteristics to provide the habitat and the water depth, duration, and temperature necessary for fish production, waterfowl breeding, and other uses; and support greater biodiversity. The functioning condition of riparian-wetland areas 

is influenced by geomorphic features, soil, water, and vegetation. (4) Uplands function properly when the existing 

vegetation and ground cover maintain soil conditions capable of sustaining natural biotic communities. The functioning condition of uplands is influenced by geomorphic features, soil, water, and vegetation. 

Public land: Land or interest in land owned by the United States and administered by the Secretary of the Interior 

through the BLM without regard to how the United States acquired ownership, except lands located on the Outer 

Continental Shelf, and lands held for the benefit of Indians, Aleuts, and Eskimos. 

Public Lands Not Designated as Recreation Management Areas: All lands not established as an SRMA or ERMA. 

These lands are not designated as RMAs, and are managed to meet basic R&VS and resource stewardship needs. 

Recreation is not emphasized, however recreation activities may occur except on those lands closed to public use. The 

R&VS are managed to allow recreation uses that are not in conflict with the primary uses of these lands. 

R

Range improvement project: An authorized physical modification or treatment that is designed to improve production of forage; change vegetation composition; control patterns of use; provide water; stabilize soil and water conditions; restore, protect and improve the condition of rangeland ecosystems to benefit livestock and fish and wildlife. 

This definition includes, but is not limited to, structures, treatment projects and use of mechanical devices, or modifications achieved through mechanical means. 

Raptor: Bird of prey with sharp talons and strongly curved beaks, e.g. hawks, owls, vultures, eagles. 

Reclamation: Returning disturbed lands to a form and productivity that will be ecologically balanced and in conformity with a predetermined land management plan. 
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Solitude: The state of being alone or remote from habitations; isolation. A lonely or secluded place. Factors contributing to opportunities for solitude may include size, natural screening, topographic relief, vistas, physiographic variety, 

and the ability of the user to find a secluded spot. 

Special recreation management area (SRMA): An administrative unit where the existing or proposed recreational 

opportunities and recreational setting characteristics are recognized for their unique value, importance or distinctiveness; especially compared to other areas used for recreation. 

Special Recreation Permits: Authorizations that allow for recreational uses of public lands and related waters. Issued 

as a means to control visitor use, protect recreational and natural resources, and provide for the health and safety of 

visitors. Commercial Special Recreation Permits also are issued as a mechanism to provide a fair return for the commercial use of public lands. 

Special status species: Species that are proposed for listing, officially listed as threatened or endangered, or are candidates for listing as threatened or endangered under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA); those listed 

by a State in a category such as threatened or endangered implying potential endangerment or extinction; and those 

designated by each State Director as sensitive. 

Split estate: Lands on which the mineral estate is owned by someone other than the surface estate owner. For example, the surface is in private ownership and the mineral resources are publicly held and managed by the Federal 

Government. 

State Historic Preservation Office: Office in State or territorial government that administers the preservation programs under the National Historic Preservation Act. 

Stipulation: A term or condition in an agreement or contract.

Stepover: A physical barrier that prevents motorized access to an area, yet is low enough for people and horses to 

step over.

Stocking level: The number of specific kinds and classes of animals grazing or using a unit of land for specified time. 

Succession: Succession is the process by which an ecological community undergoes changes over time following 

disturbances (either natural or human-caused disturbances). 

Suitability: In the context of Wild and Scenic Rivers, a suitable river segment is one that is found, through administrative study by an appropriate agency, to meet the criteria for designation as a component of the National Wild and 

Scenic Rivers system, specified in Section 4(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. 

Surface-disturbing activities: Human-caused disturbance resulting in direct and pronounced alteration, damage, 

removal, displacement, or mortality of vegetation, soil, or substrates; usually entail motorized or mechanized vehicles 

or tools; typically can also be described as disruptive activities (see following definition). Examples of typical surface 

disturbing activities include: 

▶ Earth-moving and drilling; 

▶ Geophysical exploration; 

▶ Off-route motorized and mechanized travel; 

▶ Vegetation treatments including woodland thinning with chainsaws; 

▶ Pyrotechnics and explosives; and 

▶ Construction of powerlines, pipelines, oil and gas wells, recreation sites, livestock improvement facilities, wildlife waters, or new roads. 

