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II. ALTERNATIVES A. Overview The evaluation of the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Study Area was mandated by Congress in the "Colorado Wilderness Act" (Public Law 96-560) of December 22, 1980. The alternatives are whether the area is to be recommended as suitable or unsuitable for wilderness. Regardless of the alternative recommended, the entire WSA will be managed to maintain the existing wilderness attributes until Congress makes a decision on the proposal. Then the Forest Plan will be amended to reflect that decision. An alternative will be Decision, FEIS for the Forests Land and Resource recommended in the Record of Pike and SaD Isabel National Management Plan. B. Alternatives Considered in Detail 1. Suitable for Wilderness The selection of this alternative, after review, would result in a recommendation to Congress that the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Study Area is suitable for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. 2. Unsuitable for Wilderness The selection of this alternative, after review, would result in a recommendation to Congress that the ,Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Study Area is unsuitable for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System. C. Summary of Environmental and Administrative Consequences Tables A and B show the expected environmental, economic, and administrative consequences under each alternative. In summary, the major differences are in the timber available for harvest, impact on minerals exploration, potential for water yield improvement, and potential for maintenance and improvement of wildlife habitat. 10 rnl)8 6 ~ '... '