The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) is the land classification system the Forest Service uses to describe recreation settings and opportunities across forest lands. ROS has six distinct classes in a continuum (primitive, semi-primitive non-motorized, semi-primitive motorized, roaded natural, rural, and urban) ranging from primitive and undeveloped settings to highly modified and developed settings. The level of access, development, and social encounters increases when moving from primitive to urban on the spectrum. The level of remoteness and solitude increases when moving from urban to primitive on the spectrum. The GMUG’s existing ROS was inventoried and mapped using the Forest Service’s National Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Inventory Mapping Protocol, a geographic information system (GIS) mapping procedure that identifies mapping criteria and provides repeatable instructions to inventory, map, and classify existing ROS settings. This National mapping protocol is used to reduce variations within and across Forest Service administrative boundaries and helps the agency effectively communicate recreation settings and opportunities on the Forest to the public. Using existing (inventoried) ROS as a starting point, the GMUG developed a working draft of desired ROS based on public comment, expert opinion, best available scientific information, and a need to address issues (FSH 1909.12 Chapter 20, section 23.23). The working draft was refined into Alternative B in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as well as additional Alternatives A, C, and D.  Alternative B became the Preferred Alternative in the Final EIS and Alternative A became the No Action Alternative. 

References

ESRI. 2011. ArcGIS Desktop: Release 10. Redlands, CA: Environmental Systems Research Institute.

USFS. 2019, August. National Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) Inventory Mapping Protocol. Technical Guide