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.~r:7r;~ Alternatives Including the Proposed Action Mineral Resource Development - Subject to val id existing rights. all land within these boundaries would be withdrawn from appropriation under the mining and mineral leasing laws. Presently. there are 44 mining claims scattered throughout this WSA. Due to the capital needed and economics involved in developing a successful mining operation, claimants with valid existing rights would probably sell their claim to a consolidated interest. This consolidated interest would develop a medium underground operation in the high mineral potential area involving a disturbance of up to 5 acres for surface activities. An additional 10 acres would be used as a waste dump for the mine and a maximum length of 5 miles (8 acres) for new road construction to the mine. The minerals mined would most likely be a combination of precious and associated base mineral sand uranium. No exploration actiVity would be allowed. There are 10 acres within this WSA boundary owned by the State of Colorado. If development should occur. no surface disturbance is anticipated, since it is expected to be underground mi ni ng and the portals would be located on non-Federal surface outside the WSA. Recreation - Recreation management for this area would be coordinated with the management of the adjacent Forest Service 8ig Blue Wilderness. This would provide opportunities for hiking, hunting, nature study, camping, and photography in a primitive backcountry setting. No recreational vehicle use is currently permitted so no additional closures will be necessary. The current use of 1500 RUDs would be expected to increase by about g percent annually. Projected mineral development in the area American Flats of hi gh mi neral potenti al will change the recreation setting to one influenced by motorized use but the area will remain closed to recreation vehicles. No Wilderness Alternative (No Action) The entire American Flats WSA would be recommended nonsuitable for designation as wilderness. Mineral Resource Development - All land within this study area would remain open to appropriation under the mining and mineral leasing laws. Presently. there are 44 mining claims scattered throughout this WSA. Mining development would be located in the high mineral potential area. Claimants with valid existing rights are predicted to sell their claim to a consol idated interest that coul d develop a small underground mine i nvol ving surface operations that would disturb up to 5 acres. An additional 10 acres could be needed for a waste dump and up to an additional 5 miles (8 acres) of new road constructi on woul d take pl ace. The minerals mined would most likely be a combination of precious metals, associated base minerals, and uranium. This would include, but not be limited to, gold, s11 ver, copper, zinc, molybdenum, and lead. Since the area win remain open to mineral entry, it is anticipated that there would be a continuation of new claims being staked in the high mineral potential areas of the WSA. Approximately 10-20 acres would be disturbed as a result of exploration activity in these high potential areas. The 10 mineral acres administered by the State of Colorado are located in the nonsuitable acreage. If development of this acreage should occur, no disturbance is anticipated since it is expected to be underground mining and the portals would be located outside the WSA. Recreation - In the absence of wilderness 25