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i'J~')" J' J _ '1 't INTRODUCTION CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION IMPLEMENTATION/MONITORING OF THE PLAN This document consists of a draft resource management plan (RMP) and environmental impact statement (ElS) analyzing the effects of the preferred and four other alternatives. The draft RMP/ElS has been prepared in accordance with the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM's) planning regulations (43 CFR 1600) and regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (40 CFR 15(0). Acreage and analysis figures in this document were calculated using BLM's computerized Geographic Information System (GIS) unless noted. Acreages in this document are approximate. PURPOSE AND NEED The purpose of the RMP/EIS is to update and integrate the BLM's land use planning for the area into a single, comprehensive land use plan providing the overall framework for managing and allocating public land resources in the Gunnison Planning Area for the next 10 to 12 years. The EIS analyzes the preferred and four other alternatives. The approved RMP will meet BLM statutory requirement for a master land use plan as mandated by Section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976 and the requirements of the Wild and Scenic River Act (16 U.S.c. 1271). The RMP will update and supersede all land use planning in the American F1ats/Silverton, and Gunnison Basin Management Framework Plans (MFPs) MFP decisions are re- analyzed in Alternative A (Continuation of Current Management Alternative) in Chapters 3 and 4. In addition to identifying management direction within the planning area, the RMP/EIS meets other specific objectives, It (I), identifies ~u~lic lands to be designated as open, closed, or limited to off- highway vehicles (OHV) and, (2), analyzes the suitability of a segment of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River for inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS). Implementation of the RMP will begin when the Colorado BLM State Director signs the Record of Decision (ROD). This implementation will be accomplished as described in the Colorado Resource Management Plan User's Handbook. During implementation of the approved plan, if additional NEP A documentation is required, environmental assessments (EAs) will be prepared. EAs can vary from a simple statement of conformance to the RMP/ROD, to complex documents that analyze several alternatives. An EA documents NEP A requirements for site-specific actions. Implementation of the RMP will be monitored, and the plan will be evaluated periodically. Revisions or amendments to the approved plan may be necessary to accommodate changes in resource needs, policies, or regulations. LOCATION OF PLANNING AREA AND LAND OWNERSHIP The planning area (see maps 1-1 and 1-2) is within Hinsdale, Gunnison, Saguache, Montrose, and Ouray counties. The Gunnison and Uncompahgre National Forests and the BLM's San Juan Resource Area surround the planning area, except along the west-central boundary which is dermed by the Cimarron River and the BLM's Uncompahgre Basin Resource Area boundary. Total acreage in the planning area is about 960,730 acres; of this, about 61 percent (585,012 acres) is administered by the BLM, and about 37 percent (355,702 acres) is private land; about 20,015 acres are state administered. In addition, BLM has administrative responsibility for approximately 728,500 acres of federal mineral estate within the planning area, and 17,000 acres of mineral estate in the Gunnison Resource Area that are located outside of the planning area. Table 1-1 details surface and mineral ownership within the planning area by county. 1-1