REV103410 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

pads being 200 feet by 200 feet. The EA assumed (per MCC) that the drill pads would be 100 feet by 200 feet. 5. Under the heading PROPOSED ACCESS ROUTES, the text describes the Sylvester (Gulch) Road as being in the bottom (see Item 1 above). It also refers to a remnant drill road in Sylvester Gulch, on the Forest this is considered an ATV trail. In addition, the text refers to reopening ATV trails and existing roads. In the EA, it was disclosed that MCC will use existing classified roads on the Forest, however the "reopening" would apply only to what are now ATV trails or roads that have been decommissioned. The project also includes construction of new temporary roads, which is not referenced in the text. 6. Under the heading PRE DRILLING ACTIVITIES, the text references that movement of equipment across undisturbed land will be kept to a minimum. The GMUG also commented on this in the May 6, 20021etter. From the Conditions of Approval (COA) in the DN/FONSI, MCC is authorized to use specific routes only, and no cross country travel will be permitted unless specifically authorized. Further, the text refers to no brush or tree removal being anticipated. The new temporary roads and drill pads require a timber cruise by the GMUG, and payment from MCC for the trees. Reopening other ATV trails and decommissioned roads in the project area may also require removal of, and payment for timber. 6. Under the heading RECLAMATION PLAN, item 8, the text states that existing roads will be left in a condition equal to or better than observed on MCC's entry into the azea. The GMUG considers (with the exception of Forest Service classified roads) that all roads used by MCC aze temporary and will be decommissioned by obliteration or converted to an ATV trail as described in the DN/FONSI. MCC will also be expected to perform road maintenance on the classified roads that they use per the terms of their Forest Service Road Use Permit. For your information, we are holding apre-work meeting with MCC on Monday, July 29, 2002, at which time we will be finalizing the Annual Operating Plan, and discussing scheduling and expectations. Please contact Liane Mattson or me if you have any questions. Sincerely, ~,~ J SUSAN J. SPEAR District Ranger cc: Phil Schmidt, MCC Carl Johnston, OSM