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<br />O)J983 <br /> <br />existing mineral properties and rights. Also, subject to existing valid <br />rights, the right to make new mineral entries could be administratively <br />withdrawn. However, no authority exists for then making the minerals <br />available under conditions that would protect the other key values. <br /> <br />Under Options #2 and #3, subject to existing valid rights, the <br />Area could be withdrawn from the General Mining Laws under special <br />management arrangements. Unlike the existing authorities of Option #1, <br />these latter options would permit development of regulations and pro- <br />cedures which could include provision for a mineral leasing system <br />prescribing standards to minimize the conflicts between mining and the <br />recreation, wilderness, and scenic resources. <br /> <br />Also, under these latter options, where development of private lands <br />or interests is proposed which is incompatible with local zoning and <br />with the objectives established for the Area, the Secretary could be <br />authorized to acquire lands or land interests by condemnation, if <br />necessary, if the owner persists in proceeding contrary to the appli- <br />cable zoning regulations. <br /> <br />The Secretary of Agriculture is presently authorized to acquire <br />land or land interests, including scenic easements, for public purposes <br />on a willing seller basis. <br /> <br />State and political subdivisions thereof would continue to exercise <br />civil and criminal jurisdiction and the right of taxation within the <br />area. <br /> <br />Conclusion <br /> <br />This review of the Wilson Mountains and Uncompahgre Primitive Areas <br />and contiguous lands of the Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests <br />identified the resources of wilderness, recreation and minerals as key <br />to its manaqement. That is, within the Review Area, the value of these <br />resources, both locally and Nationally, warrant finding methods to make <br />their concurrent management feasible, and that private lands within this <br />Area should be developed only in harmony with these key values. <br /> <br />Alternative #4 represents the better Alternative, of the four <br />identified, to assure the compatible management of the wilderness, <br />recreation, and mineral values on public land. Its successful imple- <br />mentation would be dependent on additional coordinated land-use planning <br />and regulations to enhance the Area's inherent values and protect the <br />private and public interests. <br /> <br />-12- <br />