2013-09-20_GENERAL DOCUMENTS - M1977004

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INTRODUCTION This decision notice (DN) documents my decision regarding the proposed Fossil Ridge I Land Exchange with Homestake Mining Company of California, which has secured a contractual agreement with The Trust For Public Lands (TPL) for purchase of sufficient acreage within the non- federal parcel owned by TPL to balance the appraised value of the federal parcel. An environmental assessment (EA) for this proposal has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The EA is available for review at the Forest Service offices in Gunnison, Delta, and Lakewood, Colorado. It is also available on the internet at hLtp://www.fs.usda,gov/-Projects/mup,/Iandmanagement/-projects. A biological assessment (BA) was also prepared in compliance with process requirements under the Endangered Species Act and related Forest Service policy. Also prepared were reports on heritage resources, wetland and floodplain resources, hazardous materials, and appraisals of the federal (FP) and non - federal parcels (NFP). I referred to and have relied heavily on these reports in my decision documented here. I have considered input provided during public scoping. Notice of the proposed action and projected timeframes was provided to government agencies, local landowners and interested parties and their input was solicited. This input was relied upon to ensure all issues were identified and evaluated. This input has also been considered in reaching my decision. It should be noted that my authority extends only to management and disposition of National Forest System (NFS) lands and to the decision to acquire non - federal lands into the federal estate. The scope of the analysis in the EA is the entire 945.15 acre non - federal parcel and the entire 700.4 acre federal parcel. This land exchange was proposed as an equal value exchange with no cash equalization. It was anticipated that the appraised value of the entire 945.15 -acre non- federal parcel would exceed the appraised value of the 700.4 -acre federal parcel. Therefore the entire 945.15 acre non - federal parcel will not be conveyed in this initial acquisition. PURPOSE AND NEED The Forest Service is authorized to complete land exchanges after a determination is made that the exchange will serve the public interest. When considering the public interest, the authorized officer shall give full consideration to: 1) the opportunity to achieve better management of Federal lands; 2) the needs of the state and local residents and their economies; and 3) achieving important resource management objectives including protection of fish and wildlife habitat, riparian habitat, cultural resources, recreation opportunities, and watersheds. The purpose of and need for this exchange is to dispose of NFS lands encumbered by permanent improvements associated with the Pitch Mine; consolidate any potential for site liability with Homestake Mining Company of California, who is the principal responsible party as defined by Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA); and use the opportunity to acquire private lands that are a priority to the agency and community, The proposal is structured to accomplish a number of objectives identified in the Land and Resource Management Plan for Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG Forest Plan) which was issued in 1983 and further amended. The land exchange, as proposed is consistent Fossil Ridge I Land Exchange Decision Notice and FONSI 2