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• The GMUG Forest Plan also identified providing livestock forage, managing big game winter range and protecting riparian habitat as the desired future conditions of the area. The proposed action is designed to be consistent with moving the area towards those desired conditions. The Uncompahgre RMP supports coal ]easing and development in the area with respect to management of mineral resources. The Deer Creek Shaft and E Seam Methane Drainage Wells Project Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) documents the analysis of two alternatives to meet this Forest Plan desired conditions. Decision Based upon my review of all alternatives, I have decided to implement a portion of Alternative 2 -The Proposed Action, for the Deer Creek Shaft (and Escapeway). I am not deciding on the E Seam Methane Drainage Wells portion of the project at this time. My decision on the Deer Creek Shaft (and Escapeway) includes FS concurrence for OSM to recommend that the USDI Undersecretary approve a mining plan modification for the shatt/escapeway. The Forest Service concurrence includes post-mining land use direction and protections for non-mineral resources as further described below. This decision approves placing the shaft and escapeway on the location shown in Figure 1 (Deer Creek Decision Map). Components of this decision include constructing the shaft and escapeway, installing surface facilities far shaft and escapeway operations, operating the shaft and escapeway for the life-of- mine (or until otherwise not needed for mine operations), and reclaiming the shaftlescapeway pad and access road to support the post-mining land use. This decision also authorizes use of NFSRs 710 and 71 I • for construction vehicles subject to the terms of a Forest Service Road Use Permit. My decision includes needed protections for non-mineral resources on NFS lands (Design Criteria of the Proposed Action as they pertain to the shaft/escapeway from Chapter 2 of the FEIS (Appendix A of this document)). My decision includes granting relief to the big game winter range stipulation on Federal coal lease C-1362, for one winter season (2007-2008), if big game is not present at the start of the winter season, to ensure shaft and escapeway construction can proceed in a continuous manner. The post-mining land use for the shaft and escapeway location is wildlife habitat, and reclamation plans have been designed to support this post-mining land use (Appendix A). Approval of the shaft is consistent with the GMUG Forest Plan (Final EIS, Chapter 1, Purpose and Need). When compared to the other alternatives, this alternative best meets the purpose and need for the action to facilitate safe and efficient production of compliant and super-compliant coal reserves. Further, this alternative allows the federal coal lessee to construct structures and equipment as provided in their lease rights (Final EIS, Chapter 1, Purpose and Need). This alternative supports the Forest Service Minerals Policy to foster and encourage environmentally sound energy and mineral development, and responds to National Energy Policy. Placement of the Deer Creek shaft and escapeway was achieved through careful review of lease stipulations, current surface resource conditions, designed to minimize surface disturbance, and includes best management practices and design criteria for use of NFS ]ands (see Exhibit A). This alternative meets requirements under federal coal program laws and implementing regulations (see Final EIS, Chapter 1, Authorizing Actions), and other applicable natural resource laws (see Findings Required by • Other Laws and Regulation below), and the National Environmental Policy Act.