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• A bear-proof garbage dumpster is to be used for temporary on-site storage. • No dogs allowed on the mining claim area. • No new construction would be permitted during this operating period. • The road maybe plowed. • Employees may stay on premises in trailers/motor home while mining operations are occurring. Any wastewater generated from the use of trailers will need to be pumped or disposed off-site at an approved facility. Gray water will not be dumped on site. • A commercial self-contained toilet will be put into place for employee use, and serviced by a contractor. Purpose and Need The purpose and underlying need for action is the submission of an amendment to a previously approved Plan of Operation (1996) and the Forest Service's responsibility to approve or require modifications to the approved plan in accordance with federal mining and environmental laws. Through the environmental analysis process, the Aspen/Sopris District Ranger will determine under what conditions the proponent may conduct winter use and access, while protecting the natural resources, and providing for public safety. Surtace developments are required to be consistent with White River National Forest Plan direction and other applicable laws and regulations. The USDA Forest Service administers most aspects of operation of US Mining Laws on National Forest System lands. Under the regulations in 36 CFR 228, the Forest Service approves mining operating plans and administers those operations to insure protection and reclamation of affected surface resources. Area Description and Analysis Issues The project area is within the administrative boundary of the White River National Forest, Sopris Ranger District. The project area falls within Management Area 4.4 (Recreation Rivers) and 5.42 (Bighorn Sheep Habitat) of the White River land and Resource Management Plan (2002). An emphasis is on wildlife habitat management for Bighorn Sheep winter and lambing habitat. The Avalanche Creek drainage consists of a valley surrounded by tall peaks. Minor cliff and talus field habitats are found in the vicinity of the mine site. Vegetation types surrounding the mining operation area are comprised of Gamble's oak and mountain shrub communities, juniper, Douglas- tir, ponderosa pine, and other mixed brush and meadow communities. The mining claims are located on Pennsylvanian age Eagle Valley Formation composed of siltstones, shale, and sandstones, carbonate rocks, local lenses of gypsum and other evaporitic rocks. Locally, the bedrock is aline-grained, buff colored siltstone that weathers easily to steep sided slopes. Recreation -Recreation and other human activities are regulated to favor the needs of designated wildlife species during the winter months in this management area. The Avalanche Creek Road #310 is open May 1 through November 14 to vehicles and ATVs, and snowmobiles operating on snow November 15 through May 1.