United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Forest 

Service 

ROS 

Users Guide 

United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 

Forest 

Service 

ROS 

Users Guide 

Photographs: 

All photos are Forest 

Service, USDA 

This handbook chapter serves as a guide for the recreation 

resource input to land and Management Planning. It incorporates the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum as the basic 

lramework for inventorying, planning and managing the recreation resource in accordance with the Forest and Rangeland 

Revewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (RPA), as amended 

by the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (NFMA). 
Contents of 

ROS Users Guide: 

10 CONCEPTS 

20 SUPPLY 

Forthcoming Chapters: 

30 DEMAND 

40 RECREATION INPUT 

INTEGRATION WITH 

LMP 

50 MANAGEMENT 

PRESCRIPTIONS 

60 PROJECT PLANNING 
CONTENTS 

CONCEPTS lo 

SUPPLY DEMAND 

RECREATION INPUT 40 

INTEGRATION 1 

WITH LMP 

MANAGEMENT 

PRESCRIPTIONS 

PROJECT 60 

PLANNING 
11 Recreation 

12 Recreation Opportunity 

13 Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum 

14 Recreation Opportunity 

Planning 

15 Landand Resource 

Management Planning 

16 Project Planning 
I 1 

RECREATION 

OPPORTUNITY 

SPECTRUM 

IO 

ACTIVITIES SETTING 

EXPERIENCE 

t I I 1 I II II II 1 

SEMI- SEMIPRIMITIVE - PRIMITIVE NON- PRIMITIVE ROADED RURAL URBAN 

MOTORIZED MOTORIZED NATURAL 

I 1----t I 

RECREATION INPUT TO 

LAND &RESOURCE 

MANAGEMENT PLANNING 

t I I 1 

MANAGEMENT PROJECT 

PRESCRIPTIONS PLANNING 

1 1 I 1 

3 
11--RECREATION 12 RECREATION OPPORTUNITY 

Many defini~ons of recreation exist, each emphasizing some slightly different aspect of this complex phenomenon called "recreation." In the Recreational 

Use of Wild Lands, Frank Brockman defines recreation 

as "the pleasurable and constructive use of spare time." 

Howard Danford, in Creative Leadership in Recreation, defines recreation as "any socially desirable 

leisure activity in which an individual participates voluntarily and from which he derives immediate and continuing satisfaction." Webster defines recreation as 

"refreshment in mind and body." 

The sense of creativeness, refreshment and pleasure 

which the recreationist has while recreating or having 

a good time can be viewed as the recreationist "realizing satisfactory experiences." The recreationist 

attains these satisfactory experiences by participating in preferred recreation activities in preferred 

surroundings or settings. Therefore although the 

recreation resource manager manages settings, he 

or she does so to provide opportunities for recreation 

experiences and the benefits those experiences 

produce for individuals and society. Those experiences are influenced by many factors, the settings, 

the activities, other resources present, activities by 

managers, and by the values, expectations and other 

characteristics of the recreationists. These factors interrelate to define outdoor recreationists' needs and 

the way these needs are met by management action. 

"Managing for recreation requires different kinds of 

data and management concepts than does most 

other activities. While recreation must have a physical base of land or water, the product-- recreation 

experience--is a personal or social phenomenon. 

Although the management is resource based, the 

actual recreational activities are a result of people, 

their perceptions, wants, and behavior." (From: Final 

Report of the Committee of Scientists for Implementation of Section 6 of the National Forest Management 

Act of 1976, February 22, 1979, as published in the 

Federal Register, Part V, May 4, 1979, p. 26628.) 

The word opportunity is defined as a "combination of 

circumstances favorable for a purpose." The purpose 

or goal of the recreationist, as discussed above, is 

to realize satisfying experiences. This is done by 

participating in preferred activities in preferred environmental settings. Thus, recreation opportunity is 

"the availability of a real choice for a user to participate in a preferred activity within a preferred setting, 

in order to realize those satisfying experiences 

which are desired." 

4 
13-RECREATION 

OPPORTUNITY SPECTRUM 

While the goal of the recreation& is to obtain 

satisfying experiences, the goal of the recreation 

resource manager becomes one of providing the 

opportunities for obtaining these experiences. By 

managing the natural resource settings, and the 

activities which occur within it, the manager is providing the opportunities for recreation experiences 

to take place. Therefore, for both the manager and 

the recreationist, recreation opportunities can be 

expressed in terms of three principal components: 

the activities, the setting, and the experience. 

For management and conceptual convenience possible mixes or combinations of activities, settings, 

and probable experience opportunities have been 

arranged along a spectrum, or continuum. This continuum is called the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

(ROS) and is divided into six classes (Figure 1). The 

six classes, or portions along the continuum, and the 

accompanying class names have been selected and 

conventionalized because of their descriptiveness 

and utility in Land and Resource Management Planning and other management applications. 

Figure 1 

Each class is defined in terms of its combination of 

activity, setting, and experience opportunities (Table 

1). Subclasses may be established to reflect local or 

regional conditions as long as aggregations can be 

made back to the six major classes for regional or 

national summaries. An example of a subclass may 

be a further breakdown of Roaded Natural into subclasses based on paved, oiled, or dirt surfaced 

roads, which in turns reflects amount of use, or a 

further breakdown of Primitive based upon aircraft 

or boat use. 

The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum provides a 

framework for defining the types of outdoor recreation 

opportunities the public might desire, and identifies 

that portion of the spectrum a given National Forest 

might be able to provide. 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

I 

Primitive 

Semi-Primitive Semi-Primitive 

Non-Motorized Motorized 

Roaded 

Natural Rural Urban 

5 
Table 1 

ROS 

Activity Characterization* 

Primitive 

Semi-Primitive 

Non-Motorized 

Semi-Primitive 

Motorized 

Roaded 

Natural Rural Urban 

Land Based (includes AircralO: Land Based (Includes Alrcraft): Land Based (includes Aircraft): Land Based: 

Viewing Scenery 

Hiklng and Walking 

Horseback Riding 

Camplng (all) 

Hunting (all) 

Nature Study (all) 

Mountain Cllmblng 

General Infomatlon 

water eased: 

Canoeing 

Salllng 

Other notvmotorizsd watercrslt 

Swimming 

Flshlng (all) 

Snow and Ice Based: 

Snowplay 

X.Country SkiingfSnowshoelng 

viewing scenery 

AutomobIle (off-road use) 

Motorcycles and Scooters 

Specialized IandcraH 

Alrcraft (motorlzedl 

Hlklng and Walking 

Horseback Rldlng 

Camplng (all) 

Hunting (all) 

Nature Study (all) 

Mountain cllmblng 

Qeneral Inlormallon 

Water Based: 

Boating (powered) 

canochlg 

Salllng 

Other watorcralt 

Swlmmlng 

Dlring (skin or scuba) 

Fishing tall) 

Snow and Ice Based: 

Ice and Snowcraft 

Skiing. downhill 

Snowplay 

XCountry Sklinglsnowshoelng 

viewing scensry viewing Scenery 

Viewing A~tl~it1es Viewlng Activities 

Vlewlng Works of HumawKind Viewlng Works of 

Automobile (Includes off-road use) Humankind 

Motorcycles and Scooters Automobile (includes 

Specialized landcraft ofl.road use) 

Train and bus touring Motorcycles and 

Aircraft (~Olorlzedl *ooters 

Aerlel trams and lifts Specisllred land.cralt 

Aircralt (nownotorized) Train and bus 

Hiking and Walking lourIng 

Blcycllng Alrcralt (motorized) 

Horseback riding Aerlsl trams and lilts 

Camping (all) .Aircraft (non. 

