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(11'" "',.~'-, 0 I .... ~ Alternatives Including the Proposed Action fishing in a primitive backcountry recreation setting. Current use is estimated to be 4000 RUDs for the entire WSA. Of that about 75 percent occurs within the suitable area. This use is increasing at an estimated rate of about 5 percent annually. Based on an anticipated increase in visltor use after designation, more effort would be put into periodic trail maintenance, as well as visitor information and education. Recreational vehicle use is not permitted in the area and no additional closures will be necessary. The expected development of mineral resources. particularly In American Basin, would result ln the management of this area being directed toward providing a continuation of existing activities except in a setti ng that waul d be affected by motori zed use. The nonsuitable portion of this WSA would be managed to maintain a primitive backcountry setting for hikers, hunters, fi shermen, and photographers. In the areas of Snare Creek, Cuba Gulch, and Campbell Creek the expected mineral development woul d alter the setti ng to one i nf1 uenced by motorized Use. The recreation use will continue to center around the Cataract Gulch and Cuba Gulch trans which are used by hikers and hunters. These trails would be periodically maintained. The majority of the nonsuitab1e portion Is too steep to allow recreational vehicle use. The area Is currently closed to vehicles and no additional closures would be necessary. Roads that result from mineral development would be reevaluated to determine their suitability for vehicle oriented recreation. All Wilderness Alternative - The entire 1B,B60 acre Handies Peak WSA would be recommended as sui table for wil derness designation. Mineral Resource Development - Subject to valid existing rights, all lands within the 18.860 acres of the Handies Peak WSA wou1 d Handies Peak be withdrawn from appropriation under the mining and mineral leasing laws. Presently, there are approximately 200 mining claims with the majority concentrated in the western hal f of the WSA. Handies Peak is geologically similar to an adjacent highly productive area of the Eureka Mi ni ng Di stri ct. For the purposes of analysis, it was assumed that similar vein deposits also occur in Handies Peak. The information known about this WSA does indicate a high mineral potential in the western section for the location of base and precious metals, uranium, and two of the critical and strategic minerals. cobalt and nickel (See Appendix 3.81. For the purpose of analysis, one to three si gnificant underground mi nes woul d be developed in the Lake Fork drainage area. The larger of the significant mining operations would involve a total of 50 acres of surface di s turbance and the other two waul d 1 nvol ve no more than 25 acres each. New road construct; on waul d 1 nV'ol ve a maximum length of 3 miles (5 acres 1 per mine. Development is anticipated on private land west of the Shelf Road in the eastern portion of the WSA for base and precious minerals. The mine would disturb from 5 to 15 surface acres. No exploration activities would take place. Recreation - Recreation management for this area, as outlined in the Recreation Area Management Plan, call s for the mai ntenance of a primitive back country recreational setting to provide opportunities for mountain climbing, nature study. hunting. fishing. photography, and hiking. The current 4000 RUDs In the Handles Peak wilderness Is expected to increase by g percent annually and more effort woul d be put into periodi c tra il mai ntenance, trailhead signing. and visitor information and education. The area Is currently closed to recreational vehicles and no additional closures would be necessary. 21