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of and Need for Action 9A -Emphasis is on the management of all the components of aquatic/riparian ecosystems to provide healthy, self-perpetuating plant communities, acceptable water quality standards, habitat for viable populations of fish and wildlife, and stable stream channels and still water body shorelines. Mineral activities may occur but must minimize disturbance to riparian areas and initiate timely and effective rehabilitation of disturbed areas and restore them to a state of productivity comparable to that before disturbance. Environmental Management System (USDA-FS 2005 Planning Rule) The USDA-FS in the 2005 Planning Rule and associated directives required each forest unit to develop an Environmental Management System (EMS) to oversee land management plan activities. In accordance with this rule, the GMUG instituted an EMS on June I, 2006. The purpose of the EMS is to establish, document, implement, maintain, and continually improve the environmental performance associated with the activities, products and services of the GMUG. The EMS conforms to the International Standards Organization (ISO) 140001 standards. The GMUG EMS Guide is found on the GMUG EMS Internet Web Site (at http://www.fs. fed.us/r2/gmug/policy/environme ntal_mgmt_sys/index.shtml as of February 2007). This Guide describes roles and responsibilities of Forest Service managers, employees and those who do work on the agency's behalf (e.g, contractors, permittees, and volunteers) to plan and implement environmental safe guards. Specifically, companies or individuals conducting work on the agency behalf are required to be made aware of, or where necessary to understand their roles and responsibilities in following GMUG EMS requirements, including: 1) The environmental policy; 2) Activities that have been determined by the Forest to have a significant environ- mental impact if not properly controlled. These activities are referred to as signifi- cant environmental aspects; 3) Operational controls designed to avoid or minimize effects associated with signifi- cant environmental aspects; 4) Notification and response requirements in the case of an emergency; and 5) Consequences of not conforming to operational controls and associated au- thorizing documents. The GMUG's EMS identifies that surface uses related to developing leasable minerals are a significant environmental aspect, and are therefore subject to specific monitoring requirements. These requirements will be reviewed with companies or individuals working on the GMUG's behalf at a pre-work meeting by a Forest Service Representative. Documentation that requirements of EMS have been conveyed will be retained by the Forest Service Representative in the project file. Decision Framework Given the purpose and need, the Forest Service Responsible Official (GMUG Forest Supervisor) will review the proposed action, any other alternatives, and the environmental consequences in order to decide the following: Where surface use for the ventilation shaft/escapeway, access roads, and methane drainage wells is acceptable on NFS lands, consistent with lease terms and conditions, and the legal framework; The conditions under which NFS lands can be used, and how non-mineral resources must be protected; Whether relief from lease stipulations for 2007-2008 season for Big Game Winter Range during shaft construction should be approved. The Forest Service Responsible Official will determine if the activity is consistent with the GMUG Forest Plan and identify the post- mining land use. 1 Deer Creek Ventilation Shaft and E Seam Me[hane Drainage Wells DEIS 9