Organlzatlon motorized) 

Camping (all) Hiking and Walking 

Picnlcb.lng Bicycling 

Resorl and Commercial services Horseback riding 

Resort Lodging Camping (all) 

Recreation Cabln “se Organization 

Hunting (all) Camping (all1 

Nature Studies (all) Plcnlcking 

Mountain cllmblng Resort and 

Catherlng Foresl Products Commercial 

Interpretive Services (all) services 

Resort Lodging 

Waler Based: Land Based (includes Aircraft) 

Tour Boa( and Ferry Recreation Cabin use 

Best Powered Hunting (all) 

canoeing Nature Studies (all) 

Sailing Mountain climbing 

Other watercraft Gathering Forest PrOducts 

Swimming and waterplay Interpretive Services (all) 

Diving (skin and scuba) Team sports 

Waterskiing and water~sports Individual Sports 

Fishing (all) Games and Play 

S&v and Ice Bbsed: Water Based: 

Ice and Snowcrall 

Ice Skating 

Sledding and Tobagganing 

Downhill skiing 

Snowplay 

XCountry skiing&now shoeing 

Tour Boat and Ferry 

Boat Powered 

Canoeing 

Sailing 

Other watercraft 

Swimming and waterplay 

Diving (skin and scuba) 

WaterskiIng and water sports 

Fishing 

Snow and Ice Based: 

Ice and Snowcralt 

Ice skating 

Sledding and Tobagganing 

Downhill skiing 

Snowplay 

XCountry skiinglsnow shoa/ng 

‘These activity characteristics (Irom RI M FSH 2309.11) ara illustrative only. 

Speclllc addlUons or erceptlon of actlvltles wlthln a ROS class may occur 

depending upon local forest situations. 

6 
Table I (continued) 

ROS 

Setting Charactedzation* 

Primitive 

Semi-Primitive 

Non-Motorized 

Semi-Primitive Roaded 

Motorized Natural Rural Urban 

Area la characterlzed by 

essentlally unmodffled 

natural envlronment of 

falrly large slze Interachon between users is 

very Iow and ewdence 

of other users IS mlmmal The atea IS managed to be essentlal}y 

free troto evldence of 

human-lnduced restrlCtlons and contro]s 

Motorized use Wlthln the 

area la not permitted 

Area IS characterlzed by 

a predommantly natural 

of natural-appearlng 

envlronment of 

moderate-to-large sJze 

Interaction between 

users Bs Iow. but there i$ 

often ewdence of other 

users The area =s managed m such a way that 

mln~mum on-slte controIs and restrtctlons 

may be present, but are 

subtle Motorized use la 

not permltted 

Area la characterlzed by 

a predom~nantly natural 

of natural-appearmg 

envlronment of 

moderate-to-large slze 

Concentratlon of users 

is Iow but there is often 

evldence of other users 

The atea is managed 

m such away that 

mmlmum on-slle controla and restrlctlons 

may be p~esent, but are 

subt(e Motorlzed use is 

perm=tted 

Area la characterlzed by 

predommantly naturalappearmg envlronments wlth moderate 

ewdences of the slghts 

and sounds of man 

Such evidences usually 

harmonize wlth the 

natural envlronment Interactlon between users 

may be Iow to moderate, but wEth ewdence of 

other uaers prevalent 

Resource modlflcation 

and uhhzatlon prachces 

are ewdent, but harmonlze wdh the natural 

envlronment Conventlonal motorlzed use 

is prowded for iR construchon standards and 

deslgn of facd=hes 

Atea ta character[zed by 

substantlally modlfied 

natural envlronment 

Resource mod~ficahon 

and utdizahon practlces 

are to enhance specific 

recreatlon acttvltles and 

tO malntaln vegetatlve 

cover and Sorl Sights 

and sounds of humans 

are readdy ev=dent, and 

the Interactlon between 

users *s often moderate 

to htgh A considerable 

number of faclhties are 

deslgnecl for use by a 

large number of people 

Facdd=es are often prowded for specla] achvlhes Moderate denslhes are prowded far 

away from developed 

s~tes FaCllltles tor intensffled motorlzed 

use and parkmg ate 

ava*Iable 

Area ~s charactenzeo 

by a substantlaliy 

urbanlzed environmenL although the 

background may have 

natural-appearlng elements Renewable resource modlticatlon and 

utihzahon practices ate 

to enhance specIfic recreat=on actlvlties Vegetatwe cover is often 

exotlc and mamcured 

S~ghts and sounds of 

humans, on-sJte, ate 

predommant Large 

numbers of users can 

be expected, both 

on*site and m nearby 

areas. Facllitles for 

hlghly intensdied motor 

use and park~ng are 

avarfable with forma of 

mass translt often avadable to carry people 

throughout the stte 

"This Iabte is for descrlphve purposes only 

Use the f,ve specfflc ROS class clehneahon cnter]a g~ven in Table 2 to identlfy the actual areas to wh~ch these descrlptlons apply 

"7' 
Table 1 (Continued) 

ROS 

Experience Characterization* 

Primitive 

Semi-Primitive Semi-Primitive 

Non-Motorized Motorized 

Roaded 

Natural Rural Urban 

Extremely hlgh probabd- Hlgh but not extremely Moderate probabdlty of About equal probabdlty Probabdrly for ex. ProbaDiI ty for ex 

Ity of expenencmg Esoia- hlgh probabd~ty of ex- experlenong iso(atlon [o exper~ence affdlahon penenong afflllahon Derlenc~ng affd,abon 

hon from the slgnts and penenclng ~solabon from the sights and w~th other user groups w~th mdw~duals and w,th ,ndrv,duals ana 

sounds of humans in- from the slghts and sounds of humans m- and for Esolat~on from grouDs ,~ ~reva~ent as grouDs Is Dreva~ent as 

dependence. Closeness sounds of humans in dependence closeness s=ghts and sound of hu. ,S the COhvenlence of ts the conven,ence of 

to nature tranqulhty dependence closeness to nature tranqudhty mans Opportumty to sltes and opportunltles sdes and opportumbes 

and self-rehance to nature, tranqulhty and selt-rehance nave a hlgh degree of These factors are geq Exper,enong natura 

through the apphcahon and self-rehance through the apphcahon mteraction wrth the erally more pmportant env,ronments na~Fnq 

of woodsman and out- through the apphcatlon of woodsman and out natural eqvlronmenl thah the setbng 0 ~ !he cnallenges ana rlskS 

door skllls ~n an envl- Of woodsman and out- door Skllls in ah enw- Chaflenge and r~sk op physlcal enwronment a~forded by the natu,al 

ronment that offers a door skllls in an enw- ronment that offers chab portunltJes assooated Opportumhes for w,[d- env,ronment and the 

h~gh degree of chal- ronment that offers chal- lenge and rlSk Oppor- wltíq more pnmdwe type !and chahenges rlSk. use of OutdOOr SKiIIs are 

lenge and rlsk lenge and nsk tun~ly to have a hlgh de- of recreatlon are not takmg and tesbng of relabvely unrml3ortant 

gree of mteractlon wllh very Fmportant Prachce outdoor skllls are gen- Opportumbes for com. 

