In 1978, the BLM began reviewing the lands it administered to ascertain which of them possessed wilderness characteristics, as defined in the Wilderness Act (1964). This review was conducted in each State in three phases: Inventory, Study and Reporting.  The documents below reflect the work completed during Phase II (Study). 

The BLM studied alternatives for designating wilderness study areas (WSAs) as all wilderness, partially wilderness or no wilderness.  This information is found in the studies linked below.

Great Rift Proposed Wilderness | 1980

North Idaho MFP Amendment | 1983

Shoshone-Sun Valley Proposed MFP Amendment | 1985

Big Lost Pahsimeroi Wilderness | 1986

Challis Proposed MFP Amendment | 1986

Eastern Idaho Proposed MFP Amendment | 1986

Jarbidge Wilderness | 1987

Lemhi Resource Area - Eighteenmile Wilderness | 1987

Monument Wilderness | 1987

Medicine Lodge Wilderness | 1988

Statewide Small WSAs | 1989 


The WSAs in the studies below have either been designated as Wilderness or released from WSA status.  

  Owyhee Wilderness Proposed MFP Amendment | 1986 
  Jacks Creek Wilderness | 1989 
  Owyhee Canyonlands Wilderness | 1989