All other direction from existing plans would continue. Direction in Alternative 1 would apply to areas not covered by interim direction. Updates existing Forest Service or BLM plans in response to changing conditions. Minimizes changes to local plans, addressing only priority conditions that most hinder effectiveness or legal conditions. Provides a broader dimension and more integrated management regarding priority large-scale issues than Alternative 1 or 2.
Priority is placed on forest, rangeland, and watershed health.
Actions are designed to produce economic benefits whenever practical. Takes a slower, more cautious approach than other alternatives and implies the use of experimental processes, local research, and extensive monitoring. Emphasizes reducing risks to ecological integrity and species viability by establishing a system of reserves on Federal lands. Reserves are selected for representation of vegetation and rare animal species. Management activities are limited within reserves and increase with distance away from reserve boundaries.