Glossary Glossary
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Glossary

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GLOSSARY

ACQUIRED LANDS. Acquired lands, as distinguished from public lands, are those lands in Federal 

ownership that have been obtained by the Government by purchase, condemnation, or gift, or by 

exchange for such purchased, condemned or donated lands, or for timber on such lands.

ACTIVITY PLAN. A document that describes management objectives, actions, and projects to implement 

decisions of the RMP or other planning documents. Usually prepared for one or more resources in a 

specific area.

ACTIVE USE. The portion of the grazing preference available for livestock use under a permit or lease 

based on livestock carrying capacity and resource conditions in a grazing allotment.

ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT. A continuous process for adjusting management strategies when evaluation 

of monitoring data demonstrates goals and objectives are not being met or as new information becomes 

available. 

AGGREGATED. Taken as a total.

AIR QUALITY CLASSIFICATION. Classifications established under the Prevention of Significant 

Deterioration portion of the Clean Air Act, which limits the amount of air pollution considered significant 

within an area. 

Class I. Areas where almost any change in air quality would be significant.

Class II. Areas where the deterioration normally accompanying moderate well-controlled growth 

would be insignificant.

Class III. Areas where industrial deterioration would generally be insignificant.

AIRSHED. A relatively large atmospherical area where the air quality and environment are influenced by 

similar topographical, physical, and climatic changes. 

ALLOTMENT. An area allocated for livestock use by one or more qualified grazing permittees including 

prescribed numbers and kinds of livestock under one plan of management.

ALLOWED USES. Uses within the planning area that are allowed and do not require special 

authorization from the BLM. Allowed uses include OHV-riding on a designated trail, hunting, and 

camping.

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY. The state of the atmosphere at ground level as defined by the range of 

measured and/or predicted ambient concentrations of all significant pollutants for all averaging periods of 

interest.

ANADROMOUS. (Of fish) Moving from the sea to freshwater for reproduction.

ANIMAL UNIT MONTH (AUM). The amount of forage that a cow and her calf would consume during a 

30-day period and is defined as 800 pounds of air-dried forage.

ANNUAL VEGETATION. Plants that complete their life cycles and die in one year or less. 

APPROPRIATE MANAGEMENT LEVEL (AML). The level of use by wild horses which results in a 

thriving natural ecological balance and avoids a deterioration of the range. 

APPROPRIATE MANAGEMENT RESPONSE (AMR). The response to a wildland fire based on an 

evaluation of risks to firefighter and public safety, the circumstances under which the fire occurs, including 

weather and fuel conditions, natural and cultural resource management objectives, protection priorities, 
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and values to be protected. The evaluation must also include an analysis of the context of the specific fire 

within the overall local, geographic area, or national wildland fire situation.

AQUATIC. Living or growing in or on the water.

AQUIFER. A saturated, permeable sediment or rock that can transmit significant quantities of water under 

hydraulic gradients. 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE. A geographic location containing structures, artifacts, material remains, 

and/or other evidence of past human activity. 

AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN (ACEC). An area of public lands where special 

management attention 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 

humans from natural hazards.

ASPECT. The direction a given side or surface is facing.

ASSOCIATED SETTINGS. As pertaining to National Scenic and 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 (see resources, qualities, and values).

ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION. The transfer of substances from the air to the surface of the earth, either 

in wet form (e.g., rain, fog, snow, dew, frost, hail) or in dry form (e.g., gases, aerosols, particles).

ATTAINMENT AREA. A geographic area in which the concentration of one or more criteria pollutants is 

routinely better than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

AUTHORIZATIONS. Written approval from the BLM Authorized Officer to use public lands for a specific 

purpose while meeting all required laws and regulations.

AUTHORIZED USES. Uses within the planning area that require special authorization from the BLM. 

Authorized uses include livestock grazing, mineral extraction, and renewable energy development.

AVOID. To the extent possible, do not implement the action indicated. If the action needs to take place, 

then add stipulations or take additional steps to minimize impacts. Avoidance is the preferred 

management approach in the identified habitats for species conservation.

AVOIDANCE AREA. Areas with sensitive resource values where rights-of-way and Section 302 permits, 

leases, and easements for large-scale utility developments would be strongly discouraged. Authorizations 

made in avoidance areas would have to be compatible with the purpose for which the area was 

designated and not be otherwise feasible on lands outside the avoidance area. 

BANKFULL. The level at which water rises past the bank and enters the floodplain.

BENEFICIAL USE. Any of the various uses that may be made of water, including, but not limited to, 

domestic use, industrial use, agricultural irrigation, navigation, recreation, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics. 

A beneficial use is identified based upon actual use, the ability of water to support a non-existing use 

either now or in the future, and its likelihood of being used in a given manner.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPS). Practices based on current scientific information and 

technology that, when applied during implementation of management actions, ensure that negative 

impacts are minimized. BMPs are applied based on site-specific evaluation and represent the most 

effective and practical means to achieve management goals for a given site.
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BIG GAME. Those species of large mammals normally managed as a sport hunting resource; includes 

elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep.

BIOLOGICAL OPINION. A document prepared by US Fish and Wildlife Service stating their opinion as to 

whether or not a Federal action will likely jeopardize the continued existence or adversely modify the 

habitat of a listed Threatened or Endangered species.

BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUST. Community of non-vascular primary producers that occur as a “crust” on the 

surface of soils and made up of a mixture of algae, lichens, mosses, and cyanobacteria (blue-green 

algae).

BLM AUTHORIZED OFFICER. A BLM employee who has the delegated authority to make a specific 

decision.

BROOD REARING. Care of young birds that leave the nest shortly after hatching.

BROWSE. Branches and stems of woody plants used as food by wildlife.

BRUSH CONTROL. A method to reduce brush cover or eliminate unwanted brush through the use of 

prescribed fire, chemicals, mechanical methods, or biological means to achieve a desired plant 

community.

BUTTE. A detached low mountain or high mound rising abruptly from the general level of the surrounding 

plain; applied to peculiar elevations in the Rocky Mountain Region. 

CAIRNS. A pile of stones used as markers for various purposes.

CANDIDATE SPECIES. Species not protected under the Endangered Species Act but under 

consideration by the US Fish and Wildlife Service for inclusion on the list of Federally Threatened or 

Endangered species.

CAPABILITY. The highest ecological status a riparian-wetland area can attain given political, social, or 

economic constraints, which are often referred to as limiting factors. The capability applies to constraints 

that are not natural limiting factors. Capability only applies to constraints that cannot be eliminated or 

changed through a management action (e.g., dam that reduces or eliminated surface water from a 

riparian-wetland area).

CHEATGRASS (Bromus tectorum). An exotic annual grass, native to Eurasia and the Mediterranean, 

which can dominate disturbed ground in shrub steppe ecosystems of the western United States and 

Canada. 

CLIMATE. The average prevailing weather conditions, including but not limited to precipitation and 

temperature, of a place over time.

COMMUNITY AT RISK. Wildland interface communities within the vicinity of Federal lands at high risk 

from wildfire. These communities were published in a Federal Register Notice list (66 FR 751) compiled 

from information provided by Tribes and States and prepared for publication by the Secretaries of 

Agriculture and Interior. 