the natural enwron- and teshng of outdoor eraHy ummportant petmve ana spectator 

ment Opportun~ty to skdls mlght be bmpor- except for speerfic ac sports and for pass,ve 

use motorlzed equlp tant Opportumhes for tlwtJes hke downhdl sk uses of h~ghly humanment wh~e ,n the atea both motonzed and ~ng for whlch challenge ,ntiuenced parks and 

non-motonzed forros of and nsk-taklng ate open spaces ate 

recreahon are pOSSFble mnportant e~ements common 

*These experiences ate highly probable outcomes o! participating in recreation activities in specific recreation settings. 

m 

m 
RECREATION INPUT TO 

LAND AND RESOURCE 

MANAGEMENT PLANNING 

Planning for recreation opportunities using the 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum is conducted as 

part of Land and Resource Management Planning. 

The recreation input includes factors such as supply 

and demand, issues and identification of alternative 

responses to those issues which the pLanner must 

assess in order to develop management area 

prescriptions designed to assure the appropriate 

recreation experience through setting and activity 

management on the Forest. 

Use of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum and 

setting prescriptions as recreation input to Land 

and Resource Management Planning provides a 

framework for: 

1. Establishing outdoor recreation management 

goals and oblectives for specific management areas. 

2. Tracle-off analyses of available recreation 

opportunities as characteristic settings 

would be changed by other proposed 

resource management actions. 

3. Monitoring outputs in terms of established 

standards for experience and opportunities 

settings. 

4. Provicling specific management objectives 

ancl standards for project plans. 

I 
Land and Resource Management Planning assures 

that National Forest System lands provide a variety of 

appropriate opportunities for outdoor recreation (FSM 

2303.2). Each Forest need not provide an entire array 

of opportunities, but collectively the National Forest 

System will provide this variety. The appropriate roles 

of each Forest in providing opportunities should be 

established as part of the Land and Resource Management Pianning process, and be idenlified in the 

Forest, Regional and National Plans. 

15-MANAGEMENT 

PRESCRIPTIONS 

In the Land and Resource Planning process the 

goals and objectives selected for a specific area 

(management area) are achieved through the 

implementation of management prescriptions. 

Prescriptions are closely integrated sets of 

specific management practices scheduled over the 

entire planning period or portions of the planning 

period. Most acres within a planning area have the 

inherent capability, to some degree, to provide 

recreation opportunities and experiences. 

Therefore management prescriptions for each 

management area should include consideration for 

recreation use. 

The introductory portion of a management 

prescription states in a concise way the goals and 

objectives of the prescription; what resource outputs 

are being emphasized: and the expected future 

‘condition of the Forest” which will result from 

application of the prescribed management actions. 

Alternative sets of management prescriptions are 

developed to reflect and evaluate emphasis of 

different resource output management directions. 

Each prescription should contain minimum guidelines 

and standards to be met as well as directions 

concerning the type of activities, settings, and 

experience opportunities to be managed for during 

the planning time periods. 

16-PROJECT PLANNING 

The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classes should 

be at a scale suitable for recreation 

management and land allocation purposes essential 

to the Land and Resource Management Planning 

process. For sitespecific project plans 

the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class directions for the management area within which the 

site is located should provide overall guidance to 

manage the site compatible with the kinds of 

recreation opportunities being provided by the 

larger area of which the site is a part. 

70 
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20.1 

21 

21.1 

21.2 

21.21 

21.22 

21.23 

21.24 

21.3 

21.31 

21.32 

21.4 

21.41 

21.5 

21.6 

The Supply Component 

ROS CLASS DELINEATION 

Wilderness-- Special areas-- 

Private Land 

Physical Setting 

Remoteness 

Size of Area 

Evidence of Humans 

Physical Setting Map 

Social Setting 

Social Setting Overlay 

Social Setting Mapping 

Managerial Setting 

Managerial Setting 

Mapping 

Setting Inconsistencies 

Seasonal Mapping 

22 

22.1 

22.11 

22.12 

22.13 

ROS CLASS 

ATTRACTIVENESS 

Attractiveness Overlay 

Variety Rating 

Outstanding Features 

Special Areas 

23 

23.1 

23.2 

ACTIVITY OPPORTUNITIES 

Activity Identification 

Activity Criteria 

24 

24.1 

24.2 

25 

25.1 

25.2 

25.3 

25.31 

25.32 

25.33 

25.4 

RECREATION 

DEVELOPMENTS 

Existing Developments 

Potential Developments 

CAPACITY 

Principal Factors 

Affecting Capacity 

"Practical Maximum" Versus 

"Theoretical Maximum" 

Capacity 

Capacity Determination 

PAOT Approach 

PAOT to RVD Conversion 

RVD Approach 

Use of Capacity Figures 
20 

t . 1 - I 

PHYSICAL 

-SETTING 

SOCIAL 

SETTING 

MANAGERIAL 

SETTING 

I I 

SETTING 

INCONSISTENCIES< 

ROS 

CLASS 

t l DELINEATION 

r I 

ROS CLASS ACTIVITY RECREATION PHYSICAL 

ATTRACTIVENESS OPPORTUNITIES DEVELOPMENTS SOCIAL & OTHER 

FACTORS 

CAPACITY 
Xl-THE SUPPLY COMPONENT-The supply 

component of recreation input to Land and 

Resource Management Planning requires an inventory of recreation supply opportunitieq by Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class that are currently 

available as a result of existing conditions. It also 

requires for each alternative management prescrip 

tion that a separaie projection of potential supply 

by Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Class be 

developed. This information provides the basis for 

evaluation and determination of the management 

direction response to projected recreation 

demands. 

21 -ROS CLASS DELINEATION 

The land and water areas of the Forest are inventoried and mapped by Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum class to identify which areas are currently providing what kinds of recreation opportunities. 

This is done by analyzing the physical, social, and 

managerial setting components for each area. The 

characteristics of each of these three components 

of the setting affect the kind of experience the 

recreationist most probably realizes from using the 

area.. 

Table 2 shows mapping criteria which apply to 

each component of the setting. When conducting 

a Recreation Opportunity Spectrum inventory proceed through the criteria in the same sequence as 

that outlined in the Table. Definitions of the settings and step-by-step directions begin at Section 

21.2. 

