2018-05-30_PERMIT FILE - M2018028

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Direct and Indirect Impacts: Current mining taking place under the approved Plan of Operations with associated impacts, will continue, irrespective of the proposed modification approval. Protective/Mitigation Measures: None 3.5 LAND RESOURCES 3.5.3 AREAS OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN, Affected Environment: The Arkansas Canyonlands Area of Critical Environmental Concern (23,200 acres)was found to meet the relevance and importance criteria. The scenic, historic and cultural values, endangered peregrine falcons,key raptor habitat area, bighorn sheep and fisheries were important factors considered in making this area an ACEC. Environmental Effects Proposed Action Direct and Indirect Impacts: There would be no direct or indirect impacts associated with the mining associated with the proposed modification at this location. Those special values identified for the Arkansas Canyon Lands ACEC would not be discernably impacted. Protective/Mitigation Measures: No protective or mitigation measures are required. Cumulative Impacts: Cumulative impacts may result if additional mining operations are approved within the ACEC. Although,these impacts would be mitigated once reclamation is complete. No Action Alternative Direct and Indirect Impacts: None Protective/Mitigation Measures: None 3.6 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS SUMMARY Recent rise in gold prices and interest in both recreational mineral specimen collection and mining activity under the Mining Law has increased on the Arkansas River creating additional disturbances to obligate riparian wildlife species and stream-banks. Activities proposed here are cumulative to those other disturbances and activities, such as fishing,park development and rafting activities, and the other activities along the Arkansas River corridor. Soils At the larger watershed scale along the Arkansas River, the Proposed Action would add an additional .6 acres of disturbance spread out over several years that could result in increased sedimentation. Along the river there are many other potential water quality impacts such as mining, highways,recreation sites, and home sites. The addition of this disturbance with mitigation would not appreciably add to any water quality concerns in the overall area.