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Chapter 3 <br />at the mine. This additional ventilation may have <br />related effects on methane concentrations that could <br />result in a reduced need for MDWs. However, it is <br />not a certainty that reduced MDW drilling will <br />occur as a result, but it is likely (Schmidt, pers. <br />com. 2005). <br />Geophysical Exploration <br />1999 <br />A shallow seismic survey was performed along <br />Deep Creek in 1999. Shallow shot holes were <br />drilled and then reclaimed. A field survey in <br />September 2004 showed no visible residual effects. <br />Proposed for 2005 <br />A shallow seismic survey is approved for Box <br />Canyon, about 2.5 miles north of the Dry Fork LBA <br />tract. Use will be short-term and temporary; no <br />residual effects after reclamation are anticipated. <br />Wildlife <br />Past 20 years, Present and Future <br />A 600-acre prescribed bum occurred in a mountain <br />shrub area about one mile northeast of the Dry Fork <br />tract in 1992. The area has been effectively <br />revegetated in mountain shrub and oak. <br />Range use/ improvements <br />Past 100 years <br />NFS and BLM lands have been grazed for many <br />years and are currently managed on an intensive <br />time-controlled system. MCC also leases private <br />land for grazing. No changes in the grazing system <br />are planned. Existing range features and <br />improvements include stock trails, fences, and one <br />pond in the NE '/< SW '/a Section 35, T13S, R90W. <br />Recreation <br />Past 20 years, Present and Future <br />Dry Fork LBA area has no developed recreation <br />sites. Dispersed recreation includes camping, use of <br />all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and horseback riding <br />on a limited basis. Occasionally, the Dry Fork Road <br />Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences <br />(National Forest System Road NFSR 711) is used <br />for dirt bikes and mountain cyclists. Primary use <br />occurs during hunting seasons. No recreation <br />developments are planned. <br />Inventoried Roadless Areas <br />1979 to present <br />A portion of the Dry Fork LBA tract is located in <br />[he West Elk IRA, inventoried in 1979 as part of <br />Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (RARE II), <br />but was not carried forward for wilderness <br />designation. The [RA was not designated for <br />management as roadless in GMUG Forest Plan or <br />as further planning area. A 1993 evaluation <br />determined that the West Elk IRA had <br />compromised roadless character and was re- <br />evaluated in the 2002 EA for Methane Drainage. <br />Next 5 Years <br />Road construction or reconstruction on the IRA <br />would be subject to rule making and directives (id <br />1920-2004-1, current Interim Directive). The Forest <br />Plan allows for road building in this area. <br />Special Use Authorizations <br />Past 100 years, Present and Future <br />Minnesota Canal and Reservoir Company has a <br />ditch, cabin, flumes, culverts and headgates, and <br />appurtenant facilities under permit that convey <br />water from an adjacent drainage basin (Little <br />Gunnison Creek) into the ditch for transport to Dry <br />Fork of Minnesota Creek to Minnesota Reservoir. <br />Maintenance activities occur annually. <br />Road and Trail System <br />Past 30 years and Present <br />Forest Road (FR) 711 is the primary access used by <br />forest visitors, range and special use pennittees, and <br />MCC. The road is low standard and maintained for <br />travel in high clearance vehicles. MCC has <br />performed maintenance in the past l0 years on <br />portions of road. Other temporary roads have been <br />constructed and reclaimed in the past 15 years for <br />coal exploration or other drilling purposes. Simple <br />Dry Fork Lease-By-Application FEIS 3-3 <br />