COMPETITION. The general struggle for existence in which living organisms compete for a limited supply 

of the necessities of life. Competition can exist between species, and even between individuals of a 

species, for food, shelter, space, nest sites, birthing sites, mates, access to water, and many other habitat 

and life cycle requirements. 

CONDITIONAL SUPPRESSION AREA. Areas constructed for general planning which do not have 

specific resource priorities for fire management identified.
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CONSERVATION REACH. A stream reach managed to maintain the existing instream condition. 

Watershed processes or functions are relatively undisturbed and natural in setting. 

CONSULTATION, COORDINATION, AND COOPERATION. A process prescribed by the Public 

Rangelands Improvement Act of involving the permittee(s), lessee(s), federally recognized Native 

American tribes, and interested publics in the development of management programs on public lands. 

The process also includes trust responsibilities to federally recognized Native American tribes. 

CRITICAL SUPPRESSION AREA. Areas constructed for general planning which identify resource 

priorities for fire management such as wildland urban interface, sage-grouse habitat, areas of critical 

environmental concern, etc.

CRYIC SOIL TEMPERATURE REGIME. Soils in this temperature regime have a mean annual 

temperature lower than 46.4°F but do not have permafrost.

CULTIVAR. A race or variety of a plant that has been created or selected intentionally and maintained 

through cultivation. 

CULTURAL RESOURCE. The fragile and nonrenewable remains of human activity that are found in 

historic districts, sites, buildings, and artifacts and that are important in past and present human events. 

CULTURAL RESOURCE INVENTORY. An inventory to assess the potential presence of cultural 

resources. There are three classes of surveys:

Class I. An existing data survey. This is an inventory of a study area that provides a narrative 

overview of cultural resources by using existing information and compiling existing cultural 

resources site record data to develop a baseline for 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. Upon its completion, no further cultural 

resources inventory work is normally needed.

DIGITIZE. To convert data to digital form for use in a computer.

DISPERSED RECREATION. Recreation that does not occur in a developed recreation sites; for example, 

hunting or backpacking.

DISTURBANCE. Any management activity that has the potential to accelerate erosion or mass 

movement. Also, any other activity that may tend to disrupt the normal movement or habits of a particular 

wildlife or plant species. 

DIVERSITY. The relative abundance of wildlife species, plant species, communities, habitats, or habitat 

features per unit of area.

EASEMENT. A right or privilege one may have on another’s land.

ECOLOGICAL CONDITION. The present state of vegetation on a site compared to the natural potential 

of vegetation on the site. 

ECOLOGICAL SITE. Land with a specific potential natural community and specific physical 

characteristics, differing from other kinds of land in its ability to produce vegetation and in its response to 

management. 
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ECOLOGICAL SITE INVENTORY (ESI). A type of rangeland inventory where current species 

composition on a given site is compared to the composition that should be there if the site were at climax 

or highest ecological condition. 

ECOSYSTEM. A functioning system comprised of a community of animals, plants, and bacteria and its 

interrelated physical and chemical environment. 

EFFECTS (IMPACTS). The biological, physical, social, or economic consequences resulting from a 

proposed action. Effects may be adverse (detrimental) or beneficial, and direct, indirect, or cumulative. 

Direct effects (impacts). Effects caused by the action and occur at the same time and place. 

Indirect effects (impacts). Effects are caused by the action, but occur at a later time or further 

removed in distance. 

Cumulative effects (impacts). Incremental effects of the proposed action when added to other 

past, present, or reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency (Federal or 

non-Federal) or person undertakes the actions. Cumulative effects can result from individually 

minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time. 

ELIGIBLE RIVER. A river or river segment found to meet criteria found in Sections 1(b) and 2(b) of the 

Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of being free flowing and possessing one or more outstandingly remarkable 

value.

EMERGENCY STABILIZATION AND BURNED AREA REHABILITATION (ES&BAR). Actions are taken 

immediately following a wildland fire incident and are completed within one year. They are intended to 1) 

stabilize and prevent unacceptable degradation to natural and cultural resources, 2) minimize the threats 

to life or property resulting from the effects of a fire, and 3) repair/replace/construct physical 

improvements necessary to prevent degradation of land or resources. 

ENDANGERED SPECIES. Any animal or plant species in danger of extinction throughout all of a 

significant portion of its range. These species are listed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service under 

provisions of the Endangered Species Act.

ENERGY FLOW. The process through which energy from sunlight enters and is used by living systems. 

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA). A concise public document that a Federal agency prepares 

under the National Environmental Policy Act to provide sufficient evidence and analysis to determine 

whether a proposed agency action would require preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement or a 

Finding of No Significant Impact.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS). A detailed public document that complies with NEPA 

law and regulation. An EIS describes a major Federal action that significantly affects the quality of the 

human environment, provides alternatives to the proposed action, and analyzes the effects of the 

proposed action.

Ephemeral stream. A stream that flows in direct response to precipitation, and whose channel is above 

the water table at all times. These streams do not flow continuously for 30 days.

EROSION. The wearing away of land surface either by natural weathering processes (including water, 

wind, or ice) or human or animal activities. 

EXCLOSURE. An area fenced to exclude grazing animals, usually for study purposes. 

EXCLUSION AREA. Areas with sensitive resource values where rights-of-way and Section 302 permits, 

leases, and easements would not be available. 
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EXISTING ROUTES. The roads, trails, or ways that are used by motorized vehicles (jeeps, all-terrain 

vehicles, motorized dirt bikes, etc.), mechanized use (e.g., mountain bikes, game carts), pedestrians 

(hikers), and/or equestrians (horseback riders) and are, to the best of BLM’s knowledge, in existence at a 

specified time (e.g., the time of RMP/EIS publication).

EXTENSIVE RECREATION MANAGEMENT AREA (ERMA). BLM administrative units that require 

specific management consideration in order to address recreation use, demand, or Recreation and Visitor 

Services program investments. ERMAs are managed to support and sustain the principal recreation 

activities and the associated qualities and conditions of the ERMA. Management of ERMA areas is 

commensurate with the management of other resources and resource uses.

FIELD OFFICE. A geographic portion of a BLM District that is the smallest administrative subdivision in 

the BLM.

FIRE INTENSITY. The energy output from a fire often expressed as reaction intensity, fireline intensity, 

temperature, heating duration, or radiant energy.

FIRE REGIME. Description of the patterns of fire occurrences, frequency, size, severity, and sometimes 

vegetation and fire effects in a given area or ecosystem.

FIRE REGIME CONDITION CLASS (FRCC). A classification of a vegetation community’s variance or 

departure from historic fire conditions. Fire Condition Classes can be: 

Fire Regime Condition Class 1. Low departure from historic fire regime. 

Fire Regime Condition Class 2. Moderate departure from historic fire regime. 

Fire Regime Condition Class 3. High departure from historic fire regime.

FIRE SEVERITY. A qualitative assessment of the heat pulse directed toward the ground during a fire 

often measured by organic matter loss, both above ground and below ground.

FIRE SUPPRESSION. All work and activities associated with fire extinguishing operations, beginning with 

the discovery of the fire and continuing until the fire is completely extinguished. 

FORAGE. Vegetation of all forms available and of a type used for animal consumption.

FORB. Any herbaceous plant that is not a grass or grass-like.

