This dataset provides descriptive and location information for the Sierra National Forest Land Management Plan 2023 Sustainable Recreation Management Areas. Management Areas, sometimes called Land Allocations or Prescriptions, are required as part of a Land Management Plan (LMP), often referred to as Forest Plan. These plans detail how certain areas or land types will be managed.

Destination Recreation Area: These areas have high levels of recreation, supported by more facilities, amenities, and services than other areas. Iconic destinations or well-known attractions attract visitors to specific locations (areas such as Lake Edison and Florence Lake). Destination recreation areas provide the most developed recreation opportunities in the national forest. The public will find high densities of visitors with a variety of opportunities available. Destination recreation areas emphasize such facilities as roads, parking lots, and restrooms. Conservation education and interpretation focus on developing a land ethic as part of the recreation experience.

General Recreation Area: These areas are less developed, with fewer facilities, amenities, and services than destination recreation areas. General recreation areas provide opportunities for a range of activities for visitor participation, with moderate levels of use. Over time, general recreation areas may become more developed, if necessary, to accommodate changing use levels and types and to protect resources. In general recreation areas, multiple uses, other than recreation, are more evident than in destination recreation areas and in backcountry terrain recreation areas. Recreationists may be near areas with working landscapes, maintained for multiple uses. These are areas where there are such multiple uses as fuelwood gathering, vegetation management, livestock grazing, utility infrastructure, and mining. Some lands may be modified to meet social, economic, and ecological objectives.

Backcountry Terrain Recreation Area: These areas are undeveloped, natural, and suited for dispersed motorized and nonmotorized recreation use, including more challenging activities. Backcountry terrain recreation areas (BTRAs) are maintained for low visitor use and density. They are generally in remote areas with few amenities and limited recreation management. Backcountry terrain recreation areas may overlap with inventoried roadless areas and the Forest Service may allow the continuation of such multiple uses as fuelwood gathering, vegetation management, livestock grazing, existing utility infrastructure, and mining. Backcountry terrain recreation areas provide opportunities for motorized and nonmotorized uses that are challenging, due to terrain and low density of roads and trails. Use levels are low and users are spread out, minimizing opportunities for conflict.