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taxes; $51,000 in excise tax for black lung benefits; 561,000 in state <br />severance taxes; and $41,000 in county property taxes. <br />Even though this is a relatively small mine it does contribute sub- <br />stantial revenue to all levels of government. <br />LAND USES <br />'rIILDERNE55 <br />The area of the proposed action is private surface and was not inven- <br />toried for roadless/wilderness characteristics. The proposed action <br />will not affect a 5,000-acre roadless area or any potential wilderness <br />resources. There also are no known roadless or wilderness public lands <br />lying contiguous to the area of the proposed action. <br />LIVESTOCK GRAZING <br />The area is utilized for livestock grazing by the surface owner, F1r. Lawrence <br />Huntington. There will be no change of surface use if the project is <br />approved. <br />TRANSPORTATION <br />Roads are the only means of transportation to the area. U.S. Highway 160 <br />is the major route through the area. Access is by way of State Highway 140 <br />and the Hay Gulch county road. Access to the land parcel is via private <br />unimproved road. Therefore, the proposed lease tract does not lie <br />directly on any of the major roads in the area. <br />RESIDENTIAL <br />The nearest residential area is Hesperus, Colorado, located 4 miles <br />northeast of the subject area. No residential uses are anticipated for <br />the private surface involved in this assessment. <br /> <br />LAND USE PLAN <br />The Durango-Chromo Management Framework Plan, which was completed in <br />1975, states that "No coal leases will be issued unless the applicant <br />meets the short-term criteria of the Interim Coal Leasing Policy." <br />(Recommendation and Decision t•1-1.1): <br /> <br />18 <br />