2024-09-20_REVISION - M1980038 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The project is not located within any designated/special recreation areas. Dispersed recreation, primarily hunting, occurs in the area but does not have any resource conflicts with the proposed gravel pit expansion. Due to the limited expansion (4 acres) to the already existing disturbance, impacts to adjacent acreage for dispersed recreation activities will be non-existent,further analysis in this document is not warranted. Paleontology The proposed project expansion is located on Quaternary Alluviums(PFYC 2),which is underlain by Mancos Shale(PFYC 3)and Dakota Sandstone(PFYC 4). Scientifically significant fossils have been documented in the surrounding area in the Dakota Sandstone. The Quaternary alluvium is the target resource and the operator will not be excavating beyond the alluvium. If resources are encountered, protections of the resource will be addressed via standard operating procedures and mitigation measures. If fossils of significance are encountered during operations, Dolores County would be required to suspend operations that might further disturb the paleontology resource, and immediately contact the BLM's Authorized Officer(TRFO Manager)so the fossil resources could be assessed and if necessary removed prior to resumption of activities. Design features have been added to the proposed action to reduce potential impacts. Lands/Access The access road connecting the Pit to the county road is existing ROW, and will be reclaimed by DCRB once operations are complete or within one year of the permit expiration. The proposed action will not alter or change the use already permitted to DCRB for the use of the existing pit. Livestock Grazing The proposed project is within the Disappointment Creek Grazing Allotment. The allotment does support approximately 2568 animal unit months (AUMs) and is approximately 34,342 acres in size. As the Proposed Action will only disturb a total of 11.6 acres (7.6 existing, 4 more acres of disturbance under the proposed action) of the grazing allotment(a total of 0.00012 percent of the allotment would be disturbed), it is not expected to negatively impact the permitted livestock grazing in the area. Public Land Health Standards The proposed gravel pit expansion will have negligible impact on the attainment of public land health standards within the Disappointment Creek Allotment. Impacts associated with this project are expected to be negligible due to the limited public access to the area and the best management practices the County will utilize. Invasive Species/Noxious Weeds The proposed gravel pit expansion will have negligible impact to the spread and/or establishment of noxious weeds. Dolores County is responsible for the treatment and control of noxious weeds within the project area. Vegetation (excluding Threatened and Endangered Species)) The proposed gravel pit expansion will have negligible impact on existing vegetation communities. Overall vegetative cover on the expansion area is approximately 30%. Vegetation species dominant in the area are comprised of sagebrush with some pinyon juniper, blue grama, little Disappointment Valley Gravel Pit Expansion EA DOI-BLM-CO-S010-2024-0021-EA Tres Rios Field Office 11