Mapping the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

classes should be done on a map scale which 

allows an overall view of the planning area. A 1 

inch = 1 mile scale is usually sufficient to provide 

this overview. If necessary the map information 

may be transferred to larger scale maps later in 

the data processing stage to conform with integrated data collection criteria. 

Once the classes are mapped on the basis of the 

setting components, the activity opportunities 

within the classes are identified (Section 2324), 

and the current capacity of the planning area to 

provide the opportunities is estimated (Section 25). 

Attractiveness by area and Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum class may also be inventoried (Section 

22) if relevant to the analysis of issues and concerns or other management planning needs. 

Some alternative management prescriptions may 

require changes from the currently inventoried 

Recreation Opportunity Class delineation in order 

to meet the specified goals and objectives of the 

prescription.The classification changes in 

response to each aliernative management prescrip 

tion need to be specified and used to project the 

adjusted capacity or future supply by Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum class. 

Overlays should be used to document the pro 

jetted changes needed in delineation or classification of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum inventory in response to each alternative management 

prescription. 

Table 2 

Criteria Used For ROS Class Delineation ~ 

Setting 

Component 

Mapping 

Criteria Found In Section 

Physical 

Social 

Managerial 

Remoteness 

Size 

Evidence of 

Humans 

User Density 

Managerial 

Regimentation & Noticeability 

Table 3 

Table 4 

Table 5 

.Table 6 

Table 7 

21.21 

21.22 

21.23 

21.32 

21.41 
21.1--WlLDERNESS-SPECIAL AREAS--PRIVATE 

LANDS--The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

inventory identifies the kinds or classes of recreation opportunities of an area asa function of its 

physical, social and managerial setting 

characteristics The inventory helps identify what 

is actually happening on the land, and applies 

uniformily across, Wilderness, special areas, 

poiiticai or administrative boundaries and iand 

ownership. Although some designated Wildernesses are composed largely of the Primitive type 

of recreation opportunity, many designated 

Wildernesses also include Semi-Primitive or 

Roaded-Natural opportunities. Therefore the 

Primitive Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class is 

not synonomous with designated Wilderness. 

The Forest is inventoried using the Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum criteria independently of any 

area designation. Inventory private lands within the 

Forest boundary and landownership adjacent to 

the boundary to the extent necessary to determine 

the affect of such land on the kinds of recreation 

opportunities available on the National Forest 

land. Application of the Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum inventory outside the Forest boundaries 

may also be helpful in assessing the kind and 

amount of recreation opportunities available within 

the total planning area. 

15 
21.2--PHYSICAL SETTING--The physical setting is 

defined by the absence or presence of human sights 

and sounds, size, and the amount of environmental 

modification caused by human activity. The physical 

setting is documented on an overlay by combining 

these three criteria as described below. 

21.21--REMOTENESS-- Remoteness from the 

sights and sounds of humans is used as an indicator 

of the opportunity to experience greater or lesser 

amounts of social interaction, and primitive to urban 

influences, as one moves across the spectrum. 

To identify remoteness: 

l iOn the base map or overlay delineate all 

roads, railroads, and trails. Distinquish between 

two levels of roads, "primitive roads," and "better than primitive roads." Trails with motorized 

use are included in the "primitive road" 

category. 

a. Road Classification--For roads which are 

difficult to classify into the "primitive road," 

or "better than primitive road" categories app- 

¡y the definitions, which are that "better than 

primitive roads" are constructed or maintained «ehicle ways for the use of highway type 

vehicles having more than two wheels. 

"Primitive roads" are not constructed or rnaintained, and are used by vehicles not primarily 

intended for highway use. 

b. Sources of Road and Trail Information-- 

Various sources can be used to obtain the 

transportation system information. Road classification and inventory Form 7700-9R is one 

süch source. Three of the four road standards 

on the Form: graded and drained, aggregate 

surface, and pavement, apply to the "better 

than primitive road" category. The fourth standard is "primitive road" and includes "way, rut, 

track, not graded and drained." 

For trails Form 2300-9T (or older Form 7700- 

9T) is an information source. Distinguish 

between motorized and nonmotorized trails 

by symbol. For many Forests this information 

is in the ORV plan. 

c. Road Pattems--ln most cases all roads 

and trails are mapped. In areas with dense 

road patterns, (e.g. greater than 4 miles per 

section), it may not be necessary to identify 

each road for Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class delineation. The entire area will be 

road-influenced and become the same Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class. In these 

cases oniy the roads aiong the periphery of 

the densely roaded area are needed to define 

the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class 

boundaries. 

d. Traffic Volume--Although volume of traffic 

may vary widely on the "better than primitive 

roads," depending upon the specific road involved, volume need not be recorded on the 

base map or overlay. The physical presence 

and sight of a road, even with no traffic on ir, still 

impacts the visitor experience and is accounted 

for through the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum criteria. If traffic volume results in sounds 

from a road at distances greater than the line of 

sight, then sound may become the determinant 

criteria in delineating the appropriate Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class. 

2--Where air and motorized water travel routes 

provide the only access consider them in a manner 

similar to roads. These specialized types of access 

may also provide a basis to determine the need for 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum subclasses. 

"110 
the landbase 

1'7' 
3-Using the distance guidelines of Table 3 

develop a remoteness overlay. Table 3 is only a 

guide. Lines between Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum classes should reflect topographic 

and vegetative differences which adequately 

screen out the sights and sounds of humans to 

the same extent, i.e., the same portion of the 

spectrum, as the generalized distance 

guidelines. Relatively flat terrain with low tree 

cover, or large bodies of water, may require 

greater distances to achieve screening for 

remoteness, while deep canyons or heavily 

wooded terrain might provide equivalent screening with less distance. The fundamental determinant is the type of experience opportunities 

which either currently exist or might exist given 

the alternative management prescription 

assumptions. 

a.Step One-In developing the remoteness 

overlay it is often easiest to begin by drawing 

*the lines separating the Roaded Natural class 

from the Semi-Primitive Motorized class. This 

in effect divides the spectrum, with areas on 

one side of the line either Primitive or SemiTable 3 

Primitive, and areas on the other side Roaded 

Natural, Rural, or Urban. The Roaded Natural, 

Rural, and Urban classes are distinguished 

from one another using the Evidence of 

Humans criteria in Table 5 page 22. No further 

separation therefore occurs in the relation to 

the remoteness criteria. 

b. Step Two- Next delineate the Semi-Primitive 

Motorized class by a line approximately 

one-half mile-depending upon vegetation and terrain-from primitive roads 

and trails with motorized use. The Semi-Primitive 

Nonmotorized and Primitive portion 

of the spectrum now remain. 

c. Step Three- Finally, delineate the Primitive 

class by a line approximately three miles from 

all roads, railroads, or trails with motorized use. 

All areas between the Primitive class line and 

Semi-Primitive Motorized line, are classified as 

Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized. 