FRAGMENTATION. Landscape transformation that includes the breaking of large habitat into smaller 

pieces through the conversion of fairly continuous tracts of a vegetation type to other vegetation types 

such that only scattered or isolated fragments of the original type remain, or human-created structures or 

barriers that partition fairly continuous habitats into smaller habitats1

. The level of transformation 

necessary to achieve fragmentation varies by species. 

 

1 Definition modified from Franklin et al., (2002).

FREE-FLOWING CONDITION. A river or section of river existing or flowing in natural condition without 

impoundment, diversion, straightening, rip-rapping, or other modification of the waterway. 

FULL PLAN IMPLEMANTATION. Implementation of the Jarbidge RMP 15 to 20 years after initial 

implementation; objectives are assumed to be met at this time depending on budget and personnel 

constraints.

FUNCTIONING AT RISK. Riparian/wetland areas are classified as functional at-risk when they are in 

functional condition but an existing soil, water, or vegetation attribute makes them susceptible to 

degradation.
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Functioning at risk, downward trend (FAR-DN). Riparian and wetland areas possess some of 

the elements in the PFC definition, but several of their attributes and/or processes would result in 

a high probability of degradation with a relatively high flow event. Riparian and wetland areas in a 

declining condition need further assessment to determine the factors contributing to the 

unacceptable conditions.

Functioning at risk, no apparent trend (FAR-NA). Riparian and wetland areas are in functional 

conditions that have most of the elements in the PFC definition but there is insufficient evidence 

to make a determination if the trend is toward PFC (upward) or away from PFC (downward). 

Additional assessment is needed to determine trend for these sites.

Functioning at risk, upward trend (FAR-UP). Riparian and wetland areas have most of the 

elements in the PFC definition, but at least one attribute and/or process makes it vulnerable to 

degradation with a relatively high flow event. Streams that are FAR-UP are moving toward PFC.

GAME FISH. Any species of fish for which populations are managed by regulations.

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS). A collection of computer hardware, software, and 

geographic data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced 

information. 

GRADIENT. The slope of a stream channel.

GRAZING MANAGEMENT PRACTICES. Techniques used to manage livestock, including season of use, 

duration (amount of the time grazing occurs), intensity of use, numbers of livestock, kind of livestock, and 

distribution (e.g., salting, herding, and water development). 

GRAZING PERMIT. Under Section 3 of the Taylor Grazing Act, a document authorizing the use of the 

public lands within grazing districts for the purpose of grazing livestock. 

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.

GULLIES. Deep, narrow channels or miniature valleys cut by concentrated runoff events through which 

water commonly flows only during and immediately after heavy rains or during the melting of snow.

HABITAT. An area with the combination of resources (e.g., food, cover, water) and environmental 

conditions (e.g., temperature, precipitation, presence or absence of predators and competitors) that 

promotes use by individuals of a given species or population and allows those individuals to survive and 

reproduce2

. 

 

2 Definition modified from Franklin et al., (2002). 

HABITAT CONDITION. The condition of instream habitat for fish and other aquatic species that includes 

factors such as streambank stability, streambank cover, stream substrate condition, water temperature, 

pool volume, pool quality, migration barriers, width-to-depth ratio, habitat complexity, and relative fish 

abundance. Habitat condition is represented by conservation reaches or restoration reaches.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL. A substance, pollutant, or contaminant that, due to its quantity, concentration, 

or physical or chemical characteristics, poses a potential hazard to human health and safety or to the 

environment if released into the workplace or the environment.

HISTORIC FIRE REGIME. Description of the patterns of fire occurrences, frequency, size, severity, and 

sometimes vegetation and fire effects in a given area or ecosystem. A fire regime is a generalization 

based on fire histories at individual sites. Fire regimes can often be described as cycles because some 

parts of the histories usually get repeated, and the repetitions can be counted and measured.
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HYDROLOGIC UNIT CODE (HUC). A way of identifying all of the drainage basins in the United States in 

a nested arrangement from largest (Regions) to smallest (Cataloging Units). A drainage basin is an area 

or region of land that catches precipitation falling within that area, and funnels it to a particular creek, 

stream, river, and so on, until the water drains into an ocean.

HYDROLOGY. The science of dealing with the study of water on the surface of the land, in the soil and 

underlying rocks, and in the atmosphere. 

IMPACT. The effect, influence, alteration, or imprint caused by an action (see EFFECTS).

IMPORTANT CULTURAL RESOURCES. Cultural resources determined to be worthy of long-term 

management because of identified tribal, public, or scientific value, as established through inventory, 

consultation, evaluation and planning.

IMPOUNDED WATERS. Any body of water formed by the construction or excavation of a basin or the 

obstruction of stream flow in such a manner as to cause the collection of a body of water which would not 

have formed under natural conditions. 

INDICATOR SPECIES. A species whose presence, absence, or relative well-being in a given 

environment is indicative of the health of its ecosystem as a whole.

INHOLDING. A non-Federal parcel of land that is completely surrounded by Federal land. 

INFRASTRUCTURE. Man-made features, including roads, highways, transmission lines, wind projects, 

energy development (e.g., oil and gas development, geothermal wells), airports, mines, cell phone 

towers, landfills, buildings, etc. 

INITIAL PLAN IMPLEMANTATION. Implementation of the Jarbidge RMP within the first five years after 

the Record of Decision has been signed.

INTERMITTENT STREAM. A stream or segment of stream that flows only at certain times of the year 

when it receives water from springs or from some surface source, such as melting snow in mountainous 

areas. In general, these streams flow continuously for at least 30 days and usually have visible vegetation 

or physical characteristics reflective of permanent water influence such as the presence of cottonwood.

INTERSEEDING. Seeding into established vegetation.

INVASIVE SPECIES. A non-native species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or 

environmental harm or harm to human health.

INVERTEBRATE. An animal lacking a backbone or spinal column.

KEY SAGE-GROUSE HABITAT. Areas of generally intact sagebrush that provide sage-grouse habitat 

during some portion of the year including winter, spring, summer, late brood rearing, fall; and transition 

sites from winter to spring, spring to summer, and summer/fall to winter. Key habitat may or may not 

provide adequate nesting, early brood-rearing, and winter cover due to elevation, snow depth, lack of 

early season forbs, limited herbaceous cover, or small sagebrush patch size.

KIOSKS. A stall set up in a public place where one can obtain information (e.g., tourist information). 

LAND TREATMENT. Modifying physical soil and/or plant conditions with treatments such as reseeding, 

brush control (chemical and mechanical), pitting, furrowing, water spreading, and ripping or sub-soiling.

LANDSCAPE. A large land area composed of interacting ecosystems that are repeated due to factors 

such as geology, soils, climate, and human impacts. 
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LEASABLE MINERAL. A mineral such as oil shale, oil and gas, phosphate, potash, sodium, geothermal 

resources, and all other minerals that may be developed under the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as 

amended. 

Category 1: No Leasing. Lands that are withheld from leasing based on discretionary decisions 

made by the BLM or cannot be leased due to statute.

Category 2: Leasing, NSO. Lands that can be leased, but surface-disturbing exploration and 

development activities are prohibited. 

Category 3: Leasing, Cumulative Timing Limitations greater than nine months. Lands that 

can be leased, but stipulations limit the time of the year when exploration, construction, and 

drilling can take place during more than nine months of the year. Timing limitations prohibit 

surface use during specified time intervals to protect identified resources, including sage-grouse, 

big game, redband trout, and bull trout. 

