Minimum Requirements Analysis

About the MRDG

How to Download Documents
MRDG documents are available for download in Microsoft Word format. You should be prompted to either open or save the document once you click on the link (this depends on your local computer settings, however). You can also right click on the document links on this page and select "Save Target As" to save the document to your local computer.

How to Fill Out Worksheets
Type text into the spaces provided on the worksheets. To check or uncheck a checkbox, double-click it and select "Checked" or "Not checked" under the heading marked "Default Value" in the options window, then click OK. Once you have finished filling out a worksheet, save it to your computer by selecting "Save As..." from the "File" menu.

Conducting a minimum requirements analysis follows the direction of both law and agency policy and helps land managers make informed decisions. Although there are a number of different minimum requirements forms available for use, the form referenced here is the Minimum Requirements Decision Guide, or MRDG, developed by the interagency Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center. In addition to the documents provided here, the Carhart Center also offers a free Minimum Requirements Analysis online training course.

Minimum Requirements Decision Guide, 2009 Revision

This revised Minimum Requirements Decision Guide (MRDG) is designed to assist wilderness managers in making stewardship decisions. Units with special provisions mandated by legislation subsequent to the Wilderness Act of 1964 must insure full consideration of these other legal requirements. Wilderness managers in Alaska must insure that their decisions are in accordance with the provisions of ANILCA.

See the directions in the box at the right for downloading documents and filling out forms.

Process Outline
Provides a brief outline of the MRDG process.
Overview
Provides general information on the origin of the MRDG process, how to use it, and how it relates to emergencies, NEPA, planning.
Instructions
Provides guidance on how to fill out worksheets.
Worksheets
Provides a form that all agencies can use to display and compare proposed alternatives and document decisions.
Agency Guidelines
Provides additional agency-specific guidance, if necessary, or desired.
Case Study Examples
Alaska Supplement
Provides assistance in adapting the use of the MRDG to Alaska’s wilderness units with respect to the Wilderness Act of 1964 (PL 88-577) and Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), as amended, (PL 96-487).
AFWA Minimum Requirement Decision Process Outline
Outlines the Minimum Requirements Decisions Process for certain proposed projects within wilderness proposed by State fish and wildlife agencies.