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nj~5:3 Wi}d~ rnes s~vailabiJ.i ty_ This criterion evaluates the potential value of the area as a wilder- ness compared to the potential value of the area for other resource values foregone. The issues identified relate to this criterion -- the value oE potential mineral development, water development and non- wilderness recreation opportunities compared to the area's value as wilderness. This criterion also evaluates existing constraints or encumberance on the land and the effect of wilderness designation on adjacent lands. Wilderness need ----- This criterion involves evaluation of other wilderness in the general location, visitor pressure on the other wilderness, other abilities to provide primitive and unconfined recreation, ability of plant and animal species to compete with human activities in less primitive surroundings and the ability to protect identifiable landform types ani ecosystems. One additional aspect of the "need" analysis was adjed to the study as a result of public comment on the Draft Environ- mental Impact Statement - whether or not .the Oh-Be-Joyful Study Area is needed for wilderness designation as an integral part of the RaJgeds Wilderness. This is a legislatively mandated review, so the scope of the issues ad- dressed is limited, in accordance with the legislation, to those relat,~d to the suitability or unsuitability of the ah-Be-Joyful Wilderness Study .\rea for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The reVL€W is being done in accordance with the draft Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1924 - Wilderness designation. The review is documented in this environ- mental impact statemellt. Public input from a variety of sourCE~S was used to identify isslles in the scoping process. Following publication of the Draft Environmen:al Impact Statement, there was a GO-day pUblic review period. Public hearings were held to consider the recommended action in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. A summary of public comment received is included as Appendix F of the FElS. The summary includes a series of general Forest Service responses, letters representing public comment, and specific responses to these letters. Public response heavily favored the suitable alternative. The recommended alternative pertaining to the suitability or unsuitability for inclusion of the Study Area in the National Wilderness Preservation System will be documented in a Record of Decision which will be sent to those who have expressed interest in the review. Alternatives COllsidered - ------ -.-------------- Two main alternati'/es were considered in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement: (1) recommendation of the entire Study Area as suitable for wilderness designat'ion and (2) recommendation of the entire Study Area as unsuitable for wilderness designation. The unsuit3ble alternative was considered to be the current management direction from the East River Land Management PIal'. "hree additiollal alternatives were added to the study in iii