Category 4: Leasing, Cumulative Timing Limitations greater than six to less than or equal 

to nine months. Lands that can be leased, but stipulations limit the time of the year when 

exploration, construction, and drilling can take place between six and nine months of the year. 

Category 5: Leasing, Cumulative Timing Limitations greater than three to less than or 

equal to six months. Lands that can be leased, but stipulations limit the time of the year when 

exploration, construction, and drilling can take place between three and six months of the year. 

Category 6: Leasing, Cumulative Timing Limitations less than or equal to three months.

Lands that can be leased, but stipulations limit the time of the year when exploration, 

construction, and drilling can take place during less than three months of the year. 

Category 7: Leasing, Controlled Surface Use. Lands where stipulations control implementation 

of specific exploration and development activities; in this RMP, the controlled surface use 

stipulation applies to Riparian Conservation Areas. 

Category 8: Leasing, Standard Lease Terms. Lands that can be leased subject to existing 

laws, regulations, and formal orders; the terms and conditions of the standard lease form; and 

stipulations for ESA Section 7 Consultation and Cultural Resource Protection.

LEK. A traditional display area where two or more male greater sage-grouse or Columbia sharp-tailed 

grouse gather annually for two or more years primarily to breed. 

Occupied lek. A lek which has been attended by two or more displaying males in the last five 

years based on multiple counts of the lek. 

Unoccupied lek. A lek which has not had displaying males within the last five years based on 

multiple counts of the lek each year. A field survey of the lek area indicates no evidence (feathers 

or scat) that males congregate at the site.

Other lek. A lek for which data is lacking to show males displayed at the site between years, or 

no recent data are available to show males continue to display at a historic site. These leks are 

categorized as not verified or undetermined in the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) 

database or unknown by Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW).

LITHIC SCATTER. A type of archaeological site marked by a distribution of stone artifacts. The scatter 

may include formed tools such as projectile points, knives, or scrapers, or it may contain only chipping 

debris from tool-making activities.
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LIVESTOCK. Domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities such as 

food, fiber, and labor. Species of domestic livestock--cattle, sheep, horses, burros, and goats (43 CFR 

4100.0-5).

LIVESTOCK TRAILING. Movement of livestock across BLM-managed lands primarily to move livestock 

to and from grazing allotments on BLM-managed lands and moving livestock to and from grazing 

allotments on state, private, or other Federally-managed lands.

LOCATABLE MINERALS. Minerals or materials subject to claim and development under the Mining Law 

of 1872, as amended. Generally includes metallic minerals such as gold and silver, and other materials 

not subject to lease or sale (some bentonites, limestone, talc, some xeolites, etc.). Whether or not a 

particular mineral deposit is locatable depends on such factors as quality, quantity, mineability, demand, 

and marketability. 

Category 1: No Locatable Mineral Development, Existing Withdrawals. Lands where 

locatable minerals currently cannot be prospected, explored for, or developed due to existing 

withdrawals. 

Category 2: No Locatable Mineral Development, Recommended Withdrawals. Lands where 

locatable minerals currently can be prospected, explored for, or developed but would be 

recommended for withdrawal in a particular alternative.

Category 3: Locatable Mineral Development Allowed, with Additional Mitigation or 

Reclamation Requirements. Lands not currently under an existing withdrawal from location 

under the mining laws nor recommended for withdrawal in a particular alternative, but where 

additional management direction is likely to result in additional mitigation or reclamation 

requirements.

Category 4: Locatable Mineral Development Allowed. Lands not currently under an existing 

withdrawal from location under the mining laws nor recommended for withdrawal in a particular 

alternative and where additional mitigation or reclamation requirements are less likely.

MECHANICAL TREATMENT. Use of mechanical equipment for seeding, brush management, and other 

management practices.

METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS. Short-term atmospheric phenomena and variations that may occur 

in respect to air stability, wind speed, wind direction, temperature, etc. as affected by local weather 

conditions.

MINERAL ENTRY. Claiming public lands under the Mining Law of 1872 for the purpose of exploiting 

minerals. May also refer to mineral exploration and development under the mineral leasing laws and the 

Material Sale Act of July 31, 1947, as amended.

MINERAL MATERIALS. Common varieties of sand, building stone, gravel, clay, moss rock, etc., 

obtainable under the Minerals Act of July 31, 1947, as amended.

MINIMIZE. To reduce to the smallest possible amount, extent, size, or degree as is feasible from a 

technical or management standpoint.

MITIGATION. Measures taken to avoid, compensate for, rectify, or reduce the potential negative impacts 

of an action.

MONITORING. The systematic gathering of data to determine whether progress is being made in 

achieving land use objectives or goals. 

MOTORIZED VEHICLES. Vehicle powered by an engine, usually internal combustion.
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MULTIPLE-USE. The management of the public lands and their various resource values so 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 conform 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 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. 

NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS (NAAQS). The allowable concentrations of air 

pollutants in the ambient (public outdoor) air specified in 40 CFR 50. NAAQS are based on the air quality 

criteria and divided into primary standards (allowing an adequate margin of safety to protect the public 

health) and secondary standards (allowing an adequate margin of safety to protect the public welfare). 

NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL (NHT). A congressionally designated trail that is an extended, longdistance 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.

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. The official list, established by the National Historic 

Preservation Act, of the Nation’s cultural resources worthy of preservation. The NRHP lists 

archaeological, historic, architectural, and traditional cultural properties (districts, sites, buildings, 

structures, and objects) nominated for their local, state, or national significance by Federal and State 

agencies and approved by the National Register Staff. 

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, or other similar values and are preserved in a free-flowing condition. The system provides for the 

designation of three river classifications based primarily on the amount of shoreline development and 

access: recreational, scenic, and wild.

Recreational. Rivers 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.

Scenic. Rivers or sections of rivers free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still 

largely undeveloped but accessible in places by roads.

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 SPECIES. Plants or animals indigenous (naturally occurring) to the area.

NATIVE VEGETATION. A plant community that is populated by plants or cultivars of plants that are 

indigenous to the northern Great Basin.

NATURAL RECRUITMENT. Populations able to reproduce naturally.

NATURE AND PURPOSES. As pertaining to National Scenic and 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.
Glossary

G-12

NATURALNESS. Lands and resources exhibit a high degree of naturalness when affected primarily by 

the forces of nature, with the imprint of human activity is substantially unnoticeable.

NON-ATTAINMENT AREA. A geographic area within which the concentration of one or more criteria 

pollutants routinely exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

NON-FUNCTIONING (NF). Riparian and wetland areas that clearly lack the elements listed in the proper 

functioning condition definition. The riparian and wetland area is not providing adequate vegetation, 

landform, or large woody debris to dissipate stream energy associate with high flows, and thus are not 

reducing erosion, improving water quality, or providing habitat for fish and wildlife values. The riparian and 

wetland area exhibit lateral or vertical channel instability and are out of balance with the water and 

sediment being supplied by the watershed.

NON-GAME SPECIES. Species managed as “protected” by state wildlife agencies with no authorized 

seasons for hunting or trapping. Common non-game species include the majority of birds, small 

mammals, bats, reptiles, amphibians, and some fish species.

NON-NATIVE SPECIES. An animal or plant species that is not a part of an area’s original fauna or flora.

