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Based on the analysis and determinations in the BABE ,and USFWS concurrence with the BABE conclusions of effects on Colorado River fishes and lynx, I have determined that there are no extraordinary circumstances associated with the proposed Dry Fork CEL with regard to threatened or endangered species or FS sensitive species. Flood plains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds. None of the surface disturbances (road and drill pad construction) proposed under the CEL would occur in flood plains or wetlands. There are no municipal watersheds in the proposed exploration license area, Consequently there are no extraordinazy circumstances associated with these resources. Archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas Cultural surveys were completed for the proposed action and archaeological clearance has been obtained for the proposed Dry Fork CEL with FS conditions (project file). The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has given concurrence that no historic properties will be affected. Consequently, there are no extraordinary circumstances associated with these resources. Inventoried Roadless Area Approximately 500 acres of the proposed Dry Fork CEL is in the West Elk Inventoried Roadless Area (IRA) (approx. 96,280 acres). The attached Map B shows the boundaries and extent of the West Elk IRA. The GMUG Oil and Gas Leasing EIS (1993), which amended the GMUG Land and Resource Management Plan, evaluated the West Elk IRA for existing roadless character. The GMUG Oil and Gas Leasing EIS identified that the azea in the vicinity of the proposed Dry Fork CEL (Coal Mesa area) was roaded, had no special features, and was not remote (GMUG Oil and Gas Leasing EIS, pages III 80-82}. The 1993 Oil and Gas Leasing Record of Decision also recognized that previous exploration activities, coal leases, and road building had already compromised the roadless values of the area. In addition, the 2002 Coal Methane Drainage Project EA re-evaluated the roadless character of the portion of the West Elk IRA north of National Forest System Road (NFSR) 711 (Map A), the area in which the Dry Fork CEL lies. That evaluation also showed that the roadless character had been compromised by past mining and road construction activities. Road construction in the West Elk IRA under the proposed Dry Fork CEL would disturb approximately 0.42 acres, less than 1 % of the West Elk IRA. Total disturbance in the West Elk IRA (roads and pad construction) would be 1.34 acres. The minor road construction and use associated with the proposed Dry Fork CEL will not further affect the already-compromised roadless character of the West Elk IRA. Any new roads constructed for exploration purposes are temporazy and are reclaimed after use per FS conditions. There will not be discernible lasting effects to the surface resources. Based on this information, I have determined that there are no extraordinary circumstances associated with the West Elk IRA and the FS conditions to be attached to the proposed Dry Fork CEL. Additional information on the West Elk IRA is in the project file.