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<br />OCfl715 <br /> <br />highest level, and a parcel of private land within the area also <br />has potential for water storage enhancement along Lottis Creek. <br /> <br />MINERALS: The proposed wilderness partially encompasses three <br />mining districts (Gold Brick, Cross Mountain, Tincup). The Quartz <br />Creek Mining District is adjacent to the proposed boundary. There <br />are no active mines in the WSA, but the area has substantial <br />resource potential for gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, <br />molybdenum, uranium, thorium, rare earth elements and high calcium <br />limestone. In the past, these districts produced primarily gold <br />and silver, although lesser amounts of lead, copper, and zinc were <br />also produced. Some mines on Cameron Mountain were being worked in <br />1982. Green Mountain was the site of core drilling for <br />molybdenum-tungsten in 1982. Mining claims for high purity <br />limestone were staked in the eastern part of the proposed <br />wilderness; many tracts of patented mining claims are also within <br />the proposed wilderness. The Bureau of Mines believes that <br />exploration and development of molybdenum, tungsten, precious <br />metals, and uranium resources would be precluded if the area east <br />of the Summerville trail is designated as wilderness. Apparently, <br />the area has low potential for oil and gas. <br />LEASES: No leasing exists and no applications are pending. <br />CLAIMS: The Forest Service has identified over 40 unpatented <br />claims in the area, and many tracts of patented mining claims. <br /> <br />TIMBER: The Forest Service indicates the area as a whole has a low <br />economic timber potential, although there are 32 thousand acres of <br />tentatively suitable timber which could contribute to the allowable <br />sale quantity. The timber is located on isolated stands, on rocky, <br />steep slopes, and as stringers along creek bottoms. Lack of access <br />presents a problem and haul roads would be difficult to construct <br />and expensive to maintain. No sales have been proposed, although <br />limited harvesting is recommended to improve watersheds. <br /> <br />GRAZING: The area contains portions of several cattle and horse <br />allotments. Although the wilderness designation is to have no <br />impact on grazing, permittees express concern over limitations on <br />motorized use, and the potential pressure to halt existing permits <br />if wilderness is designated. A grazing management fence about a <br />mile long is located in the WSA on Shaw Ridge. <br /> <br />RECREATION: This area is presently open to motorized vehicle use <br />with the exception of the three mile primitive road to Lamphier <br />Lakes. The area has system trails totaling 42.7 miles used for <br />motorcycling, mountain biking and snowmobiling, as well as <br />horseback riding and backpacking. Motorized recreation users work <br />with the Forest Service and have documented numerous hours of trail <br />maintenance and clean-up activities to ensure trails are not <br />damaged. Motorized recreation has a substantial economic impact on <br />the local economies. <br /> <br />OTHER: Although the area possesses scenic beauty, a viable <br />wilderness would be difficult for the Forest Service to manage. <br />Twice the Forest Service has found this area unsuitable. To <br />designate this area as wilderness would preclude the Forest Service <br />from implementing a forest plan for adequate protection of the <br />natural beauty while allowing it to be enjoyed by a wide variety of <br />different users. A national recreation designation would protect <br />the land, without compromising existing rights and historic uses. <br />