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i~ 5.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ' S.1 GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING ' Third Park is set in a region of diverse terrain. The region is confined by three deeply incised streams: Tabeguache Creek along the northern border, the San Miguel River extending along the western border, and Coal Draw which drains the southern portion of Third Park. Both Tabeguache Creek and Coal Draw are tributary to the San Miguel River. Within this incised perimeter is a terrain dominated by a plateau of high elevation (5500-6000 feet) that ' encompasses Box Canyon. This canyon extends across the entire area, but it is incised more deeply on its southern extent along the perimeter of Third Park. To the northeast, the southwestern flank of the Uncompaghre Plateau rises and toward all other directions the terrain ' is similar to that of Third Park. The topography is shown on Figure 2-1 and on Map 1 in the pocket of this application. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the San Juan/San Miguel Resource Area have been very instrumental in supplying background information. They cover a much larger region than Third Park itself, but still create a good idea of Third Park's setting and potential concerns over land disturbance associated with exploration drilling. Figure 5-1 shows the location of the San Juan/San Miguel Resource Area. 5.1.1 Soils Soil composition and type are not well known in the area, but it can be reasonably assumed that it would be similar in composition to that of the underlying and surrounding geologic formations. The Dakota, Morrison, Wasatch and the Chinle Formations have all been eroded and weathered over time. The San Miguel, Coal Draw and other streams subsequently have transported their sediment into the Third Park area and these sediments have the composition of the modern quaternary soils. Collectively, these lithologic bodies would contribute alight- colored, sand dominated composition including some fine, variegated silt and clay and possibly some coal fragments. The Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for most of southwestern Colorado has found problems with soil erosion and salinity in the area. In 1984, there was no severe gully erosion in the immediate area of interest. For nearby areas such as Broad Canyon and Dry Mud Spring, Disappointment Valley, Paradox Valley, and Gypsum Valley erosion has been a problem. However, no major wind erosion in Third Park or its immediate surrounding was found. Additionally, high sediment yields from erosive soils and possibly mining or other development within the region contribute to local salinization of the land. Areas surrounding Third Park that were severely affected include Disappointment Valley, Paradox Valley, Gypsum Valley and Dry Creek Basin. While there is no evidence of problems Third Park Exploration License Application ~ 7