Examples of casual use and other activities that would not normally be considered surface disturbing activities 

include: 

▶ Equestrian use; 

▶ Proper livestock grazing; 

▶ Cross-country hiking; 

▶ Hand-spraying weeds; 

rivers and streams, glacial potholes, and the shores of lakes and reservoirs with stable water levels. Excluded are 

ephemeral streams or washes that lack vegetation and depend on free water in the soil. 

Riparian zone: An area one-quarter mile wide encompassing riparian and adjacent vegetation. 

Road: A linear route declared a road by the owner, managed for use by low-clearance vehicles having four or more 

wheels, and maintained for regular and continuous use. 

Roadless: The absence of roads that have been constructed and maintained by mechanical means to ensure regular 

and continuous use. 

Rock Art: Petroglyphs (carvings) or pictographs (paintings) created on natural rock surfaces by native people and 

depicting their history and culture. 

Routes: Multiple roads, trails and primitive roads; a group or set of roads, trails, and primitive roads that represents 

less than 100 percent of the BLM transportation system. Generically, components of the transportation system are 

described as “routes.” 

Route density: Linear miles of trails and roads per square mile. Concept has different applications when planning for 

wildlife habitat or recreation. 

S

Salinity: The presence of elevated levels of soluble salts in soils or waters. 

Saturated soils: Occur when the infiltration capacity of the soil is exceeded from above due to rainfall or snowmelt 

runoff. Soils can also become saturated from groundwater inputs. 

Scoping process: An early and open public participation process for determining the scope of issues to be addressed 

and for identifying the significant issues related to a proposed action. 

Season of use: In a grazing context, the time during which livestock grazing is permitted on a given range area, as 

specified in the grazing lease. 

Seeding: Seeding is a vegetation treatment that includes the application of grass, forb, or shrub seed, either aerially 

or from the ground. In areas of gentle terrain, ground applications of seed are often accomplished with a rangeland 

drill. Seeding allows the establishment of native species or placeholder species and restoration of disturbed areas to a 

perennial-dominated cover type, thereby decreasing the risk of subsequent invasion by exotic plant species. Seeding 

would be used primarily as a follow-up treatment in areas where disturbance or the previously described treatments 

have removed exotic plant species and their residue. 

Seeps and Springs: Naturally occurring springs usually emerge from a single point, while seeps emerge over a larger 

area, having no well-defined origin. Unique vegetative communities often form around the discharges of seeps and 

springs. 

Self-guided exploration: Ranges from Internet sites to information kiosks and marked trails with information posted 

at stations or stops along the way. Rather than a ranger-or docent-guided tour, the visitor is “self-guided” by the design of the interpretive site. 

Sensitive Species: Species designated as sensitive by the BLM State Director, including species that are under status 

review, have small or declining populations, live in unique habitats, or require special management. BLM Manual 

6840 provides policy and guidance for managing special status species. 

Setting Character: The condition of any recreation system, objectively defined along a continuum, ranging from 

primitive to urban in terms of variation of its component physical, social, and administrative attributes. 

Short-term Effect: The effect occurs only during or immediately after implementation of the action or alternative. 

Soil Pedestaling: The occurrence of plants or rocks on pedestals means that the soil has eroded away from the base of 

the plant or rock and it has become slightly elevated above the eroded surface of the soil. The height of the pedestals 

and the degree of root exposure can serve as indicators of the degree of soil loss. 
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Vegetation treatments: Planned alteration of vegetation communities to achieve desired resources objectives 

through use of mechanical and chemical treatments, seeding, release of biological controls, manual labor, timber 

harvest, targeted grazing, and/or prescribed fire. 

Vertebrate: An animal having a backbone or spinal column. 

Viewshed: The panorama from a given viewpoint that encompasses the visual landscape, including everything visible 

within a 360-degree radius. 

Visitor use: Visitor use of a resource for inspiration, stimulation, solitude, relaxation, education, pleasure, or 

satisfaction. 

