2017-02-15_REVISION - C1996083 (2)

Home Browse Search

A-2 reasonably anticipated include methane drainage well (MDW) drilling, exploration drilling, seismic exploration, groundwater monitor well installation, ventilation facilities, subsidence and hydrology monitoring facilities, and access roads needed for these facilities. In compiling this analysis and report, the unsuitability criteria published in 43 CFR 3461 were used. The unsuitability criteria were applied individually to the area being considered. Exceptions to certain criteria allow areas to be considered further even though they have been determined to be unsuitable. These exceptions to the criteria are noted where applied. ANALYSIS OF THE UNSUITABILITY CRITERIA Exceptions to the criteria are described only if they apply. CRITERION 1 All federal lands included in the following land systems or categories shall be considered unsuitable: National Park System, National Wildlife Refuge System, National System of Trails, National Wilderness Preservation System, National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, National Recreation Areas, lands acquired with money derived from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, National Forests, and federal lands in incorporated cities, towns, and villages. Exceptions (i) A lease may be issued within the boundaries of any National Forest if the Secretary finds no significant recreational, timber, economic or other values which may be incompatible with the lease; and (A) surface operations and impacts are incident to an underground coal mine, or (B) where the Secretary of Agriculture determines, with respect to lands which do not have significant forest cover within those National Forests west of the Meridian, that surface mining may be in compliance with the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, the Federal Coal Leasing Amendments Act of 1976 and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Analysis The lands within the LBA tract were proclaimed National Forest on June 6, 1905 and are within the Grand Mesa National Forest. Conditions under which coal leasing may occur are listed in the Amended Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP), Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests - General Direction on pages III-62 through III-70. Lands in the Spruce Stomp tract are unclassified lands and are available for mineral leasing. The LRMP allows for multiple use management on the lands in the LBA, which are principally managed for wildlife habitat, however management includes livestock grazing, motorized recreation and vegetation treatment. No significant recreational, timber, economic or other values which may be incompatible with the LBA are present on the tracts. There are no National Forest System trails within the LBA. Recreation use in this area is mostly hunting and will not be adversely affected by leasing these lands. Although suitable timber is identified within the Forest Plan for the LBA area, it is a relatively small amount (56 acres) and mostly limited to steep slopes and along the edge of the lease boundary where no surface disturbing activities would likely occur. No current timber sales are proposed or authorized for this area. Historically