NON-NATIVE VEGETATION. A plant community that is populated by plants that are not indigenous to 

the northern Great Basin. Non-native vegetation communities found in the planning area are primarily 

occupied by plants that are not indigenous to the North American continent.

NOTICE OF INTENT (NOI). A notice in the Federal Register of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact 

Statement on a proposed action. 

NOXIOUS WEED. Plant species designated “noxious” by law. According to Idaho Statute, a noxious 

weed is defined as any plant having the potential to cause injury to public health, crops, livestock, land, or 

other property and is designated as noxious by the director (Idaho Statute 22-2402).

NUISANCE AQUATIC SPECIES. Non-native plant and animal species that threaten the diversity or 

abundance of native species, the ecological stability of the infested waters, or the human activities that 

depend on such waters.

NUTRIENT CYCLING. The circuit or movement of organic or inorganic ions or molecules within the soil 

profile in the form of solids, liquids, and gases that are absorbed by plants and returned to the soil by 

decomposition to repeat the process.

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV). Any motorized vehicle capable of or designated for, travel on or 

immediately over land, water, or other natural terrain, excluding 1) any nonamphibious registered 

motorboat; 2) any military, fire, emergency or law enforcement vehicle when being used for emergency 

purposes; 3) any vehicle whose use is expressly authorized by the authorized officer, or otherwise 

officially approved; 4) vehicle in official use; and 5) any combat or combat support vehicle when used in 

times of national defense emergencies.

OUTSTANDINGLY REMARKABLE VALUES. Values among those listed in the Wild and Scenic Rivers 

Act: “scenic, recreational, geological, fish and wildlife, historical, cultural, or other similar values.” Other 

values that may be considered include, but are not limited to, ecological, biological or botanical, 

paleontological, hydrological, traditional cultural uses, water quality, and scientific values.

OVERSTORY. That portion of a plant community consisting of the taller plants on the site; the forest or 

woodland canopy.

OXBOWS. Cut-off loops of a stream channel that retain water through subsurface flow.

OZONE. One of the six criteria pollutants for which the EPA established National Ambient Air Quality 

Standards.
Glossary

G-13

PALATABLE. The degree to which a particular plant species or part is favored by an animal for 

consumption.

PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES. The physical remains or other physical evidence of plants and 

animals preserved in soils and sedimentary rock formations. Paleontological resources are important for 

correlating and dating rock strata and for understanding past environments, environmental change, and 

the evolution of life.

PARTICULATE MATTER (PM). Any small particles suspended in the air including dust, dirt, soot, smoke, 

and liquid droplets.

PM2.5. Particles less than 2.5 micrometers.

PM10. Particles of 10 micrometers or less. 

PASSENGER VEHICLE. Two-wheel-drive, low-clearance vehicles.

PERENNIAL STREAM. A stream that flows continuously throughout the year. Perennial streams are 

associated with a water table in the localities through which they flow.

PERENNIAL VEGETATION. Plants that have life cycle of 3 or more years. 

PERMITTED USE. 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 is expressed in animal unit months (AUMs). 

PERMITTEE. A person or organization legally permitted to graze a specific number and class of livestock 

on designated areas of public land during specified seasons each year. 

PLANNING AREA. The geographic area within which the BLM will make decisions during a planning 

effort. A planning area boundary includes all lands regardless of jurisdiction; however the BLM will only 

make decisions on lands that fall under the BLM’s jurisdiction (including subsurface minerals). The 

planning area for this RMP is approximately 1.4 million acres of BLM land administered by the Jarbidge 

Field Office.

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 in a specific 

geographic area. 

PLAYA. A nearly level area at the bottom of an undrained desert basin, sometimes temporarily covered 

with water.

POLLUTANTS. Any substance introduced into the environment that negatively affects the usefulness of a 

resource or the health of humans, animals, or ecosystems.

POTENTIAL FOSSIL YIELD CLASSIFICATION (PFYC). A system that classifies geologic units based on 

the relative abundance of vertebrate fossils or scientifically significant invertebrate or plant fossils and on 

their sensitivity to adverse impacts. The system is composed of five classes with a higher class number 

indicating a higher potential for important fossil resources.

Class 1. Igneous or metamorphic in origin and have a very low potential for paleontological 

resources. 

Class 2. Composed of sedimentary deposits that are not likely to bear fossils. 

Class 3. Consist of fossiliferous sedimentary formations where fossil content varies in 

importance, abundance, and occurrence. 
Glossary

G-14

Class 4. Sedimentary deposits with a high occurrence of important fossils. 

Class 5. Highly fossiliferous geologic formations that consistently and predictably produce 

vertebrate or scientifically important invertebrate or plant fossils. 

POTENTIAL NATURAL COMMUNITY (PNC). The stable biotic community that would become 

established on an ecological site if all successional stages were completed without human interference 

under present environmental conditions.

PREFERENCE. The total number of animal unit months of livestock use on public lands apportioned and 

attached to base property owned or controlled by a permittee. Some of the total grazing preference may 

have been suspended in past administrative actions. That portion of the grazing preference that is not 

suspended is the active grazing preference.

PRESCRIBED FIRE. Any fire ignited by management action to meet specific objectives.

PRIMARY USE OR USES. As pertaining to National Scenic and Historic Trails, authorized mode or 

modes of travel, and/or activities identified in the national trails system act, enabling legislation, or 

legislative history, through the trail-wide comprehensive plan or approved resource management plan.

PRIMITIVE AND UNCONFINED RECREATION. Recreation that occurs when the sights, sounds, and 

evidence of other people are rare or infrequent, 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.

PRIMITIVE ROAD. A linear route managed for use by four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicles. These 

routes do not normally meet any BLM road design standards.

PRIORITY STREAMS. Streams with special management emphasis to improve the condition of the 

riparian area, stream channel, or water quality. Priority streams include streams containing special status 

fish and aquatic invertebrates, fish-bearing streams, and water quality impaired streams. Priority streams 

are ranked in order of importance based on Proper Functioning Condition (PFC) and Habitat Condition 

(HC) ratings and are categorized as:

Priority 1. Stream reaches with a PFC rating of Functioning-at-Risk with No Trend or 

Functioning-at-Risk with a Downward Trend or a HC Restoration Reach identified as a High 

priority for restoration;

Priority 2. Stream reaches with a PFC rating of Functioning-at-Risk with an Upward Trend or 

Non-Functional or a HC Restoration Reach identified as a Moderate priority for restoration; and 

Priority 3. Stream reaches with a PFC rating as Proper Functioning Condition or a HC 

Restoration Reach identified as a Low priority for restoration.

PRODUCTION. The quantity of biomass produced by the current year’s growth in terms of pounds per 

acre.

PROJECT AREA. The area of land upon which a specific project is conducted. 

PROPER FUNCTIONING CONDITION (PFC). The stream is in balance with the water and sediment 

being supplied by the watershed (i.e., no excessive erosion or deposition) and the stream is vertically 

stable. Riparian areas and wetlands function properly when adequate vegetation, landform, or large 

woody debris is present to dissipate stream energy associated with high water flows. The functioning 

condition of these areas is influenced by geomorphic features, soil, water and vegetation.