Visual Resource Management (VRM): The inventory and planning actions taken to identify visual resource values and to establish objectives for managing those values, and the management actions taken to achieve the visual 

resource management objectives. 

Visual Resource Management (VRM) Classes: Visual resource management classes define the degree of acceptable 

visual change within a characteristic landscape. A class is based on the physical and sociological characteristics of any 

given homogeneous area and serves as a management objective. Categories assigned to public lands on the basis of 

scenic quality, sensitivity level, and distance zones. Each class has an objective that prescribes the amount of change 

allowed in the characteristic landscape (BLM 2005). The four classes are described below: 

▶ Class I provides for natural ecological changes only. This class includes primitive areas, some natural areas, some 

wild and scenic rivers, and other similar areas where landscape modification activities should be restricted. 

▶ Class II areas are those areas where changes in any of the basic elements (form, line, color, or texture) caused by 

management activity should not be evident in the characteristic landscape. 

▶ Class III includes areas where changes in the basic elements (form, line, color, or texture) caused by a management activity may be evident in the characteristic landscape. However, the changes should remain subordinate 

to the visual strength of the existing character. 

▶ Class IV applies to areas where changes may subordinate the original composition and character; however, they 

should reflect what could be a natural occurrence within the characteristic landscape. 

Visual resources: The visible physical features on a landscape, (topography, water, vegetation, animals, structure-s, 

and other features) that comprise die scenery of the area. 

W

Watershed: Topographical region or area delineated by water draining to a particular watercourse or body of water. 

Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies: Represents 23 state and Canadian province fish and wildlife 

agencies. Founded in 1922, this association develops model policies and programs for member agencies. 

Wetland: Permanently wet or intermittently water-covered areas, such as swamps, marshes, bogs, potholes, swales, 

and glades. 

Whirling disease: An infectious and often fatal disease caused by a protozoan parasite of salmonids (salmon and 

trout), causing skeletal deformation and neurological damage. Fish “whirl” in a forward, corkscrew manner, rather 

than swim normally. 

White nose syndrome: A high mortality disease affecting hibernating bats. Named for the white fungus that appears 

on the muzzle and other body parts of hibernating bats. 

Wilderness: A congressionally designated area of undeveloped Federal land retaining its primeval character and 

influence, without permanent improvements or human habitation, that is protected and managed to preserve its 

natural conditions and that (1) generally appears to have been affected mainly by the forces of nature, with human 

imprints substantially unnoticeable; (2) has outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type 

of recreation; (3) has at least 5,000 acres or is large enough to make practical its preservation and use in an unimpaired condition; and (4) may also contain ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or 

historic value. 

▶ Minimal trimming of vegetation to maintain ROWs; 

▶ Motorized and mechanized travel on designated routes; and 

▶ Maintenance of permitted areas under valid existing rights. 

Sustained yield: The achievement and maintenance in perpetuity of a high-level annual or regular periodic output of 

the various renewable resources of the public lands consistent with multiple use. 

T

Threatened species: Any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future 

throughout all or a significant portion of its range, and as further defined by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. 

Traditional cultural property: A property that derives significance from traditional values associated with it by a social and/or cultural group such as an Indian tribe or local community. A traditional cultural property may qualify for 

the National Register if it meets the criteria and criteria exceptions in 36 CFR 60.4. 

Traditional uses: Longstanding, socially conveyed, customary patterns of thought, cultural expression, and behavior, such as religious beliefs and practices, social customs, and land or resource uses. Traditions are shared generally 

within a social and/or cultural group and span generations. Usually traditional uses are reserved rights resulting from 

treaty and/or agreements with Native American groups. 

Trail: A linear route managed for human-powered, stock or OHV travel/transportation, or for historical or heritage 

values; not generally managed for use by 4WD or high-clearance vehicles. 

Transportation system: The sum of the BLM’s recognized inventory of linear features (roads, primitive roads, and 

trails) formally recognized, designated, and approved as part of the BLM’s transportation system. 

Travel management areas: Polygons or delineated areas where areas have been classified as open, closed or limited, 

and have identified and/or designated a network of roads, trails, ways, and other routes that provide for public access 

and travel across the planning area. All designated travel routes within travel management areas should have a clearly 

identified need and purpose as well as clearly defined activity types, modes of travel, and seasons or time-frames for 

allowable access or other limitations (BLM 2005). 

