Part III. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

A. Introduction

The management objectives will identify the setting, activity and experience opportunities to be applied in each of the management zones. The management objectives are based on criteria developed for the identification of Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classes. The management zones represent the synthesis of ROS inventory data, decisions in the RMP and RMP Amendment and the opportunities to supply a spectrum of recreation activities to the users of Samoa Dunes (Map 2)



B. Management Zone Objectives

Zone I (Open Riding Area)

This area encompasses approximately 140 acres of mostly accreted land formed as a result of the Humboldt Bay jetty construction. The vegetation is comprised almost exclusively of exotic, non- native plants (beach grass and lupine), and has undergone extensive landscape alterations involving heavy equipment that occurred during World War II. The area will be managed primarily to provide for a multitude of motorized recreation opportunities and activities, and is designated "open" to vehicle use.

Within this zone, the concentration of users will be moderate, encounters with other users will be frequent, and resource modification and utilization of natural resources will be evident. Modification of the characteristic landscape elements should not exceed Class III Visual Resource Management (VRM) class objectives.

Location of rights-of-way, utility corridors, management facilities, and other surface disturbing activities will be favored in this zone over placement in Zone II or Zone III. The consumption of natural resources will normally not be constrained.

Zone II (Wetland Protection Area)

This zone encompasses approximately 120 acres known as the Wetland Protection Area. Primary recreation activities managed for within this zone will include hiking, wildlife viewing and nature study. Motorized vehicle use is prohibited.

This area will be managed to be largely free from the evidence of man. Limited facilities for the administration of visitor use will be allowed, but off-site administration is encouraged. Project designs should stress protection of natural values. The area will be managed to maintain a good probability of experiencing minimum contact with others.

Use levels and management of renewable resources will be dependent on maintaining naturally occurring ecosystems.

On-site visitor management activities will stress protection of natural values, in harmony with the existing site conditions and project designs will be rustic in nature.

Zone III (Endangered Plant Protection Area)

This area encompasses approximately 40 acres known as the Endangered Plant Protection Area. The primary activities managed for within this zone include the restoration of natural dune ecosystems and scientific research. The area is closed to all public use, unless authorized by the BLM.

This zone will be managed to be essentially free from the evidence of human activity. The management of renewable resources will be dependent on maintaining natural ecosys tems . On-site visitor management activities will be designed in harmony with the existing ecological site conditions.


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