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.It- "...... ........ OJ1293 ' Management Decisions from March 1 through May 31 If necessary to protect wet solis. Fire Management. A total of 22,992 acres of public land will be managed under the fire sup- pression category and Identified as conditional suppression areas. A total of 1,185 acres will be managed under the flre-uss category whsre fire will be utilized as a management tool. Planned or natural Ignitions meeting pre-determlned prsscrlptlons will be allowed on these areas. MANAGEMENT UNIT 6 21,038 Acres of Public Surface; 4 percent Of the Planning Area Management Unit 6 Is the Gunnison Gorge WSA (CO-{)30-388). The WSA, totalling 21,038 acres, will be recommended as preliminarily suitable for wilderness designation. Until a final Congressional decision on wilderness designa- tion or non-deslgnatlon Is made, the Gunnison Gorge WSA will be managed according to the Wilderness Interim Management Polley anCl the Gunnison Gorge RAMP. During the wilderness Intensive Inventory, the Gunnison Gorge was determined to meet ths wilderness size rsqulrement of at least 5,000 acres, to be natural, and to provide outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive/uncon- fined recreation. The scenic and wilderness canyon complex of the area has received con- siderable publicity and public Interest. If desig- nated as wilderness by Congress, activities and land uses that are consistent with preserving the natural condition and wilderness character olthe area would be permitted. Air Quality. The management unit would be managed within federal air quality Class II guidelines unless the State of Colorado reclas- sifies the area, or other areas, as a result of pro- cedures prescribed In the Clean Air Act as amsnded In 1977. Under other state authorities, the Gunnison Gorge WSA Is currently managed \ Chapter Two as a Category I area where more restrictive sul- fur dioxide rsqulrements apply. 011 and Gas. Federal 011 and gas estats would be closed to future leasing. There are no pre- FLPMA leases In the WSA. Development of any post-FLPMA leases In would be permitted only If activities would result In no Impairment of wilder- ness characteristics. Locatable Mlnersls. The management unit would be closed to minerai entry and location ex- cept for pre-FLPMA claims determined to have valid discoveries. The majority of ths area (74 percent) Is presently withdraWn from minerai entry. Minerai Materials. Ths management unit would be closed to disposal of minerai materials. Solis snd Water Resources. Where natural recovery Is unlikely, deteriorated watershed con- ditions would be restored If life, property, or wilderness values are threatened, or If serious depreciation of Important environmental qualities outside the wilderness area Is evident. Revegetation efforts would be limited to use of native or naturalized species. Whenever feasible, non-motorized access and proJect development methods would bs required. Ap- proval olthe BLM Dlrsctor would be required for all watershed restoration projects. Threatened and Endangered Species. Threatened and endangered species research and habitat Improvement would be permitted If activities are consistent with protection of wilder- ness values. Habitat would be managed for federally-listed bald eagles and peregrine fal- cons and state-listed river otters. Recreation use would be restricted If necessary for the protec- tion of threatened and endangered species. Wildlife Habitat. Wildlife habitat would be managed to allow for natural distribution, num- bers, and Interaction of indigenous wildlife and fish species. Developed facilities, If necessary forthe continued existence or welfare of a wildlife 19