WSP00531 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Alternatives Including the Proposed Action Sunshi ne Peak, and parall el s the road right-of-way; and on the west parallels the WSA boundary which is a topograph;c feature. The wllderness part of this alternative includes extensive deer, elk, and bighorn sheep habitat, as well as numerous canyons, rf dges, and peak.s of the Redcloud Peak unit. Hineral Resource Development - Subject to val id existing rights, all land within 37.530 acres of the Redcloud WSA recommended as sui tabl e woul d be withdrawn from appropriation under the mining and mineral leasing laws. It is assumed that under the Hanageabll ity Alternative alunite would not be developed. In the Sllver and Cooper Creek area, two private landowners have expressed a strong interest in developing a total of 3 mines on their private land. Assuming two of the three mines are successful, the surface di s turbance woul d be limited to no more than 5 acres per mine. The Federal land is heavlly staked with mining claims throughout the Sil ver and Cooper Creek areas. Due to the capital needed and the economics involved in developing a successful mining operation, most claimants with valid existing rights would probably sell their claim to a consolidated interest. This interest would develop an underground mine in the area involving a surface di sturbance of 5 to 15 acres. Each of these mines would require 1 to 3 miles (2-5 acres) of road construction. Two small underground mines with a surface disturbance of 5 to 15 acres would also be developed outside the northern boundary of the suitable area. There is no mineral development anticipated on the remaining nonsuitable acreage. Wll derness designation would preclude further exploration for economic deposits of minerals other than those claims with valid existing rights within its boundaries. 18 Redcloud Peak Recreation In this alternative all suitable acreage would be managed to maintain a primitive backcountry setting to provide opportunities for hiking, hunting, fishing, photography, and mountain climbing. Approximately 95 percent of the estimated current 5000 RUDs occur in this portion of the WSA. The anticipated 9 percent increase 1n number of recreationists would require increased efforts in visitor information and education. The Silver and Cooper Creek trall 5, which now receive the majority of use, would be periodically maintained and tollet facllities would be placed at the Silver Creek trallhead. Additional trails would be developed in Alpine Gulch to spread out visitor use and to take advantage of the unused recreation potential of that area. Recreation vehicles are not currently permitted in this area and no additional closures would be necessary. The mineral development for the Silver and Cooper Creek drainages would result in access roads being developed into these areas. Roads resulting from this develop- ment would not be open to recreational vehicles. An alternative trall to Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks coul d be developed via Bent Creek. Nonsuitable acreage under this alternative would be managed to maintain a primitive backcountry setting. Some mineral development is anticipated along the northern boundary" but very li ttl e recreation use occurs here and no management actions are necessary. This area is currently closed to recreation vehicles and no further closures are necessary. Conflict Resolution Alternative II Under this alternative 11,140 acres would be recommended as suitable for wil derness designation (see Hap 1-2). The northern