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''''~,'' /, 'I .l"J..... v). 0 by improving the dependahility of surface and sub- surface water. Impacts from Livestock Grazing ManagemeDt. The implementation of IGMCs (total forage utilization limits, minimum stubble heights, and range readiness), the elimination of livestock grazing, including fall use in some areas and the elimination of some season- long grazing, :"ould result in improved plant vigor, diversity and composition, and an increase in above- ground biomass; streambanks would stabilize, groundwater recharge would increase, and water tables would rise. Implementing these actions would thus result in improved condition in riparian zones. Impacts from Forest Management. Eliminating commercial timber harvests, and from 250 acres of riparian areas would protect these areas from rutting, compaction, streambank deterioration and channelization. Impacts from Recreation Management. Restrictions on camping use within the proposed Powderhorn ACEC would prevent excessive trampling, compaction and destruction of vegetation in riparian areas in the proposed Powder horn ACEC. The construction of recreation facilities and the subsequent increased visitor use in and adjacent to riparian areas would eliminate riparian vegetation on approximately 50 acres in the planning area. Impacts from Disposal of Public Lands. Disposal of 25 acres of riparian vegetation included in the 41 tracts of public land identified for potential disposal would not result in a substantial loss of riparian zones. Impacts from Acquisition of Non-Federal Lands. Acquisition of non-federal lands containing riparian vegetation would enhance riparian management on public land and would prevent development of these areas. Impacts from Rights-of-Way Management. Excluding rights-of-ways and typical rights-of:wa~ related construction within 1,913 acres of npanan areas would result in these zones being protected from rutting, compaction, streambank deterioration and channelization. ALTERNATIVE B IMPACTS CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ON RIPARIAN ZONES Mineral withdrawals, IGMCs, elimination of grazing, and restriction on commercial timber harvests would combine to drastically improve most of the 14,933 acres of riparian areas within the planning area. IMPACTS ON SPECIAL STATUS PLANT AND ANIMAL SPECIES AND HABITAT IMPACTS FROM PROPOSED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS. Impacts from Special Status Plant and Animal Species and Habitat Management. Special attention that would occur upon designation of the Alpine and South Beaver Creek ACECs would help to protect the existing populations and habitat of skiff milkvetch and the Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly. The research and special studies that would occur would increase knowledge and management effectiveness of these species and their habitats. Impacts from Locatable Minerals Manag~,?ent. Potential mining activity within Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly habitat could result in the accidental loss of habitat in the disturbed areas. This same accidental loss could result to populations and potential habitat of skiff milkvetch. This chance of loss would probably be minim;7~d by requirements for plans of operation to be submitted in these areas. Impacts from 011, Gas, and Geothermal Management. No significant impacts are anticipated from one or two wells. The no surface occupancy stipulations that would be attached to any fluid mineral leases within potential and occupied habitat of the Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly and populations of skiff milkvetch would help prevent loss of these species and their habitat. If any development were to occur, accidental loss of other species or habitat in the disturbed areas could result. Impacts from Saleable Minerals Management. Not permitting the disposal of mineral materials on occupied and potential habitat of skiff milkvetch (9900 acres) and the Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly (3:743 acres) would prevent accidental destruction from surface disturbance associated with this activity. 4-17