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I....'. /" .,~J ~.~ , :-11: ;, i; , ,. { "'~ ~~ ,t .~ ,~ .~ j , IJ Ie I , The proximity of the WSA boundary to the Rainbow Trail, with two-wheel motorized use makes the lower portion of this part of the WSA subj ect to the influence of this use. The Hayden Pass and Medano Pass four-wheel drive roads cross through the WSA and divide the WSA into three separate portions and are significant external impacts because the boundary closely parallels these routes. The WSA boundary has been located on United States Geological Survey topographic maps and can be described and located on-the-ground. However, the boundary generally crosses major drainages from point to point and does not follow readily recognizable features such as divides or streams. Therefore, unless it is posted and maintained, it will not be apparent to the wilderness visitor. Much of the boundary is on slopes that do not consititute a recognizable barrier to prohibit or act as a shield to protect the wilderness environment. The boundary of the Bureau of Land Mangement, Papa Keal unit is on a land status boundary. To effectively manage the area as wilderness, it would be beneficial to change to a geographic boundary at about the 8,200 foot elevation leve 1. The boundary provides opportunities for transportation access and trailhead facilities. The primary consideration is access from public travel routes to National Forest or Bureau of Land Management lands. 2. Wilderness Availability National Forest System Land determined to meet wilderness capability requirements is generally available for consideration as wilderness. It is, however, conditioned by the value and need for the wilderness resource, compared to the value and need for other resources. To be considered available, wilderness designation must represent the highest and best use of the land over the long run. 92 n ..'... 'Y'"'(' .. ",;...1)1.