Remoteness Criteria* 

Primitive 

Semi-Primitive Semi-Primitive 

Non-Motorized Motorized 

Roaded 

Natural Rural Urban 

An area An area desiqnated 

designated at at least %-mile 

least 3 miles but not further 

from all roads, than 3 miles 

railroads or from all roads, 

trails with railroads or trails 

motorized use with motorized use; 

can include the 

existence of 

primitive roads 

and trails if 

usually closed 

to motorized use. 

An area desig- An area desig- No distance No distance 

nated within nated within criteria. criteria. 

%-mile of %-mile from 

primitive roads better than 

or trails used primitive roads, 

by motor and railroads. 

vehicles; but 

not closer than 

%-mile from 

better than 

primitive roads. 

‘The criteria can be modified lo conlorm to natural barriers and screening, or olher relevant lealures 01 local topographic reliel and vegetative cover. This lils the 

criteria lo the actual Forest landscape. 
remoteness 

"119 
21.22-SIZE OF AREA-Size of area is used as an 

indicator of the opportunity to experience selfsufficiency as related to the sense of vastness of a 

relatively undeveloped area. In some settings 

application of the remoteness criteria (Table 3) 

assures the existence of these experience opportunities; in other settings the remoteness criteria 

alone do not. Therefore, apply the size criteria. 

Table 4, to the map or overlay developed using the 

remoteness criteria to insure that the appropriate 

experience opportunities are available. 

Table 4 

Size Criteria 

Primitive 

Semi-Primitive Semi-Primitive 

Non-Motorized Motorized 

Roaded 

Natural Rural Urban 

2,500 

acres** 

2,500 

acres 

No size 

criteria. 

No size 

criteria. 

I 

‘May be smaller il contiguous to Semi-Primitive Nonmotorued Class 

“May be smaller il contiguous lo Primitive Class. 

1 -Area Adjustments-Situations where an area 

identified on the remoteness overlay is slightly 

smaller than the size criteria for a Primitive or 

Semi-Primitive class-or the area is a unique entity 

for some other reason-may require individual 

consideration. If the area is sufficiently added to, 

or buffered by, the next contiguous class it may 

still provide the kinds of opportunities which would 

more certainly occur if the area were larger. The 

decision as to whether this condition applies-or 

as to whether the area is for some other reason 

unique relative to the surrounding area and provides a given class of opportunity in spite of its 

size (e.g., an island)-requires local knowledge of 

the area and its features on the part of the 

p’lanner. 

21.23-EVIDENCE OF HUMANS-evidence of 

Humans is used as an indicator of the opportunity 

to recreate in environmental settings having vary 

ing degrees of human influence or modification. 

Spectrum class, adjust the class boundaries on 

the overlay so the designations accurately reflect 

the situation. If the class boundaries change 

markedly reevaluate the size of the classes (Table 

4) to make sure size remains adequate. 

The Evidence of Humans criteria for each Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class is primarily based 

on the visual impact and affect of modifications 

on the recreation experience, as distinguished 

from only the physical existence of modifications. 

The criteria take into account the variation in 

visual absorption capacity of different landscapes. 

l-Evidence of Humans Criteria and the Visual 

Management System- While in some ways it 

seems possible to equate Visual Quality Objectives, or a range of objectives, with each Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class the function of the 

Evidence of Humans Criteria in the Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum is not the same as Visual 

Apply the Evidence of Humans criteria given in 

Table 5 to determine whether the impact of human 

modification on the landscape is appropriate for 

each class designation on the inventory overlay. If 

the Evidence of Humans is more dominant than indicated for the designated Recreation Opportunity 
area & landform adjustments 

21 
Quality Objectives in the Visual Management 

System and equating the two is not recommended. 

For example, middle and background Visual 

Management System areas are often where 

Primitive and Semi-Primitive Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classes occur. A retention or partial 

retention Visual Quality Objective given to such an 

area for management direction could have a vastly 

differen! meaning !han !he de!inea!ed Recrea!ion 

Opportunity Spectrum class. 

Thus identify the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum 

classes through the setting descriptions in the 

Evidence of Humans Criteria. Table 5, and not 

through use of Visual Quality Objectives. To assist 

in this, the Evidence of Humans Criteria are 

purposely worded differently than the definitions of 

Visual Quality Objectives. 

Forests which have completed an Existing Visual 

Condition inventory as par-t of their Visual Manage-. 

men! System can use !his informa!ion !o assist in 

using the Evidence of Humans Criteria. However, 

interpretation of Existing Visual Condition data 

(short of determining Visual Condition Type) on 

location and size of existing human activities can 

be a helpful aid in determining the Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum class. 

Table 5 

Evidence of Humans Criteria 

Primitive 

Semi-Primitive Semi-Primitive Roaded i 

Non-Motorized Motorized Natural Rural Urban I 

I 

Setting is essentvally an Natural’ setting may Natural’ setting Natural’ sett!“g IS 

unmodihed natural envi- have sublle modlficaNatural’ setting may Setting IS strongly 

have moderatelv mav have modlhca- culturallv modlIed stwcture domlronment. Evidence of 

humans would be unnoticed by an observer 

wandering through 

the area. 

Ewdence 01 trails 

is acceptable. but 

should not exceed 

standard to carry expected “se. 

tions that would be 

noticed but not draw the 

attention 01 an observer 

wandermg through the 

area. 

Little or no evidence 01 Strong ewdence 01 

primitive roads and the 

motorized use of trails 

primitive roads and the 

motorized use of trails 

and primitive roads. and primitive roads. 

dominant atteraiions 

but would not draw 

the attention of motarezed observers on trails 

and primitive roads 

withmthe area. 

lion’s which range 

horn bang easily 

noticed to strongly 

dommant to ob. 

servers wilhin the 

area. However lrom 

sensitive” travel routes 

and “se areas these 

alterations would remam unnoticed or visually subordinate 

There is strong evidence 01 deslgned 

roads and/or hIghways. 

to the p&t that it 

is dommant to the 

sensitive’. travel route 

observer. May include 

pastoral. agricultural. 

mtensively managed 

wlldland resource 

landscapes. or utility 

corridors Pedestrian 

or other slow moving 

observers are constantly within wew 01 

culturally changed 

landscape. 

There 6 strong wdence of designed 

roads and/or htghways 

nated Naturalor 

natural-appearing 

elements may play 

an Important role 

but be wsually subordinate. Pedestnan and other slow 

movmg observers 

are constantly 

wlthm view of artificial enclosure 

01 spaces. 

There is strong evidence 01 designed 

roads and/or highways 

and streets. 

structures are 

extremely rare 

Structures are rare and 

isolated. 

Structures are rare and 

isolated 

structures are generally Structures are readily 

scattered. remaining apparent and may 

visually subordinate or range horn scattered IO 

unnoticed to the sensi- smalldominant clusters 

he” travel route Ob- includmg power Imes. 

server. structures may microwave installations 

include power tines. local ski areas. m~“Or 

micro-wave lnstallatiom resorts and recreation 

andsoon. srtes. 

