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recognize that acquisition of the entire 945.15 acres will take multiple transactions and several <br />years to complete. The first step begins with this decision to convey 700.4 acres of NFS land <br />to Homestake Mining Company of California, with an appraised value of $1,575,000, in <br />exchange for 331.539 acres of non - federal land with an appraised value of $1,575,000. The <br />331.539 acres to be acquired consists of two separate tracts (see Exhibit A). Selection of these <br />specific tracts will best meet the project's purpose and need; which is to secure public access <br />on Forest Service Road 743; acquire greater wetland acreage than that being conveyed, and to <br />acquire high quality Canada lynx habitat. <br />In addition to the decision to proceed with the land exchange, I am also making a travel <br />management decision with regard to FSR 743.4A once the property is conveyed. Road <br />743 AA provides access to a 15 -acre parcel that will remain private land. This road will be <br />closed to the public. Motorized use of this road will be limited to the landowners this road will <br />serve and for administrative use by the Forest. <br />I have determined that the remaining 613.611 acres of the NFP are suitable for acquisition in <br />future land exchanges where acceptable non - federal lands are being offered to the United <br />States. Acquisition of these remaining lands could also occur through direct purchase or <br />donation. Acquisition of these remaining lands is consistent with the GMUG Forest Plan and <br />pertinent law, regulation, and policy. <br />I am convinced that this land exchange will serve the public's interest. The disposal of the.FP <br />to Homestake Mining Company of California and the acquisition of NFP #1 and #2 are <br />consistent with the goals and objectives of the GMUG Forest Plan. The future acquisition of <br />NFP #3 is also consistent with the goals and objectives of the GMUG Forest Plan. <br />A. Parcels To Be, Included In The Fossil Ridge 1 Land Exchange <br />NFS exchanges are on an equal value basis, not necessarily acre for acre. The maps and legal <br />descriptions of all parcels considered for exchange are included in the EA. <br />The values were established by appraisals prepared in accordance with 36 CFR 254.9, the <br />Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, and the Uniform Appraisal Standards <br />for Federal Land Acquisitions and Forest Service policy. A private appraiser prepared the . <br />appraisals under instructions and oversight of a Forest Service review appraiser. The <br />appraisals were reviewed and the values approved by the review appraiser and the regional <br />appraiser. The exchange meets the equal value requirements of Section 206, of the Act of <br />October 21, 1976, P.L. 94 -579. <br />Federal Lands <br />Federal Parcel (FP) (Total = 700.4 acres) <br />Township 48 North, Range 6 East, New Mexico Principal Meridian, Tract 38, Saguache County, <br />CO. <br />Fossil Ridge I Land Exchange Decision Notice and FONSI 5 <br />