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ALTERNATIVES <br />One action alternative was analyzed in detail in the EA along with the No Action alternative. The <br />alternatives analyzed in detail in the EA are- summarized below: <br />Alternative 1 - Proposed Action <br />In exchange for one parcel containing 700.4 acres of reserved public domain status NFS land, the <br />United States would acquire a portion of the 945.15 -acre non - federal parcel referred to as Fossil <br />Ridge and owned by TPL. Homestake Mining Company has proposed an equal value land <br />exchange, where the value of the FP parcel would equal the value of the NFP. In order to equalize <br />values, the size of the private parcel will be modified so that FP's appraised value matches the <br />NFP's appraised value. <br />TPL and the Forest Service have agreed to prioritize acquisition of the NFP starting with the <br />western 320.25 acres of Tract 38 and after that from the eastern boundary of Tract 37 (nearest to the <br />Fossil Ridge Recreation Area) and proceeding west. <br />Alternative 2 -- No Action <br />The current landownership pattern within the analysis area would remain the same. The proposed <br />exchange between the Forest Service and Homestake Mining Company would not occur under this <br />alternative at this time. Selection of this alternative would not preclude consideration of either the <br />FP or the NFP in a future land adjustment proposal (i.e. exchange, donation or purchase). <br />Other Alternatives Considered, but eliminated from detail analysis included: <br />Acquire Non - Federal Lands through Direct Purchase <br />The Forest Service considered the alternative of acquiring the NFP by direct purchase from the <br />owner. However, this alternative was dropped from further consideration because it would not fully <br />meet the purpose and need for action. Since there would be no disposal of federal lands some <br />aspects of the purpose and need would not be achieved. <br />THE DECISION <br />Considerable effort was made toward configuring an exchange that would best meet needs of <br />the public. I have reviewed the,environmental analysis for the Fossil Ridge I land exchange as <br />proposed by Homestake Mining Company of California. Based upon the information <br />contained within that analysis I have selected Alternative 1— Proposed Action as my preferred <br />alternative. I have determined that there is clearly a benefit to the. public, both now and in the <br />future, by selecting Alternative 1- Proposed Action, which is to proceed with the acquisition of <br />the 945.15 acres of private inholdings and the disposal of the 700.4 acres of NFS land. I <br />Fossil Ridge I Land Exchange Decision Notice and FONSI 4 <br />