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Windsor said there is subsidence associated with taking oil and gas or coal from an area. Withdrawal is a good way to protect the landowners from such an occurrence. She also said the originally small oil and gas wells in La Plata County are now growing into large ones and creating a major visual disturbance. Various sentiments about mineral withdrawal : • It should be considered. • Have it on a broad area. • It could be a trade-off for no WSR or could be used with WSR. • Work with private landowners on deed restriction to keep mineral development from occurring on adjoining private lands. • The Forest Service gravel pit on the West Fork should remain. • Use existing planning tools(federal and county). • Protect water quality, scenery, geology, private property rights, land values. Marsha said there is clearly not consensus to support a WSR designation, so she thinks a key issue is whether those who desire WSR status believe that any of these other tools are adequate to replace it. If so, there is a good chance the group could come to consensus on one or more of those tools. Another question is whether there is a tool to replace WSR that is acceptable to the private landowners. She said the group needs to think about these questions before the next meeting. Advisory council: John said he and three other people met Jan. 20 to discuss how an advisory council for the San Juan watershed should be created. He said the group agreed such a council would have merit thought it could be formed by the Southwestern Conservation District.The group originally said only the East and West Forks would be covered, but then thought maybe there should be a separate, additional council or additional members of the council to work on the Piedra River as well.John said the group thought the Forest Service would be involved in the council in an advisory capacity but not as a member of the council.John said the council could serve as a liaison with the agency and could help make the Forest Service aware of concerns and opportunities related to the landscape. Windsor asked whether there would be a larger regional council.John said it's possible when the River Protection Workgroup circles back, a guiding body may be created.That was not discussed by his small group. Windsor said it would be good to be able to join together to protect each river basin. Marsha said the RPW Steering Committee may want to talk about the idea of having different councils locally in the long term. Marsha said the idea of an advisory council was originally discussed as an alternative to WSR and asked if that was OK.John said it would be helpful to have a council in place whether or not there is a WSR designation. Windsor said a council would not give permanent protection by itself. Mark said two particular words, "consensus" and "advice",trigger some legal concerns under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA)of 1972.The act is designed to ensure that special segments of the population do not unduly influence the federal government. Mark said if the 4