How are wilderness characteristics addressed in the plan?
Wilderness characteristics such as solitude, primitive recreation, and naturalness are a part of the land use planning process and will be addressed along with all other resource values and uses. While BLM will not designate additional Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) in the planning process, the agency will consider new information on resource values and uses, including wilderness characteristics. Approximately 532,852 acres of existing WSAs will continue to be managed under the Interim Management Policy for Lands under Wilderness Review, (IMP) until Congress either designates them into the National Wilderness Preservation System or releases them from further wilderness study. The plan will establish OHV designations for the WSAs that are consistent with the IMP. How the WSAs will be managed should Congress release them from wilderness study is also considered. Non-WSA lands with or likely to have wilderness characteristics are also considered during planning. Management of natural chara
