This paper describes the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) system, a framework for establishing acceptable and appropriate resource and social conditions in recreation settings. The LAC has been developed in response to the need of managers for a means of coping with increasing demands on recreational areas in a visible, logical fashion. The LAC also represents a reformulation of the recreational carrying capacity concept, with the primary emphasis now on the conditions desired in the area rather than on how much use an area can tolerate. The LAC is not a new idea. It is, however, the latest step in a continuing effort to improve wildland recreation management through definition of more explicit, measurable objectives. Nine steps are involved in the overall process.tions employed, alerting managers to the need to consider more rigorous application or the use of other measures.To demonstrate how these nine steps can lead to an effective management program, a hypothetical case example is described.

During the period between 1650 least 32 fires occurred in Itasca and 1922 at State Park. Twenty-one of these fires were of major consequence. A fire occurred on the average of every 8.8 yr with “major” fires every 10.3 yr. Any specific location in the park was affected by fire about every 22 yr.Individual burns varied in size from 580 acres to approximately 31,960 acres (99% of the park). Sixteen of the 21 “major” fires resulted in the regeneration of pine forests.

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During a 3-year study in western larch (Larix occidentalis)-Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests of northwestern Montana, 273 active nest trees of 20 hole-nesting bird species were located. Stands with major components of old-growth western lurch, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), or black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) supported the highest density and diversity of hole-nesters. On commercial forests, managers should maintain units of old growth and prepare silvicultural prescriptions that will provide continuing replacement in the future.