Structures and structure 

complexes aredommant. 

and may Include ma,or 

resorts and marmas. 

national and regional 

ski areas. towns. 

industrml sites. 

condommwms 

or second home 

developments 

‘In many southern and eastern lorests what appears to be natural landscapes may I” actuahty have bee” strongly lnlluenced by humans The term 

natural-appearmg may be more appropriate I” these cases. 

‘*Sensllivity level 1 and 2 travel routes from Visual Management System USOA Handbook 461 
evidence of humans 

2:3 
21.24--PHYSICAL SE'I-I'ING MAP--The result of 

completing the remoteness, size, and evidence of 

humans steps (Sections 21.2 -21.23) is the physical 

setting map (or overlay). 

physical setting 

24 
21.3mSOCIAL SET'rlNG--The social setting 

reflects the amount and type of contact between 

individuals or groups. It indicates opportunities for 

solitude, for interactions with a few selected individuals, or for large group interactions. 

21.31mSOCIAL SETTING OVERLAY--In many 

cases it is easiest to document the social setting 

(and manageriai setting, Section 21.4) component 

on a separate overlay from the physical setting. 

However, Forests without complex social or 

managerial settings may prefer to record their 

information on the same physical setting overlay 

rather than prepare a second overlay. Whichever 

method is used, label the social and managerial information clearly for future identification. 

21.32--SOCIAL SE TTING MAPPING--Apply the 

-user density" criteria in Table 6. These criteria are 

used asa measure of user interaction. 
Table 6 

Social Setting Criteria* 

Primitive 

Semi-Primitive Semi-Primitive 

Non-Motorized Motorized 

Roaded 

Natural Rural Urban 

U5uaiPy less Iban Usua)ly 6 15 padles Low to moderate con6 partles per day en- per clay encountered tacT frequency " " 

countered on trads on tralls and 6 or less 

and less than 3 parhes wsibEe a! camps!tes 

v,s,b~e al campsite 

Frequenc) of contact 

Es " "Moderate to Hig~ 

oq roaOs Low to Moderate on tral!s and awa» 

from road5 

Frequency of COntact 

£ " "Moderate to Hrgh 

in developed s~tes on 

roads and trarls and 

wa?er surfaces Moderate away from 

Oeveloped s,tes 

Large numDer5 of 

users onsite ana in 

~earby areas 

"These crdena apply durlng the typicai recreabon use season •eak days may exceed these hmlts 

• 'SDeclf,c numbers mus, be developed to meet regional of Ioca~ condltlons 

In areas of concentrated use the social setting 

criteria may not result in the same Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum class as the physical setting 

criteria for the area. When this occurs a "setting 

inconsistency" is taking place. SettJng inconsistencies ate discussed in Section 21.5. 

=,[= 
Table 7 

Managerial Setting Criteria 

Semi-Primitive Semi-Primitive Roaded 

Primitive Non-Motorized Motorized Natural Rural Urban 

On-s~te reglmentat~or On-5~te reglmentatlon On-s~te regFmentatlon On slte reglmentatlon Reglmentatlon and Reglmentahon and 

~s Iow wltn controls" ana controls" present and controls" presenl and controls" are controls" ObvlOUS controls" obvious 

prlmar~ly off-s~te Dut suDt~e but subtle notlceable but tlar- and numerous and numerous 

monlze wlth the natural Largely m narmony 

envlronment w~th the man-made 

envlronment 

"ControIs can De D~ys~caL q SuCr~ as Darr~ers Of regu!atory ~ SuCh as DermJtS; 

21.4--MANAGERIAL SEr'rlNG--The managerial 

setting reflects the amount and kind of restrictions 

placed on people's actions by the administering 

agency or private landowner which affect recreation opportunities. 

21.41--MANAGERIAL SErTING MAPPING--Apply 

the managerial regimentation and noticeability 

criteria in Table 7. Place the information on the 

social setting overlay, or on the physical setting 

overlay if a separate social setting is not used. 

Label the information for future identification. 

27 
social & managerial setting 
The physical, social, and managerial setting 

overlay maps together document the recreation opportunities of the planning area, and the conditions under management control which affect the 

recreation experience. This information is used in 

developing the Analysis of the Management Situation. 

2:.5-SETTING INCONSISTENCIES-When the 

physical, social,‘and/or managerial settings are not 

the same on the same piece of ground a “setting 

inconsistency” is occurring. A heavily-used hiking 

trail in a Primitive class physical setting may 

register a Semi-Primitive or Roaded Natural class 

social setting, for example, due to the amount of 

use. 

To resolve setting inconsistencies for the current 

situation alternative, map the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class which best reflects current 

management direction. If this consideration still 

leaves a dilemma in identifying the existing class, 

use the following approach. 

1. Tend toward the physical setting. The physical 

setting often represents the more permanent (or 

less easily changed) component of the Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum class. The social and managerial components can often be altered in shorter 

time frames. 

2. If emphasizing the physical setting yields unrealistic results average the differences between 

the physical, social and managerial setting 

components. 

3. If averaging is necessary, consider that it is 

usually easier to shift in a Primitive to Urban 

direction along the spectrum than to move from 

Urban toward Primitive. Once physical 

developments or other human modifications are 

in place it is generally infeasible to remove or 

destroy them. Hence to preserve more options 

for the future, extra weight might be given in 

averaging setting components more toward the 

Primitive end of the spectrum. 

Whether a setting inconsistency is acceptable or 

not for other, alternatives reflecting future 

management options is determined by each 

specific management prescription being 

considered. Setting inconsistencies are a basis 

for developing management prescription alternatives which change the existing physical, 

social, or managerial setting components to 

make them consistent for an area, or to 

purposefully manage an area with a setting 

inconsistency to attain some specific manage 

ment objective. If trails are placed in an area to 

concentrate use, for example, then a trail social 

setting more toward the urban end of the spectrum than the physical setting may be desirable. 

On the other hand if trial use is so high that it 

distracts from the experience the recreationist is 

seeking, then the setting inconsistency is 

undesirable. 

21.6-SEASONAL MAPPING-Forests which have 

issues, concerns, and opportunities relating to 

both summer and winter recreation opportunities 

may find it necessary to complete a Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum map for each season. Activ 

ity, setting, and experience opportunities may 

change significantly between the seasons as a 

result of changes in travel restrictions, accessibility, and apparentness of the Evidence of 

Humans Criteria. 

22-ROS CLASS 

AlTRACTlVENESS 

Attractiveness information for each Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum class: 

1. Provides a general evaluation of the landscape in the class in relationship to its recreation opportunities. 

2. Further describes each class by identifying 

those areas with specific attractions for the 

recreationist. 

29 
existing recreation opportunities 
Whether to make an attractiveness overlay for 

each class is dependent upon the issues, concerns, and opportunities which the Forest plan is 

addressing. If the information gathered in the attractiveness step is relevant, an attractiveness 

overlay should be made. If the attractiveness information is not issue, concern or opportunity-related 

the overlay is optional (though attractiveness information is often valuabie in heiping to make "best 

buy" decisions during the resource allocation 

phases of the planning process). 

