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on17!~\) Alternatives Including the Proposed Action boundary would follow a ridge line which encloses Cooper Creek and Silver Creek. The eastern boundary would parallel the WSA boundary. The southern boundary would be the same as described in the Wilderness Manageability Alternative, and the western boundary would be the western ridge above Cooper Creek. The wilderness part of this alternative would include both Sunshine and Redcloud Peaks, and the primary canyons and drai nages associ ated with these peaks. This al ternathe woul d enhance the wilderness manageability alternatives for the adjacent Handies Peak area by protecting its viewshed, would exclude the alunite deposit on Red Mountain, and would exclude some other areas of high potential mineral resources. In the OEIS, this was the preferred al ternathe (see Conflict Resolution Alternative I). Mineral Resource Development - Subject to valid existing rights, all lands within 11,140 acres of the Red Cloud Peak WSA recommended as suitable would be withdrawn from appropriation under the mining and mineral leasing laws. The Cooper and Sil ver Creek area is likely to be developed for base and precious minerals. There woul d be two small underground mi nes on private land involving less than 5 acres of surface di sturbance each and an underground mine developed on Federal land involvfng a total surface di sturbance of 5 to 15 acres. An additional 1 to 3 miles (2-5 acres) of new road construction per mine would be needed. It is assumed under this al ternathe that the Red Mountain alunite deposit in the nonsuitable portion would be developed. The total surface disturbance after 100 years would be 425 acres which includes the mine and its service area. An additional 3 to 4 miles (5-7 ac res) woul d be needed for new road construction. Also, outside the suitable area boundary between Capital City and Lake City there would be two underground mines invol ving a surface Redcloud Peak disturbance of 5 to 15 acres. Prospecting and exploration activities would continue outside the suitable area boundary for economic deposits of minerals. These would be primarily in the high potential area along the northern and northeastern edge of the WSA. Surface disturbance, involving minor roadcuts and small excavation, would occur on about 5-10 acres. Recreation - The suitable acreage under this alternative would be managed to maintain a primitive backcountry recreation setting to provide opportunities for mountain climbing, hunting, fishing, hfking, and photography. Approximately 50 percent of the current estimated 5000 RUDs occur within the suitable area. Use would contfnue to center primarily around the Silver Creek trail which provides rel athely easy access to two peaks over 14,000 feet. The adjacent Cooper Creek trail would get moderate use by hikers and fishermen. In the fall, the Bent Creek drainage would be used by hunters. Anticipating a g percent increase in the use of this area, it is expected that more effort will be put into visitor information and education. The trails up Silver and Cooper Creeks would be periodically maintained. A toilet faCility would be pI aced in Burrows Park at the Sil ver Creek trail head. Anticipated mineral development in the Silver and Cooper Creek drainages would result in access roads being developed into these areas. Any roads resul tiog from mineral development would remain closed to recreation vehicles. An alternative trail to Redcloud and Sunshine peaks could be developed up Bent Creek. The area is currently closed to recreation vehicles so no additional closures would be necessary. The nonsuitable under this ac reage 19