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O~2;SJg mitigate any impacts to heritage resources. In addition to these actions, at least 125 sites are monitored annually for any adverse effects or vandalism. Because of the protections afforded under various laws, adverse effects to heritage resources are minimal. Research natural areas (RNAs). RNAs are established to maintain areas of natural ecosystems and areas of special ecological significance. The Forest currently shares one RNA (Hoosier Ridge) with the Pike National Forest Fifteen potential RNAs have been identified for possible inclusion into the system. These range in size from 1,420 to 24,450 acres. The number and vegetation representation of proposed RNAs varies depending on the theme of each alternative. Alternative B proposes no additional RNAs; Alternative E proposes four additional RNAs, totalling 60,000 acres; Alternative F proposes seven additional RNAs, 69,300 acres; Alternative C proposes nine additional RNAs, 87,300 acres; Alternative 0 proposes 12 additional RNAs, 106,100 acres; and Alternative I proposes 15 additional RNAs, 129,600 acres. Scenic byways. Parts of three scenic and historic byways pass through the Forest These byways promote scenic and historic values along their routes. Forest lands along the byways can be allocated with an emphasis on the same values as the byways. Alternatives Band F offer the least support to this emphasis while Alternatives E and C offer the most Caves. Within the boundaries of the Forest is a significant concentration of caves with resources that are essentially non-renewable. The Forest Plan Revision will integrate protections, under the Federal Cave Resources Protection Act, for at least some of these valuable resources. Alternatives C, 0, F and I will recognize 42 "significant" caves. Alternative E recognizes three "significant" caves. Alternative B does not recognize any "significant" caves. National trails. The Forest manages a segment of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail and three National Recreation Trails. Other trails of national or regional significance either cross or are proposed to cross the Forest All of these trails playa role in providing trail-related recreation in systems that reach beyond Forest boundaries. Effects on national trails will be minimal and do not vary significantly among alternatives. Special interest areas. The Forest has some special and unique resources. Planning procedures and regulations allow for the recognition and protection of these resources. Six special interest areas have been variously proposed among the alternatives to emphasize recreation use and interpretation of the environment Alternative E proposes the most areas allocated to this purpose, followed by Alternatives C and I. Alternatives B, o and F propose no allocations for this purpose. Thirteen special interest areas have been proposed among the alternatives to minimize recreation and other uses in order to protect their special biological values. Alternative 0 would allocate the most land for this purpose, followed by Alternatives I, C. E and F. Alternative B would allocate no lands for this purpose. Wild and Scenic Rivers. Forests are directed to evaluate their rivers during the planning process for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River System (NWSRS). The Forest evaluated all of its rivers, including 77 in detail, and found five rivers totalling 103 miles to be eligible for inclusion in the NWSRS: the South Fork of the White River, the Crystal River, Deep Creek, the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. and Cross Creek. The South Fork of the White River, Deep Creek and the Crystal River are recognized in -- 38 -