PROPER GRAZING MANAGEMENT. The application of grazing management practices that would help

achieve resource objectives. Management practices would include allocation rates, as well as the use of 
Glossary

G-15

management actions such as seasons-of-use, time restrictions, and range infrastructure that would 

maintain or enhance resource values. " 

PUBLIC LAND. Any land or interest in land owned by the United States and administered by the 

Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management, without regard to how the United 

States acquired ownership, except for land located on the Outer Continental Shelf and land held for the 

benefit of Native Americans, Aleuts, and Eskimos.

RANGE INFRASTRUCTURE. Any activity or program on or relating to rangelands that is designed to 

improve forage production, change vegetation composition, control patterns of use, provide water, 

stabilize soil and water conditions, and enhance habitat for livestock, wildlife, and wild horses and burros. 

Range infrastructure includes land treatments (e.g., chaining, seeding, burning, etc.), water 

developments, fences, and trails.

RANGELAND. Land on which the potential natural vegetation is predominantly grasses, grass-like plants, 

forbs, or shrubs suitable for grazing or browsing. It includes natural grasslands, savannas, many 

wetlands, some deserts, tundra, and areas that support certain forb and shrub communities. 

RANGELAND HEALTH. The degree to which the integrity of the soil and ecological processes of 

rangeland ecosystems is maintained. 

RAPTOR. Bird of prey with sharp talons and strongly curved beaks (e.g., eagles, falcons, hawks, owls, 

and vultures).

REACH. A section of stream between two specified points.

RECLAMATION. The reconstruction of disturbed ecosystems by returning the land to a condition 

approximate or equal to that which existed prior to disturbance, or to a stable and productive condition 

compatible with the land use plan. The immediate goal of reclamation is to stabilize disturbed areas and 

protect both disturbed and adjacent undisturbed areas from unnecessary degradation.

RECREATION AND PUBLIC PURPOSES ACT OF 1954. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, under 

specific conditions, to sell or lease public domain lands to States and local governments for recreation 

and other public purposes and to qualified nonprofit organizations for public and quasi-public purposes, 

including recreation, education, and health.

RECRUITMENT. Young that survive to reproductive age and are considered mature.

REFERENCE AREAS. Exclosures and/or isolated areas that are representative of a variety of ecosystem 

components, vegetation types, and elevational gradients, that are ungrazed by livestock in order to allow 

comparisons for future evaluation of livestock grazing impacts. 

REFUGIA. Geographic locations where a species or a population has persisted during changed or 

adverse conditions such as glaciation or other catastrophic event.

REHABILITATION. Efforts undertaken within three years of containment of a wildland fire to repair or 

improve fire-damaged lands unlikely to recover naturally to management approved conditions, or to repair 

or replace minor facilities damaged by fire.

RELATIVE RISK RATINGS. An adjective rating used to identify risk potential within the wildland urban 

interface (WUI) based on population, vegetation, terrain, and weather. Rating categories are; Low, LowModerate, Moderate, Moderate-High, and High.

RESEEDING. Planting seed into an area previously seeded when a seeding treatment was 

unsatisfactory. The seedbed preparation could be done through prescribed fire, brush control, or 

mechanical or chemical treatments.
Glossary

G-16

RESERVE COMMON ALLOTMENTS. A separate BLM administered grazing unit (allotment or pasture), 

that is reserved for non-renewable grazing use by permittees or lessees participating in land restoration 

or recovery efforts that preclude use of all or part of the permitted use assigned to their base property. A 

series of eligible permittees or lessees would be authorized use temporarily in the Reserve Common 

Allotment for one to several years depending on the management needs of the permittees normally 

permitted allotment. Reserve Common Allotments are open to grazing even though a long-term permit is 

not issued to one permittee/lessee; they do not include areas that have been closed to grazing or are not 

available for non-renewable grazing use.

RESOURCE ADVISORY COUNCIL (RAC). An advisory council appointed by the Secretary of the Interior 

and consisting of representatives of major public land interest groups (commodity industries, recreation, 

environmental, and local area interests) in a state or smaller area. RACs advise BLM, focusing on a full 

array of multiple use public land issues. RACs also help develop standards for rangeland health and 

guidelines for livestock grazing. 

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN (RMP). A land use plan as described by the Federal Land Policy

and Management Act to guide resource management and use allocation on public lands and resources 

administered by the BLM.

RESOURCES, QUALITIES, AND VALUES. As pertaining to National Scenic and 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.

REST. No grazing for a specified period of time, generally a full growing season up to one full year. 

RESTORATION. The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, 

damaged, or destroyed. A restored plant community would be similar to the potential native community in 

structure and species composition to the greatest practicable extent. It is expected that, once restored, 

the community would be sustainable and resilient to normal periodic stress.

Active Restoration. Accelerating the process of succession or attempting to change the 

trajectory of succession by implementing management techniques such as planting seeds or 

seedlings. 

Passive Restoration. Allowing natural succession or natural recovery to occur in an ecosystem 

after reducing or removing a source of disturbance.

RESTORATION REACH. A stream reach where biological and physical processes and functions do not 

reflect natural conditions because of past and on-going land disturbances. The priorities for Restoration 

Reaches are:

HIGH PRIOIRITY. Stream reaches with the potential for highly productive or unique fish 

communities with restoration efforts. The loss of connected populations or competition or 

hybridization with non-native species has caused the loss of diversity of some special status fish 

populations. The aquatic community is largely intact but is not resilient to landscape disturbance 

events and does not provide a source of individuals to nearby recovering populations. 

MODERATE PRIORITY. Stream reaches with the potential for moderately productive fish habitat 

with restoration efforts. The loss of connected populations or competition or hybridization with 

non-native species has caused the loss of diversity of some special status fish populations. The 

aquatic community is largely intact but is not resilient to landscape disturbance events and does 

not provide a source of individuals to nearby recovering populations.

LOW PRIORITY. Stream reaches with a minor amount of fish habitat. The loss of connected 

populations or competition or hybridization with non-native species has caused the loss of 

diversity of special status fish populations. The aquatic community is not intact, is not resilient to 

landscape disturbance events, and does not provide a source of individuals to nearby recovering 
Glossary

G-17

populations. Low priority restoration reaches also include reaches that are rated as proper 

functioning condition but have not yet improved to the condition of a Conservation Reach.

RIGHT-OF-WAY (ROW). A permit or an easement that authorizes the use of public land for certain 

specified purposes, commonly for pipelines, roads, telephone lines, electric lines, and reservoirs. It also 

refers to the land covered by such an easement or permit. 

RILLS. Small, eroded ditches usually only a few inches deep.

RIPARIAN. Situated on or pertaining to the bank of a river, stream, or other body of water. Normally 

describes plants of all types that grow rooted in the water table or sub-irrigation zone of streams, ponds, 

and springs.

RIPARIAN CONDITION. The condition of a stream channel and its associated hydric vegetation as 

determined by the characteristics of the watershed through which it flows (i.e., hill slope, soils, upland and 

riparian vegetation, hydrology). Riparian condition is represented by functional condition ratings such as 

proper functioning condition, functioning-at-risk, and non-functional.

RIPARIAN CONSERVATION AREAS. Riparian Conservation Areas (RCAs) are portions of watersheds 

where riparian-dependent resources receive primary emphasis, and management activities are subject to 

specific conservation measures to maintain or improve riparian and instream condition. RCAs include 

riparian corridors, wetlands, intermittent streams, and other areas where proper ecological function is 

essential for maintaining the integrity of aquatic ecosystems. The four RCA categories and their standard 

widths are:

Category 1. Fish-bearing streams: The RCA consists of the stream and the area on either side of 

the stream. This area extends from the edges of the active channel to the top of the inner gorge, 

to the outer edges of the 100-year floodplain, to the outer edges of the riparian vegetation, or 300 

feet slope distance (600 feet, including both sides of the stream channel), whichever is widest.

