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ANALYSIS OF THE DIFFERENCES IN RESOURCE AREAS AND ACTIVITIES WHICH WOULD OCCUR UNDER TWO MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES FOR THESE LANDS- WILDERNESS DESIGNATION OR NON-WILDERNESS MANAGEMENT FOR THE ENTIRE AREA Wilderness Management Non-Wilderness Management Wilderness 87,755 acres would be preserved and protected in their natural condition as an enduring resource of Wilderness for this and future generations, where the forces of nature are allowed to operate freely; and be devoted to the public purposes of recreational scenic, scientific, educational. conservation, and historical use. The area's Wilderness character would gradually disappear from the lower eleva- tions of the area; however, the above- timberline area and smaller pockets of wilderness resource would continue to be available for use in the rougher more re- mote portions of the area throughout the foreseeable future. Recreation This area would be managed without comfort or convenience facilities to pro- vide continuing challenges and opportuni- ties for users to test their outdoor skills. Opportunities for primitive and uncon- fined types of recreation would continue to exist; however, management efforts will be directed toward dispersing and other- wise contolling this use to prevent degra- dation of the wilderness resource. Use will be limited to that amount which can be accommodated without permanent im- provements and without loss of solitude. Motorized and mechanical equipment, such as snowmobiles, scooters, 4-wheel drive vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles, would be excluded. ,~( ,. .,~ '... Recreation sites could be inventoried for extensive development for motor- based recreationists on the lower eleva- tion lands if economical road access could be provided. The recreation capacity of these lower elevation lands could be greatly increased through the installation of toilets, fire grills, water systems and other permanent improvements to manage people and to protect the sites. Some portions of the area could be opened to use by motorized recreation equipment. such as snowmobiles and trail scooters. Facilities, such as tabtes, shelters, cor- rals, and even chalets, could be installed in the higher elevations to enable people with lesser outdoor skills to enjoy this outstanding scenery. 16 J