22.1--ATTRACTIVENESS OVERLAY-- If the decision is made to construct an attractiveness overlay 

proceed through the followin 9 steps: 

22.11--VARIETY RATING-- Use the Variety Class 

rating, as defined in National Forest Landscape 

Management Vo/ume 2, Chapter 1, to determine 

the attractivenes rating for each of the Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum classes delineated on the 

physical setting overlay map. The premise is that 

landscapes with the most variety or diversity (landforros, vegetation patterns, water forros, and rock 

formations) also have the greatest attractiveness 

for recreation use and enjoyment. 

22.12--OUTSTANDING FEATURES-- Identify 

all those outstanding or unique features in the landscape, such as waterfalls, sand beaches, and the like. 

which are important in the development of the alternatives for the Forest Plan. 

22.13--SPEClAL AREAS-- Identify any specially 

recognized or designated areas that provide opportunities for special or unique activities or experiences, 

such as scenic or historical areas. 

23--ACTIVITY OPPORTUNITIES 

Recreation activities in given settings provide 

opportunities for the recreationist to attain desired 

experiences. The activity opportunities which make 

these experiences possible should be identified. 

This information may be recorded on a separate 

overlay. 

23.1--ACTIVITY IDENTIFICATION--Use the 

appropriate RtM definitions and codes, FSH 

2309.11, to identify existing activity opportunities, 

and those potential activity opportunities for which 

data should be collected asa result of issues, 

concerns, and opportunities evaluated in the 

Forest plan. Also identify any unusual recreation 

activities not listed in the RIM codes if these 

activities are pertinent to the issues, concerns, and 

opportunities. 

Activity opportunities which are common to given Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classes may be listed 

as being generally available in those classes. Activity 

opportunities which are unique, or which may be in 

short supply, should be specially noted as to kind, 

amour~t and Iocation. 

1--Existing Activities--identify and inventory 

existing activities for each Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum class delineated on the 

physical setting overlay under current management direction. 

2--Potential activities--refer to activity opportunity needs identified through analysis of the 

management situation issues and concerns that 

are inconsistent, inappropriate, of inadequately 

provided for within the current situation inventory of recreation opportunities. 

31 
Alternative management prescriptions should be 

designed to assure that recreation goal and 

objective directions respond to a range of 

recreation activity opportunity needs including 

projected activity demands. The alternative 

management prescriptions provide the directional basis for changes in the current Recreation Opportunity Inventory that will in turn 

consistentiy, appropriateiy and ud~quate¡y 

provide for the identified potential activities. 

These may be identified on the overlay for each 

alternative management prescription. 

23.2--ACTIVITY CRITERIA-- AII activities considered must meet the following criteria: 

1. The resource must be capable of sustaining the 

impact of the use. 

2. The activity is suitable as defined by Forest 

Service policy and established role FSM 2303. 

24 RECREATION 

DEVELOPMENTS 

24.1nEXlSTING DEVELOPMENTS-- Indicate by 

kind and PAOT capacity on the activity, or another 

overlay, where Forest Service, other public agency. 

and private recreation developments exist within and 

adjacent to the planning area. Consider clevelopments outside the Forest boundary when they may 

affect plan alternatives. 

24.2--POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS--Map on the 

appropriate alternative management prescription 

overlay the potential development sites needed to 

meet the recreation goals and objective directions 

of the management prescription. Use information 

previously gathered if currently useful for site 

identification (NFRS, composite plans, code-a-site 

inventories, environmental assessments, etc.). 

Indicate an estimate PAOT. 
25mCAPACITY 

Recreation capacity is a measure, by Recreation 

Opportunity Spectrum class, of the maximum 

number of people who can obtain given kinds of 

recreation experiences at an established standard 

on a Forest within the constraints of resource 

capability. Capacity indicates the maximum recreation opportunity supply. 

25.1--PRINCIPAL FACTORS AFFECTING 

CAPACITY--The principal factors affecting capacity for a Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class 

include: 

1. Land Type 

a. Topography 

b. Erodibility 

c. Drainage 

d. Productivity 

e. Geologic Hazard 

f. Resistance to Compaction 

2. Vegetation 

a. Height 

b. Density 

c. Resiliancy to Use 

d. Reproducibility 

3. Social 

a. Number of Contacts With Others 

b. Types of Encounters (Behavior) 

c. Typesof Activities 

d. Design Capacity 

4. Other 

a. Access 

b. Length of Season 

c. Pattern of Use 

d. Occupancy Length 

e. Attractiveness of Site for Specific Activities 

33 
Capacity is a function of how a particular 

combination of these physical and social factors 

on a Forest interact to absorb or screen the sights 

and sounds of human activity and absorb physical 

use. Lower capacities generally exist where landscapes are open (little vegetative screening and 

flat topography) or where the soil or vegetation is 

fragile. Higher capacities generally exist where 

landscapes have more screening and are resistent 

to physical use. 

By Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class, the more 

primitive the class along the spectrum, the greater, 

usually, the acreage requirements to provide the 

kinds of opportunities associated with the class. 

25.2-“PRACTICAL MAXIMUM” VERSUS “MAX. 

IMUM THEORETICAL” CAPACITY-Two ways 

exist to view or interpret the capacity concept. The 

first is that capacity-a measure of maximum 

potential supply-is best expressed by a figure 

based upon each acre of the Forest being at its 

upper physical and/or social capacity limit by 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class. This 

“maximum PAOT” times the number of days in the 

recreation season or year, becomes the “Maximum 

theoretical capacity.” 

The second view is that while this “maximum theoretical capacity” may provide a theoretical upper limit, it 

seldom represents a realistic or “practical maximum” 

because of usable versus unusuable acres, weekend 

versus weekday use, occupancy rate, and the like. In 

this view “practical maximum capacity” is the effective upper limit because it accounts for factors which 

are always present and significantly affect recreation 

participation patterns. 

The “maximum theoretical capacity” interpretation 

of capacity, that of a given Forest or Recreation , 

Opportunity Spectrum class full of maximum 

number of people throughout a maximum season 

weekend, weekday, rain or shine notwithstandingis useful to provide absolute upper limits beyond 

which recreation opportunities or use cannot exist. 

These values are not directly applicable for Land 

and Resource Management Planning analysis, 

however, since they usually represent tradeoffs 

between theoretical upper limits which seldom, if 

ever, occur on the ground. 

The “practical maximum” interpretation of capacity 

does provide values which can be used in most Land 

and Resource Management Planning analyses, and 

is the approach portrayed in Sections 25.31 -33. 

25.3-CAPACITY DETERMINATION-Forests or 

Regions can use one of two approaches to determine the “practical maximum capacity” of the 

Forest. One is to derive PAOT capacity for the 

developed sites and remaining area within and 

consistent with each Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class. Then, convert this figure to RVD’s in 

order to compare supply with RVD units of 

demand and current and alternative management 

prescription direction. 

