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> _.~ - . 0008J2 INTERHI MANAGEI1ENT GUIDELINES FOR POTENTJAL HILDERt!ESS AREAS .. , POLlCY It is the policy of BLM in Colorado to preserve the character of areas which contain roadless and wilderness characteristics while continuing multiple use activities to the extent p~ssible. Any type of development which would threaten potential wilderness values will not be allowed. This policy will continue until a) the wilderness inventory process determines that an area does not have wilderness characteristics. or b) an identified wilderness study area is declared unsuitable for wilderness by Congress. Wilderness study areas will be identified through a) EARs and ESs in which a minimum 5,000 acre tract with roadless and wilderness character- istics 1S identified (such tracts will be further inventoried and study area boundaries identified through the official wilderness inventory); and b) the official BUI wilderness inventory process (the \1ilderness inventory may be in support of a sc hedul ed BU1 p 1 anni ng conunitment or be an acce1erated wilderness inventory). Upon identification, wilderness study areas will be promptly reported to the State Director (931). Areas most susceptible to resource development, i.e., - where develop- ment potential ex.ists and demands are evident, will be given priority for accelerated wilderness inventories. PROCEDURES FOR I tiTER Hl t1ANAGEr.1ENT 1. New uses and actions that are under the discretion of the BLM can be approved if an EAR or ES shows that the impacts will not impair the suitability of an area for ~lilderness designation. :1itigative measures, such as design, rehabilitation or limitations on place and length of use may be applied to a proposed action to prevent impairment of an area's suitability for wilderness designation. If such activity(ies) can be terminated and/or the area will be left in such a condition that the suitability of the area for wilderness designation is not impaired, the action may be allowed. In decisions invol ving temporary.improvements, management must consider the relatively short period of tillle to amortize Federal and private investments, plus the cost of removal. 2. Upon determination that roadless and wilderness characteristics are present in an area, use levels as of October 21, 1976 will be determined. If increases in existing uses or proposed activities are expected to exceed tl~ October 21,1976 use level, a deter- mination must be made as to how these uses and proposed activities