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Environmental Assessment Bowie Resoumes, LL.C. <br />Spruce Stomp Federal Coal Exploration License (150- 2005 -43) <br />high clearance vehicles. The existing roads are currently used for general access to the National <br />Forest, transporting livestock, and coal exploration drilling, and portions are approved access <br />routes for natural gas drilling activities, and access to areas where special use authorizations are <br />in place. <br />The current travel strategy is to provide access adequate for the existing uses and management <br />needs for the area. Current travel management in this particular area precludes traveling with a <br />wheeled vehicle off an existing road or trail (GMUG 2001). <br />On April 6, 2001, the GMUG released a Decision Notice (Decision) and FONSI for the <br />Gunnison Interim Travel Restrictions (GMUG 2001). The SSCEL is included within the <br />geographic area covered by the Decision. The Decision prohibits travel off of established routes <br />using a mountain bike, motorcycle, ATV, full -size vehicle, or any other wheeled vehicle that <br />facilitates human travel. Established roads and trails are, however, open to the modes of travel <br />and legal use in effect as of January 12, 2001. The Decision does not affect the management of <br />the existing NFS roads, including road and trail additions, relocations, maintenance, and <br />reconstruction. In addition, access for permitted activities (such as mineral exploration and <br />development) is allowed under the conditions prescribed by permit. <br />The roads system in the area of potential affect occurs within two distinct geographic areas: <br />uplands and riparian. The upland areas consist primarily of oak brush (primarily Gambel oak) <br />and Douglas fir, while the riparian areas are a primarily aspen and occasionally cottonwood. <br />Topography in the area ranges from steep to relatively flat, and is influenced by a wide variety of <br />physical processes, including localized natural landslides, and rockfalls. Sedimentation effects <br />associated with the upland roads are negligible, since the upland roads are primarily located <br />along or adjacent to ridgelines on vegetated hillsides, and are well away from wetlands and <br />riparian areas. <br />3.3.1.2 Environmental Consequences <br />Proposed Action <br />Access Routes <br />Access to the areas included in the SSCEL would be achieved on roads passing through NFS <br />lands. A map of the existing access system is given below and provided in Figure 3 -6. <br />Exploration Drill Hole PRP -SS -2 would be accessed from existing classified NFSRs 701 and <br />70LIA. The pad would be constructed on the north side of NFSR 70L1A in an existing <br />disturbed area immediately adjacent to the road NFSR 70LIA would require reconditioning to <br />afford drill rig and support vehicle access. <br />Exploration Drill Hole PRP -SS -3 would be accessed from a new temporary road 0.11 miles in <br />length and 30 feet wide, south from existing classified NFSR 701. <br />Exploration Drill Hole PRP -SS4 would be accessed from a new temporary road 0.36 miles in <br />length and 30 feet wide, south from existing classified NFSR 701. Oak brush would be left on <br />both sides of the road to provide a view shed buffer. <br />3 -29 <br />