Trespass: Any unauthorized use of public land. 

Tribal interests: Native American or Native Alaskan economic rights such as Indian trust assets, resource uses and 

access guaranteed by treaty rights, and subsistence uses. 

U

Unalloted. Lands that are not currently permitted for livestock grazing use. 

Understory: That portion of a plant community growing underneath the taller plants on the site. 

Undeveloped camping: Camping anywhere outside of a developed campground. Undeveloped camp sites do not 

have amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, or firegrates. Undeveloped camp sites may be designated by the BLM. 

Unplanned wildland fire: An unplanned, non-structural fire in an area in which development is essentially nonexistent, except for roads, railroads, powerlines, and similar transportation facilities. Structures, if any, are widely 

scattered. 

Untrammeled: Wilderness is essentially unhindered and free from modern human control or manipulation. The untrammeled quality of wilderness is degraded by manipulating “the community of life.” Examples of “trammeling” include spraying weeds, collaring wildlife, suppressing fire, lighting fire, stocking fish and wildlife, or killing predators. 

V

Valid existing rights: Any valid right that is immune from denial or extinguishment by the exercise of Secretarial 

discretion and was in existence within the boundaries of the Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs when the NCAs 

were established on March 30, 2009. 

Vegetation structure: The stage of plant community development, encompassing age of stand, height of vegetation, 

and spatial distribution of plants. 
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Wilderness characteristics: Wilderness characteristics include size, the appearance of naturalness, outstanding opportunities for solitude or a primitive and unconfined type of recreation. They may also include ecological, geological, or other features of scientific, educational, scenic, or historical value. However Section 2(c) of the Wilderness 

Act of 1964 has been updated by IM-2003-195, dated June 20, 2003. Indicators of an area’s naturalness include the 

extent of landscape modifications; the presence of native vegetation communities; and the connectivity of habitats. 

Outstanding opportunities for solitude or primitive and unconfined types of recreation may be experienced when the 

sights, sounds, and evidence of other people are rare or infrequent, in locations where visitors can be isolated, alone 

or secluded from others, where the use of the area is through non-motorized, non-mechanical means, and where no 

or minimal developed recreation facilities are encountered. 

Wildland fire: Any fire, regardless of ignition source, that is burning outside of a prescribed fire and any fire burning 

on public lands or threatening public land resources, where no fire prescription standards have been prepared (from 

H-1742-1, BLM Emergency Fire Rehabilitation Handbook). 

Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI): The line, area or zone where structures and other human development meet or 

intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels. 

Winter concentration areas: that part of the winter range where densities are at least 200% greater than the surrounding winter range density during the same period used to define winter range in the average five winters out of 

ten. 

Withdrawal: An action used to preserve sensitive environmental values, protect major Federal investments in facilities, support national security, and provide for public health and safety. Withdrawal segregates a portion of public 

lands and suspends certain operations of the public land laws, such as mining claims. Certain stock driveways are 

also withdrawn. Federal policy now restricts all withdrawals to the minimum time and acreage required to serve the 

public interest, maximize the use of withdrawn lands consistent with their primary purpose, and eliminate all withdrawals that are no longer needed.

ABBREVIATIONS-ACRONYMS

ACE American Conservation Experience

ACEC Area of Critical Environmental Concern

ACS American Community Survey

AMP Allotment Management Plan

AMR Appropriate Management Response

APE Area of Potential Effect

ARPA Archaeological Resource Protection Act

ASL Above Mean Sea Level

ATV All-Terrain Vehicle

AUM Animal Unit Month

BDWNCA Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area

BLM Bureau of Land Management

BMP Best Management Practice

CAA Clean Air Act

CCC Civilian Conservation Corps

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CIAA Cumulative Impact Analysis Area