Category 2. Permanently flowing non fish-bearing streams: The RCA consists of the stream and 

the area on either side of the stream. This area extends from the edges of the active channel to 

the top of the inner gorge, to the outer edges of the 100-year floodplain, to the outer edges of the 

riparian vegetation, or 150 feet slope distance (300 feet, including both sides of the stream 

channel), whichever is widest.

Category 3. Ponds, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands greater than 1 acre: The RCA consists of the 

body of water or wetland and the area to the outer edges of the riparian vegetation, to the extent 

of the seasonally saturated soil, or 150 feet slope distance from the edge of the maximum pool 

elevation of constructed ponds and reservoirs, or from the edge of the wetland, pond, or lake, 

whichever is widest.

Category 4. Seasonally flowing or intermittent streams, wetlands less than 1 acre, landslides, 

and landslide-prone areas: This category includes features with high variability in size and sitespecific characteristics. The RCA includes the intermittent stream channel and the area to the top 

of the inner gorge, the intermittent stream channel or wetland and the area to the outer edges of 

the riparian vegetation, the area from the edges of the stream channel, wetland, or slide 

/landslide prone area, or 50 feet slope distance, whichever is widest.

RIPARIAN HABITAT. An area of land directly influenced by permanent (surface or subsurface) water and 

has visible vegetation or physical characteristics reflective of permanent water influence. 

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. Refers to the absence of roads that have been constructed and maintained by mechanical 

means to ensure regular and continuous use.
Glossary

G-18

ROUTES. A road-like feature created by vehicles having two, three, four, or more wheels, but not 

declared a road by the owner and that receives no maintenance to guarantee regular and continuous use.

RUTTING. The result on routes and trails that occurs when the ground is too soft to support the weight of 

a vehicle and rider. This usually occurs when the ground is wet and soft. Ruts collect rainwater and 

runoff, keeping the trail wet. Ruts channel water, leading to trail erosion.

SACRED SITE. Any specific, discrete, narrowly delineated location on Federal land that is identified by a 

Native American Tribe, or Native American individual determined to be appropriately authoritative 

representative of a Native American religion, as sacred by virtue of its established religious significance 

to, or ceremonial use by, a Native American religion. 

SAGEBRUSH STEPPE. A semi-arid plant community that is characterized by a predominance of big 

sagebrush or other sagebrush species, plus grasses, forbs, and other shrubs. 

SAGE-GROUSE MANAGEMENT AREA. An area where greater sage-grouse management is elevated. 

The Sage-grouse Management Area includes key habitat as well as large areas of grassland habitat that 

presently provide little sage-grouse habitat but could be restored. It consists of the Diamond A, Inside 

Desert, Devil Creek and Browns Bench subdivisions from the Jarbidge Sage-grouse Conservation Plan.

SALABLE MINERALS. Common varieties of minerals and building materials such as sand, stone, gravel, 

pumice, pumicite, cinders, and clay. 

Category 1: No Salable Mineral Development. Lands that are withheld from salable mineral 

disposal based on discretionary decisions made by the BLM cannot be developed due to statute.

Category 2: Salable Mineral Development Allowed, Cumulative Timing Limitations greater 

than six months. Lands where salable minerals development is allowed, but terms and 

conditions limit the time of the year when crushing and blasting can take place to more than six 

months to protect identified resources. 

Category 3: Salable Mineral Development Allowed, Cumulative Timing Limitations less 

than or equal to six months. Lands where salable minerals development is allowed, but terms 

and conditions limit the time of the year when crushing and blasting can take place to six months 

or less. 

Category 4: Salable Mineral Development Allowed, Other Surface Use Restrictions. Lands 

where salable mineral development is allowed subject to constraints due to management for 

Riparian Conservation Areas, soils, or visual resources.

Category 5: Salable Mineral Development Allowed. Lands where salable mineral development 

is allowed subject to site-specific NEPA analysis, stipulations, and 43 CFR 3600 regulations.

SALMONID. A fish belonging to the family Salmonidae, which includes salmon and trout; salmonids in 

the planning area include bull trout and redband trout.

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.

SEEDING. A vegetation treatment that includes the application of grass, forb, or shrub seed, either 

aerially or from the ground.

SEEP. Groundwater discharge areas. In general, seeps have less flow than a spring.

SENSITIVE SPECIES. Includes Endangered, Threatened, Proposed, and Candidate species as well as 

species designated by the BLM State Director that 1) could become endangered in or extirpated from the 
Glossary

G-19

State, 2) are undergoing significant downward trends, 3) have typically small or widely dispersed 

populations, or 4) are inhabiting specialized or unique habitats.

SERAL STAGES. Ecological communities that succeed one another in the biotic development of an area.

SHRUB. A woody plant distinguished from a tree by short stature (less than 20 feet tall) and the presence 

of multiple stems.

SOLITUDE. A wilderness characteristic as identified in the Wilderness Act. 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). BLM administrative units where the existing or 

proposed recreation opportunities and recreation setting characteristics are recognized for their unique 

value, importance, and/or distinctiveness, especially as compared to other areas used for recreation.

SRMAs are managed to protect and enhance a targeted set of activities, experiences, benefits, and 

desired recreation setting characteristics.

SPECIAL RECREATION PERMITS (SRPs). 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. All Endangered, Threatened, Proposed, and Candidate species 

designated by FWS and other BLM Sensitive species designated by the State Director. 

SPRING. Groundwater discharge areas. In general, springs are considered to have more flow than 

seeps.

STOCKING LEVEL. The current level of livestock grazing use on a unit of land, usually expressed as 

acres of land per AUM grazed. 

SUBSTANTIAL INTERFERENCE. As pertaining to National Scenic and Historic Trails, determination that 

an activity or use affects (hinders or obstructs) the nature and purposes of a designated National Trail.

SUBSTRATES. Mineral or organic material such as silt, sand, gravel, cobble, boulder, or woody debris 

that forms a stream or lake bed.

SUCCESSION. The gradual replacement of one type of ecological community by another in the same 

area, involving a series of orderly changes, especially in the dominant vegetation. Succession is usually 

initiated by a significant disturbance of an existing community. Each succeeding community modifies the 

physical environment, as by introducing shade or changing the fertility or acidity of the soil, creating new 

conditions that benefit certain species and inhibit others until a climax community is established.

SUCCESSIONAL CLASS. A standardized type classification based on vegetation and fuel composition, 

structure, process, and pattern. Classes are grouped into those characteristic of the natural or historical 

conditions and those uncharacteristic of these conditions.

SUCCESSIONAL CLASS (S-CLASS) SIMILARITY. The closeness to which the seral composition of an 

identified vegetation complex matches the ideal or model. A component in fire regime condition class 

(FRCC) analysis.

SUITABLE RIVER. An eligible river segment found through administrative study to meet the criteria for 

designation as a component of the National System, as specified in Section 4(a) of the Wild and Scenic 

Rivers Act.
Glossary

G-20

SUSTAINABLE. The yield of a natural resource that can be produced continually at a given intensity of 

management. 

