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u...... __ ....... 'nl 1.1..... c....... I .1 .. Ul,.11 VU4UI\!lUU u I n J C Vr v r n^ nu, ,JUJ c...:JV JO.)"t I,Uv \3\\1338 . . . Of the nineteen hundred plus commenrs, the majority simply indicated either desire to see more wilderness or were opposed to further wilderness designations. The more substantive comments are now being analyzed in detail by field offices to determine if existing plans adequately address Miura! values identified and whether plan amendments arc appropriate to address resource use and development. If an existing plan docs nO! adequately address the issues and values identifIed in any of these areas, the 13LM will initiate a plan amendment process. That process will be conducted undcr the authority of Section 202 of FLPMA. with full public mvol vement and in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. B LM recognizes the existence of oil and gas development in several of the areas. Valid existing rights will continue to be honored according to the lease terms and applicable law. However, proposals for action where BLM has discretion, and which may cause irreversible and irretrievable impacts, will conlinue to be held in abeyance until each action can be reviewed through this process. . This summer we will make decisions about each of the six areas. Possible options include: Affum that the existing RMP is adequate and no additional protection is required for all or part of an area; Initiate the RMP amendment process to further study specific acreage within an area If an amendment is initiated, the decisions that could be made as a result include: . -Affinn existing management; -Provide additional prOlCction within an area with a specific designation, such as an Area of Cridcal Environmental Concern, no surface occupancy, or off-highway vehicle closure; . Identify nil or part of an area as a wilderness SLUUY cuea, and to proteCt the wilderness values under the Bureau's Interim Management Policy and Guidelines for Lands Under Wilderness Review. The Congress, through the legislative process. makes the final decision about which areas should be designated wilderness. Weare working very hard to meet the challenge of finding a fair and equitable solution that will meet the needs of users of the public lands, the communities, and the American public. This review process exemplifies an interdisciplinary and public examination of the landscapes, the capacities. the resource conditions. the importance of history and culture. and its place both today and tomorrow. . I would like to acknowledge the local BLM field managers who have worked with the public on this is~ue and who manage these lands and resources: Mark MOISe, District Manager. Grand IWlction and Craig Districts Mike Mottice, Field Manager, Glenwood Springs John Husband, Field Manager, Craig Catherine Robertson, Field Manager, Grand Junction John Mehlhoff. Field Manager. Meeker This concludes my prepared statement. J will be happy to answer any questions you may have. 3