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Al TERNATIVE 1 NPS NPS 3 BlM OPTION A (GGSRMA) OPTION B (GGNCA) DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE Provides for expan :ling the boundary of BlCA. The expansion would primarily include the Lower Gunnison Gorge situated between the west boundary of BlCA, and the confluen~ of the Gunnison and North Fork Rivers. Boundaries are defined by land lines. This expansion would increase the monument acreage to 45,936. Refer to *2 and *3. Provides for expanding the boundary of BlCA. The expansion would primarily include the Lower Gunnison Gorge situated between the confluen~ of the Gunnison and North Fork Rivers. Boundaries are defined by a combination of land lines and natural topographic features. This expansion would increase the monument acreage to 45,056. Refer to *2 and *3. Option A. This alternative takes in the same geographic area as the Gunnison Gorge Recreation Area. Under this alternative the area would be designated as the Gunnison Gorge Special Recreation Management Area (GGSRMA), which is the same as existing management. The land being considered under this option also includes the 22,Q78-acre area recommended for wilderness. Option B. Same as above with the exception that the area will be designated as the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. APPENDIX B AL TERNA TIVES MATRIX ACREAGE AFFECTED MANAGEMENT DIFFERENCES BlM PRIVATE OTHER AIR QUALITY VISUAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 24,543 627 Federal classification (Class II) would remain unchanged, unless redesignated Class I by State action. No change in allowable increment; no threat to economic development or to industries using best available controls. Management emphasis on maintaining natural scene. Within designated or potential wilderness areas, the preservation of wilderness character and resources is the primary management responsibility. Should Congress decide not to designate wilderness, YAM would be based on the concept of preservation. N/A 23,505 785 N/A Same as Alternative 1. Same as Alternative 1. 61,830 2,309 Visual resource class ranges from Oass I to V with Class I affording the most protection for scenery. The majority of the Gunnison Gorge is within a YAM Class II fiith management objectives to design projects with a low visual contrast. Area open to OR\! use managed as YAM Class IV. The Smith Fork and Red Canyon areas are Class III designation. N/A Same as Alternative 1. 61,830 2,309 Same as Alternative 1 Same as Alternative 3, Option A. N/A *1. The missions of the NPS & BlM are different and represent an important and necessary concept in the management of our nations resources. In reviewing each altemative, one must keep in mind that such differences often result in considerably different maf'agement guidelines. For reference purposes, the missions are as follows; *2 A change in status to National Park would not affect management. This is also basically true for NPS lands designated as wilderness. Any uses that could affect wilderness potential are identified under 'MANAGEMENT DIFFERENCES' column. This column also identifies management requirements that may impact use of the area if designated as wilderness. NPS MISSION Conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations. (Organic Act 1916) BlM MISSION '3. It is assumed that all BlM lands outside the boundaries of this alternative will continue to be managed 111 accordance With BLMs current Resource Management Plan. Provide for the protection (including fire suppression), orderly development, and use of the publiC lands and resources under principles of multiple use and sustained yield. (FlPMA 1976, Government Manual.)