TALUS. Loose rock debris at the base of a cliff or rock outcrop.

TARGETED GRAZING. Livestock grazing use outside of an authorized permit for the purpose of 

achieving prescribed objectives such as reducing potential fire fuels, noxious weeds and invasive plants, 

and other non-desirable vegetation.

TEMPORARY NON-RENEWABLE (TNR) PERMIT. A non-renewable permit or lease that may be issued 

on an annual basis to qualified applicants when forage is temporarily available, provided this use is 

consistent with multiple-use objectives and does not interfere with existing livestock operations on the 

public lands (43 CFR 4130.6).

TERRESTRIAL. Living or growing in or on the land.

THREATENED SPECIES. Any species or significant population of that species likely to become 

endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Usually 

includes only those species that have been recognized and listed as Threatened by Federal and State 

governments, but may include species categorized as rare, very rare, or depleted

TOPOGRAPHY. The relief features or surface configuration of a landscape or particular area in respect to 

elevational changes over distance.

TRADITIONAL CULTURAL PROPERTIES. A cultural property that is eligible for inclusion in the National 

Register of Historic Places because of its association with a living community’s cultural practices or 

beliefs rooted in that community’s history and important in maintaining the community’s continuing cultural 

identity.

TRADITIONAL USE. The utilization of natural resources in a similar fashion over a considerable period of 

time. 

TRAIL. A linear route managed for human-powered, stock, or OHV forms of transportation or for historical 

or heritage values. Trails are not generally managed for use by four-wheel drive or high-clearance 

vehicles.

TREATY. A formal agreement between the United States and one or more Native American tribes. 

Typically, these arrangements ceded lands to the United States, reserving certain rights, privileges, 

and/or lands to the Native American signatories. 

TREATY RIGHTS. Rights of land use retained by Native American tribes through treaty with the United 

States; such rights commonly include, but may not be limited to, hunting, fishing and gathering. 

TRESPASS. Any unauthorized use of public land.

TURBIDITY. Muddiness created by stirring up sediment or having foreign particles suspended. 

UNDERSTORY. Herbaceous plant components, including grasses and forbs, that grow beneath the 

overstory in stand of woody shrubs; or the herbaceous and woody shrubs growing beneath the overstory 

in a stand of trees.

UNGULATE. A hoofed mammal such as deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, cattle, or horses.

UPLAND. The portion of land located away from riparian and floodplain areas. 

UTILIZATION. The portion of forage that has been consumed (or destroyed) by livestock, wild horses, 

wildlife, and insects during a specified period. The term is also used to refer to a pattern of such use (43 

CFR 4100.0-5).
Glossary

G-21

UTILITY CORRIDOR. Tract of land varying in width forming passageway through which various 

commodities such as oil, gas, and electricity are transported.

VEGETATION SUB-GROUP (VSG). An aggregation of vegetation communities based on dominant 

vegetation, community structure, and management objectives. The following VSGs are used in the Draft 

Jarbidge RMP/EIS: Native Shrubland, Native Grassland, Non-Native Understory, Non-Native Perennial, 

Annual, and Unvegetated.

VEGETATION TREATMENT. Changing the characteristics of an established vegetation type for the 

purpose of improving rangeland forage or wildlife habitat resources. Treatments are designed for specific 

areas and differ according to the area’s suitability and potential. The most common land treatment 

methods alter the vegetation by chaining, spraying with pesticides, burning, and plowing, followed by 

seeding with well-adapted desirable plant species. 

VEGETATION TYPE. A plant community with immediately distinguishable characteristics based upon 

and named after the apparent dominant plant species.

VERTEBRATE. An animal having a backbone or spinal column.

VISITOR DAY. Twelve visitor hours that may be aggregated by one or more persons in single or multiple 

visits.

VISUAL RESOURCES. The visible physical features on a landscape, (topography, water, vegetation, 

animals, structures, and other features) that comprise the scenery of the area.

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 CLASSES. VRM classes identify the degree of acceptable visual 

change within a characteristic landscape. A classification is assigned to public lands based on the 

guidelines established for scenic quality, visual sensitivity, and visibility.

Class I. Provides primarily for natural ecological changes only. It is applied to wilderness areas, 

some natural areas, and similar situations where management activities are to be restricted.

Class II. Changes in the basic elements caused by a management activity may be evident in the 

characteristic landscape, but the changes should remain subordinate to the visual strength of the 

existing character. 

Class III. Contrasts to the basic elements caused by management activity may be evident and 

begin to attract attention in the landscape, but the changes should remain subordinate in the 

existing landscape.

Class IV. Contrasts may attract attention and be a dominant feature in the landscape in terms of 

scale, but the change should repeat the basic element of the characteristic landscape.

Class V. Applies to areas where the characteristic landscape has been so disturbed that 

rehabilitation is needed. Generally considered an interim short-term classification until 

rehabilitation or enhancement is completed.

WATER DEVELOPMENT. A structure that is constructed, placed, or secured within a water course that is 

intended to impound or divert surface flows from a natural drainage course.

WATERSHED. An area that collects and discharges runoff to a given point. It is often used synonymously 

with drainage basin or catchment.
Glossary

G-22

WETLAND. Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration 

sufficient to support, and which under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation 

typically adapted to life in saturated soil conditions.

WILD AND SCENIC RIVER CORRIDOR. Boundary of 0.25 mile from the ordinary high water mark on 

either side of the river.

WILDERNESS. An area formally designated by Congress as a part of the National Wilderness 

Preservation System.

WILDERNESS CHARACTERISTICS. Features of the land associated with the concept of wilderness that 

may be considered in land use planning when BLM determines those characteristics are reasonably 

present, of sufficient value (condition, uniqueness, relevance, importance) and need (trend, risk), and are 

practical to manage.

WILDERNESS STUDY AREA (WSA). An area inventoried, found to have wilderness characteristics, and

managed to preserve those characteristics under authority of the land use planning direction found in 

section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. 

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.

WILDLAND FIRE USE. A pre-planned vegetation treatment that involves taking advantage of a naturallyignited wildland fire in an area where fire would benefit resources. WFU would be conducted in specific 

areas needing treatment after a site-specific plan and NEPA analysis are completed and only if 

predetermined prescriptive parameters (e.g., weather/fire behavior) can be met. Until this planning and 

NEPA analysis are accomplished, wildland fires would be suppressed using an appropriate management 

response.

WILDLAND URBAN INTERFACE (WUI). The line, area or zone where structures and other human 

development meet or intermingle with undeveloped wildland or vegetative fuels.

WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT. All facilities necessary to the construction and generation of wind 

energy including, but not limited to, wind turbines, roads, transmission lines, and batch plants.

WINTER RANGE. An Idaho Department of Fish and Game definition that applies to elk and mule deer. 

That part of the overall range where 90% of the individuals are located during the average five winters out 

of ten from the first heavy snowfall to spring green-up, or during a site-specific period of winter.

WITHDRAWAL. Removal or “withholding” of public lands from operation of some or all of the public land 

laws (settlement, sale, mining, and or mineral leasing). An action that restricts the use or disposal of 

public lands, segregating the land from the operation of some or all of the public land and/or mineral laws 

and holding it for a specific public purpose. Withdrawals may also be used to transfer jurisdiction of 

management to other Federal agencies.