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ALTERNATIVES FOR MANAGEMENT BASIS FOR FORMULATING ALTERNATIVES Considering the interest in the general area by the BlM and the NPS, in view of the values the area offers in complementing existing Federal ownerships and management programs, alternatives for management were narrowed down to only those involving the two Federal Agencies. This rationale is further reinforced by the fact that both Agencies are represented locally with supporting infrastructure essential to properly and effectively administer the area. For the same reason, it was also determined there would be no real advantage in designating the lands as being under the administration of one Federal Agency yet managed by the other. Furthermore, each Agency is currently managing similar resources nationwide. The primary area of concern as reflected in the legislative mandate to conduct this study involves the Gunnison River Gorge area downstream from the monument boundary. As indicated in the Analysis of Significance section of this document, the first responsibility in developing alternatives for boundary expansion is to determine if significant resources are present that relate to the purpose for which a park unit was established. Upon making such a determination, boundary alternatives developed to include such resources should also reflect any additional lands needed to properly administer the resources as well as provide for visitor use. Based on the preceding, it was determined that only those lands included in Alternatives 1 and 2 of this document actually qualified for addition to the monument. This rationale is further reinforced from the standpoint that there is an extensive and diverse multiple use interest particularly in those lands adjacent to the boundaries identified in Alternatives 1 and 2. Such interest included development of oil and gas resources, 188 mining claims, community borrow pits (bentonite), salinity control projects, water impoundment for livestock, extensive semi-primitive and primitive roads which have invited use by off-road- vehicles (ORVs), off-trail-motorcycles, and touring bicycles. Extensive use of firearms is also evident in vandalism to signs and other forms of property. In comparison to those lands included in Alternatives 1 and 2, the adjacent lands also represent the most accessible and productive for supporting grazing activities. Considering these factors, the NPS, with assistance from BlM, has identified three alternatives for the management of those lands within the study area. In general, Alternatives 1 and 2 represent modification to the boundary of BlCA, which would include all of the lower Gunnison Gorge area. Alternative 3, represents management by the BlM. Alternative 3 also identifies two management options for the BlM. In alternatives where the boundary of the national monument is modified to include other lands, a determination was made that the added lands would be feasible to administer considering the size, configuration, ownership, cost, outside threats, and other factors that would possibly impact management and administration of the subject land. All evidence 19