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Environmental Assessment Bowie Resources, L.L.C. <br />August 2005 Spruce S t o mp F ede r a l Coa Exploration License (150- 20 -4 3) <br />Pursuant to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), heritage resource <br />surveys have been completed for those sections of the SSCEL for which disturbance is proposed. <br />These surveys have revealed both archaeological sites and isolated finds. A site is defined by the <br />presence of six or more artifacts and/or significant feature(s) indicative of patterned human <br />activity. <br />Tribal Consultation is directed by Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with <br />Indian Tribal Governments, and allows Native Americans a voice in the process and an <br />opportunity to protect Traditional Cultural Places (TCP) and any other site or artifact of cultural <br />significance. No comments were received during this consultation. In addition, during the <br />survey of the SSCEL, an evaluation for TCPs was conducted. None were identified (Grand <br />River Institute 2004). <br />Focused linear and target Class III surveys have been conducted in the SSCEL for Proposed <br />' Action component locations. These pedestrian surveys were negative, with no observation of <br />cultural resources (Grand River Institute 2004). <br />' Paleontological resources include features such as fossils, which are managed for their scientific, <br />educational, and where appropriate, recreational values. A categorization system is used to <br />indicate areas that must be extensively surveyed due to the high probability of finding <br />' paleontological resources. Such areas are classified as "Category p'. In the SSCEL, a geologic <br />feature called the Mesaverde Formation is the feature that is most likely to contain <br />paleontological resources. However, the area does not qualify as "Category P'. In addition, <br />' there is a lack of surface exposure of the Mesaverde Formation in the area, further decreasing the <br />need to survey for these resources in the SSCEL. Therefore, an intensive survey is not required <br />(Grand River Institute 2004). <br />3.2.2.2 Environmental Consequences <br />Proposed Action <br />The Proposed Action entails the drilling of exploration holes, and the construction and <br />' improvement of roads. Site - specific surveys have been completed, with each site and road <br />surface surveyed by a qualified cultural or paleontological resource specialist who has been pre - <br />approved by GMUG. As there were no cultural resource sites identified, there would be no <br />effect to cultural resources within the area of potential affect as a result of Proposed Action. <br />No Action Alternative <br />The No Action Alternative would not contribute affects to cultural resources. <br />3.2.2.3 Mitigation Measures <br />Language in the USDA -FS Notice for Lands Under the Jurisdiction of the Department of <br />Agriculture provides additional protection for undiscovered cultural resources, and directs the <br />licensee how to handle additional surveys and/or discoveries. <br />3 -6 <br />