CIP Comprehensive Interpretive Plan

CO2 Carbon Monoxide

CRI Cultural Resource Inventory

CS4 Methane

CWA Clean Water Act

dB Decibels

DEIS Draft Environmental Impact Statement

DMPO Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization

DWMA Desert Wildlife Management Area

EA Environmental Assessment

EDRR Early Detection Rapid Response

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EJ Environment Justice

EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

ERMA Extensive Recreation Management Area

ESA Endangered Species Act

ES&R Emergency Stabilization and Restoration

F Fahrenheit

FAA United States Federal Aviation Administration

FCRPA Federal Cave Resource Protection Act

FEIS Final Environmental Impact Statement

FLPMA Federal Land Policy and Management Act

FMU Fire Management Unit

FRCC Fire Regime Condition Class
934 Abbreviations-Acronyms BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment Abbreviations-Acronyms 935

G - O O - U

GHG Greenhouse Gas

GIS Geographic Information System

GLO General Land Office

GPRA Government Performance and Results Act

HABS Historic American Building Survey

HALS Historic American Landscape Survey

HAPS Hazardous Air Pollutants

HCP Habitat Conservation Plan

Hz Hertz

IBLA Interior Board of Land Appeals

I-15 Interstate Highway15

ICP Incidental Take Permit

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

IM Instruction Memorandum

IMP Interim Management Policy

IMPLAN Impact Analysis for Planning

IWM Integrated Weed Management

KOP Key Observation Point

LAC Limits of Acceptable Change

MIST Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics

MOG Management Oversight Group

MYA Millions of Years Ago

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NAD North American Datum

NCA National Conservation Area

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NEHAPS National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act

NLCS National Landscape Conservation System

NHT National Historic Trail

NM National Monument

NNL National Natural Landmark

NO

2 Nitrogen Dioxide

NO

X Nitrogen Oxide

N

2

O Nitrous Oxide

NOI Notice of Intent

NPS National Park Service

NRHP National Register of Historic Places

NRV Natural Range of Variability

NSO No Surface Occupancy

NTSA National Trail System Act

NVUM National Visitor Use Monitoring

OHV Off-Highway Vehicle

OST Old Spanish Trail

OPLMA Omnibus Public Land Management Act

PARPA Paleontological Resource Protection Act

PCE Primary Constituent Elements

PEIS Programmic Environmental Impact Statement

PEP Potassium Excretion Potential Index

PFYC Potential Fossil Yield Classification

PILT Payment In Lieu of Taxes

P. L. Public Law

PLPCO Public Land Policy Coordination Office

PM Particulate Matter

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration

PUP Public Use Plan

RAMP Recreation Area Management Plan

Reserve Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

RCNCA Red Cliffs National Conservation Area

RMIS Recreation Management Information System

RMP Resource Management Plan

RMZ Recreation Management Zone

ROD Record of Decision

ROW Right-of-way

RS Revised Statute

RUP Recreation Use Permit

Secretary Secretary of the Interior

SGFO St. George Field Office

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office

SITLA State Institutional Trust Lands Administration

SO

2 Sulfur Dioxide

SO

X Sulfur Oxide

spp. Species

SRMA Special Recreation Management Area

SRP Special Recreation Permit

SUNCLF Southwest Utah National Conservation Lands Friends

ssp. Subspecies

SWFL Southwestern Willow Flycatcher

TCP Traditional Cultural Property

TDS Total Dissolved Solids

T&E Threatened and Endangered

TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load

TMP Comprehensive Travel and Transportation Management Plan

TTM Travel and Transportation Management

UDAQ Utah Division of Air Quality

UDEQ Utah Department of Environmental Quality

UDOT Utah Department of Transportation

UDNR Utah Department of Natural Resources
936 Abbreviations-Acronyms BDWNCA • RCNCA • SGFO RMP Amendment

UDWA Utah Division of Water Quality

UDWR Utah Division of Wildlife Resources 

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USDOI United States Department of Interior

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

USGS United States Geological Survey

USFS United States Forest Service

URD Upper Respiratory Disease

UTM Universal Transverse Mercator

UTSHPO Utah State Historical Preservation Officer

UTV Utility Terrain Vehicle

UWC Utah Wilderness Coalition

VRI Visual Resource Inventory

VRM Visual Resource Management

VOC Volatile Organic Compounds

WUI Wildland Urban Interface

U - W