The second approach is to derive capacity directly 

in RVD’s by considering the specific activity mixes 

occurring on the Forest. This requires applying 

capacity standards for each activity by ROS class, 

such as hikers per mile of trail per hour, and 

summing the individual activity capacities t0 

obtain one total maximum capacity for the area. 

Whichever approach is used, indicate acres by 

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class, so that 

per acre capacity coefficients can be calculated. 

This must be done for the current inventoried 

situation and for each alternative management 

prescription when the direction provides for 

changes from current delineation or classification 

of ROS classes. 

34 
25.31 -PAOT APPROACN-Sum by Recreation Table 8 gives capacity coefficient ranges which have 

Opportunity Spectrum class the PAOT capacity of been developed from numerous Forest settings, but 

all developed sites, and the maximum PAOT which are not adjusted for “practical maximum capaccapacity of the remaining area, within each class. ity” as discussed in Section 25.2. 

Table 8 

Capacity Coefficient Ranges* 

(in PAOT/Acre) 

Primitive 

Semi-Primitive. 

Non-Motorized 

Semi-Primitive 

Motorized 

Roaded 

Natural Rural Urban 

High: ,025 ,083 ,083 2.500 7.500 N/A 

Low: ,002 ,008 ,008 .083 .830 N/A 

‘Specilic ranges must be developed lo meet Regional or Forest Condilions. 

To make the “practical maximum” adjustment, 

lower the values in Table 8 on the basis of 

desirable versus undesirable acres, occupancy 

rates, or other characteristics which apply to 

particular Forest settings. A combination of attractiveness (measured by Variety Class) and percent 

slope as criteria to define desirable acres, has 

been highly successful in some areas. In addition, 

the concept of “limiting factors,” access or 

transportation system capacity, for example, has 

been successfully used for deriving viable capacity 

values. 

Since the significance of which {actors, or 

combination of factors (Section 25.1) varies as a 

function of actual Forest terrain and landscape, 

the Forest planner must fine-tune or determine the 

reasonableness of the capacity estimates on a 

local basis. The planner is encouraged to check 

with surrounding Forests, other public agencies 

and/or the Regional Office to take advantage of 

specific procedures or considerations that may 

have been developed to address this point. 

25.32-PAOT TO RVD CONVERSION- PAOT’s 

are converted into RVD’s, or vice versa, in accordance with the following formulas: 

1. PAOT= RVD 

MSxPllxk!?? 

12 

RVD = PAOT X MS X PU X LOS 

12 

Where: 

MS = Managed Season of Use, in days; 

PU = Pattern-of-Use, or the relationship 

between the average weekend use 

and average weekday use of sites 

andlor areas: 

LOS = Average length of time the area or 

-site is occupied in hours. (If not 

known base upon local knowledge 

or experience.) 

12 = The Constant for 12 hrs = RVD. 

Once the maximum potential supply of opportunities by Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class 

is estimated in PAOT, the PAOT’s should be 

converted into Recreation Visitor Days (RVD’s). 

35 
Two calculations are needed, one for PAOT (RVD's) 

or overnight use, and the second for PAOT (RVD's) of 

day use. Added together, the two calculations give the 

total for an area or site. 

2. Rationale For Deriving Pattern-of-Use-- 

People seldom use recreation sites or areas as 

completely on weekdays as on weekends. If they 

dial the ratio of weekday to weekend use would be 

1:1. Local patterns-of-use result from socioeconomic considerations such as the five-day 

work week, five-day school week, vacation patterns, kinds of access (e.g., interstate systems), 

proximity to major metropolitan areas, and other 

such factors. 

Table 9 can be used asa guide for reducing 

theoretical capacities of sites and areas to allow 

for patterns-of-use, and thus derive a "practical 

capacity." 

Table 9 

Pattern-of-Use Adjustment Factors 

Pattern Factor 

Weekday:Weekend 

1:1 1.00 

1:11/2 .80 

1:2 .65 

1:3 .50 

1:4 .45 

1:5 .43 

1:6 .40 

1:7 .38 

1:8 .37 

1:9 .36 

1:10 .35 

318 
In many places the pattern-of-use applicable to 

local Forest recreation opportunities may be 

known. Ir nota review of research studies or other 

information may be necessary. In the absence of 

such information the pattern-of-use will have to be 

estimated based upon the local experience. 

25.33--RVD APPROACH-- In the RVD approach 

the íelationship betweun RVDs of capacity per Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class and the physical 

characteristics of the class settings must first be established Table 10, for example, shows values 

established by the Southwestern Region. 

The Table 10 regional values are then adjusted for 

applicable local conditions, as shown in the following 

example: 

Example: 

1. The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum class 

of an area is Roaded Natural, and the cover type 

pinyon juniper, The Table 10 coefficient is 10.5. 

2. Capability area information indicates that only 

50 percent of the area is suitable for the major 

recreation activities because of slope and vegetation. The adjustment factor is 0.5. 

3. The area can be used yearlong, but because 

the attractions on the area are only small and big 

game hunting the use season is actually 60 days. 

The adjustment factor is 60 days/100 days (of total 

use season) = 60/100- 0.6. 

4. Observation of the occupancy pattern during 

the use season indicates that on the average 

weekends have four times as many people as 

weekdays. The adjustment factor in Table 9 is 

0.45. 

The adjusted coefficient is 10.5 × 0.5 x 0.6 × 0.45 = 

1.42 for this Roaded Natural area. 

Regardless of the approach used it must be done 

individually for the current inventoried situation 

and for each alternative management prescription 

direction that would require changes to the current 

delineation or classification of ROS class. 

37 
Table 10 

Southwestern Region Use Densities By ROS Class and Eco-Region 

(RVD’s/Acre/lOO-Day Season) 

Eco-Region 

Semi-Primitive Semi-Primitive Roaded 

Primitive Non-Motorized Motorized Natural Rural Urban 

Tundra .45 1.05 2.4 

Coniferous Forest 1.05 2.40 6.0 

Coniferous Woodland .75 1.72 4.2 

Evergreen Woodland .75 1.72 4.2 

Deciduous Forest .75 1.72 4.2 

Grassland .45 1.05 2.4 

Desert Shrub .45 1.05 2.4 

Lava Flow 8 Gypsum .45 1.05 2.4 

Riparian 1.05 2.40 6.0 

Range .45 -1.05 1.05 -2.40 2.4 -6.0 

6.0 Coefficients for 

15.0 

Rural and Urban 

are based upon 

10.5 design capacity. 

10.5 

10.5 

6.0 

6.0 

6.0 

15.0 

6.0 -15.0 

25.4-USE OF CAPACITY FIGURES-The per acre 

capacity coefficients by Recreation Opportunity 

Spectrum class, derived by either the PAOT or RVD 

method for each alternative management prescrip 

tion are used in the Land and Resource Management Planning analysis to register what kinds and 

amounts of recreation opportunities are being 

allocated or traded off. 

38