Laserfiche WebLink
<br />. i-~4'rj . <br />The evaluation resulted in the identification of three alternatives for management of the <br />resources involved. Alternatives 1 and 2 constitute expansion of the BLCA. In general, <br />Alternatives 1 and 2 include that portion of the Gunnison Gorge between the west <br />boundary of BLCA and the confluence of the Gunnison and North Fork Rivers, Alternative <br />2 differs from Alternative 1 in that it takes advantage of topographic features for portions <br />of the boundary. <br /> <br />Alternative 1 would constitute an expansion of 25,170 acres, bringing the total monument <br />acreage to 45,936. Alternative 2 would constitute an expansion of 24,290 acres, which <br />would bring the total monument acreage to 45,056. <br /> <br />Alternative 3 represents continued management by the BLM. This Alternative <br />encompasses the entire 64, 139-acre Gunnison Gorge Recreation Area (GGRA), which is <br />subdivided into the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Study Area (WSA) and those lands <br />outside the WSA but within the GGRA. The BlM has identified two options for managing <br />the GGRA, which primarily represent name changes only. These designations are <br />Gunnison Gorge Special Recreation Management Area (GGSRMA), and Gunnison Gorge <br />National Conservation Area (GGNCA). Neither of these designations would effect the <br />current wilderness or scenic river recommendations. The differences between the two <br />designations would be in the subtle emphasis that may develop on a broader scale, <br />resulting from either the conservation or special recreation management label. <br /> <br />, <br />I <br />I <br />I <br /> <br />FUTURE ACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS <br /> <br />In view of congressional interest for the National Park Service to evaluate the ieasibility 01 <br />up-grading the status of the national monument to that of national park, it was determined <br />that implementation of Alternative 1 or 2 would be the key to justifying such action, <br />considering the degree of diversity in resources and opportunities for public enjoyment. <br /> <br />In general, the major steps involved in passing legislation to change a boundary of a <br />national park unit and/or modify its status would first require enough congressional <br />interest to sponsor such a bill. Following the introduction of the bill to Congress and after <br />extensive review and deliberation, it must pass the committees in both the House and <br />Senate and then the full House and full Senate. Following this, the President of the United <br />States may then sign the bill i':lto law. <br /> <br />The extensive review process, which would take place at all levels of both the Senate and <br />House, could involve public hearings in Washington, D.C., and in the vicinity of the lands <br />being considered. Provisions to expand a boundary of a national park unit as well as <br />change its status may appear in the same legislation. <br /> <br />2 <br />