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Chapter 2 Alternatives Protect the Sunset Trail area, specifically wildlife habitat values, roadless character, and recreation opportunities. The Proposed Action does not include any activities in the Sunset Trail area. Reasonably foreseeable future actions considered in the cumulative effects analysis include potential future activity in the Sunset Trail area. MCC has an agreement with the Wilderness Society, Colorado Wild, Center for Native Ecosystems, American Lands Alliance, and the Wildland Center for Preventing Roads to not propose any activities in the Sunset Trail area for 5 years commencing in July 2002 or until the GMUG Forest Plan is revised, whichever comes first. During EIS preparation, fallow only the guidelines for construction in "roadless areas" that were in effect during the time of submittal The Forest Service is currently managing road construction activities in IRAs according to an agency Interim Directive (1920-2004-1) issued in July 2004. This directive must be applied to all activities in IRAs for which NEPA decisions are made after the effective date of the directive. Analyze impacts to agriculture, specifically along the Minnesota Creek corridor. The Minnesota Creek corridor is outside the cumulative impact area for this coal leasing analysis. Discuss current and projected road management and closures. This issue is outside the scope of the leasing analysis. Where road management may have cumulative effects, an analysis occurs in the cumulative effects sections. Complete the NEPA process in an efficient and timely manner. The EIS is prepared according to all applicable laws, NEPA guidelines, and agency direction. Address impacts (from methane venting to air quality, global climate change, West Elk Wilderness Area, and national resources. Methane venting is not part of the Proposed Action. Impacts related to reasonably foreseeable future actions that may involve methane venting are discussed in the cumulative effects sections. Discuss reclamation (bonding, native species). The CDMG oversees coal mining activity in Colorado. The mines are required to have State- approved mine permits. The State levies and administers all the reclamation bonds. The bonding level is determined at the time a mine permit is issued or revised, and is not part of the leasing analysis (see Section 1.3). Provide information on stage 5 old growth. To the Forest Service's knowledge, no old growth that would be classified as stage 5 is present in [he Dry Fork LBA area. 2.4 ALTERNATIVE A: NO ACTION Under the No Action alternative, the Dry Fork LBA tract would not be offered for competitive sale and no mining would occur in these specific areas. It is assumed that MCC would continue its present coal mining activities at the West Elk Mine. Impacts from mining would not occur on this tract, and the effects from ongoing land uses would continue. The land would continue to be managed according to Forest Plan standards, goals, and guidelines. 2.5 ALTERNATIVE B: PROPOSED ACTION The Proposed Action is consent to lease NFS lands in the Dry Fork LBA tract for underground development and production of Federal coal reserves, consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including terms and conditions for protecting non-coal resources. Dry Fork Lease-By-Application FEIS 2-5