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. 'aD2~~5 '. require authorization through a separate environmental analysis, which would in turn require cultural inventory. Cultural sites discovered and recorded through cultural inventory would be evaluated for eligibility [0 the National Register of Historic Places, and protected, avoided or mitigated. Appropriate ccnsultations would be completed with the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Programmatic Agreement, and the Colorado SHPOIBLM Protocol. FLOODPLAINS, WETLANDS, RIPARIAN ZONES, AND ALLUVIAL VALLEYS (Colorado Standards (or Public Land He:llth. Stand~d #2 and wetland vege[.uion inform:uion for Standard #3) Affected Environment: Most of the acquired lands have not been extensively invemoried for wetland values. As part of the rangeland health assessments. some of the areas were assessed for Land Health Standard #2 and wetland vegetation components of Standard #3. Parcels that have been assessed are: MP-3, MP-5, MP-6. MP-7, MP-l!, NP-2, and NP-3. The assessed parcels were meeting the Land Health Standards, except parcel NP-3. Most of the areas support sedge-rush communities. except parcel MP-7 which supports a willow- sedge community. Parcel NP-2 does not actually contain a riparian area but is part of an allotment that contains Government Creek. which has been heavily impacted by cattle and ORVs. Parcel NP-3 contains a portion of Soap Creek and its tributary/irrigation ditch. which have been severely impacted by transporting large diversions of irrigation water. The natural channel was not designed to carry such flows and is now in a non-functioning condition. The rest of the parcels have the potential for wetland or riparian values, and would probably be eventually assessed as part of the grazing pennit renewal process or other proposed land use action. Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action: The proposed land use priorities could all be compatible with floodplains. wetlands, riparian zones. and alluvial valleys. Management actions on the proposed land use priorities could .involve activities that would negatively impact floodplains, wetlands. riparian zones. and alluvial valleys. When specific land use proposals are reviewed, Federal laws require protection of these resources and they must be compatible. The proposed designations alone would not generally impact these values. Sulphur Gulch would not be designated for a water land use priority, although it is a manageable stretch of stream. Due to its high salt content and warm temperatures, the stream would not be managed for water quality in the traditional sense. The unique environment created by the springs. however, does support two unique riparian plant communities that are not generally found on the west slope. Parcel MP-3 contains several of the seeps that feed Sulphur Gulch and support this riparian community. Parcel MP-4 contains a portion of Sulphur Gulch. NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS CONCERNS Affected Environment: There are no known Native American religious, traditional use or burial locations within the acquired lands. However. no cultural resource inventories have been completed that could serve [0 assist in the identification of these resources. Environmental Consequences of Proposed Action: Assigning land use priorities to acquired lands would not affect Native American religious, traditional use or burial locations. Site specific actions taken as a result of acquisition and assignment of land use priorities would require authorization through a separate 7