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Pane6 1G-24 Wert E!k Mrnc <br />2.5.8 Future Methane Gas Development <br />T-79 <br />Methane gas is a resource that was made available Eor leasing in the 1993 GMUG Oil and Gas EIS <br />and ROD. Continuing increases in energy demand, recent recognition of the need for increased <br />supply, and the occurrence of methane gas in association with coal in the area have resulted in interest <br />in and consideration of commercial methane production. It is foreseeable that gas leases would be <br />pursued, perrrtits obtained, and commercial methane development and production initiated. The <br />BLM understands and has addressed potential resource conflicts between coal and gas development. <br />With coal proven as a viable resource in this area, coal development has been given priority and gas <br />' development cannot interfere with existing mining operations. Engineering studies have been and aze <br />being conducted to better understand the potential for commercial methane development in this azea. <br />If the gas is leased and developed, a pipeline would be constructed and area roads would be used for <br />' daily monitoring. <br />2.5.9 Past, Present, and Future Geophysical Exploration Surveys <br />' In 1998 and 1999, MCC hired a contractor to perform geophysical seismic surveys in and neaz the <br />project area. The surveys consisted of detonation of low impact explosives while simultaneously <br />recording the vibrations or seismic waves that result. The wave chazacteristics are then interpreted to <br />' provide information on geologic stivcture and possible faults in the survey area. This type survey can <br />be a helpful exploration method and requires very minimal surface disturbance. The 1998 survey was <br />conducted on USFS "classified" roads. In 1999 a 2.1-mile shallow seismic line was ivn along the <br />' Deep Creek drainage. Very minor surface effects occurred and no residual visible effects aze evident. <br />Future surveys are anticipated for exploration of the E Seam. Additional surveys may also be <br />considered for further B Seam defmition, although none are currently planned. <br />2.5.10 Past, Present, and Future Range Use and Improvements <br />This area has been grazed Eor many years, and is currently managed on intensive time-controlled <br />rotational grazing system. There are no planned changes in the grazing system and Future range <br />improvements may be implemented as needed. <br />2.5.11 Vegetative Treatment <br />There have been no commercial timber sales within the cumulative effects area in the past 10 to 15 <br />yeazs and none aze currently planned. The area is presently open for personal Firewood gathering, but <br />use is low. A 600-acre prescribed burn to improve wildlife habitat occurred in a mountain shrub area <br />about 1 mile east of the lease modification areas in 1992. This azea has effectively revegetated in <br />mountain shrub/oak. No other habitat improvement projects are planned at this time. <br />2.5.12 Recreation <br />In the past 20 yeazs, the primaty recreational use in the project azea has been big game hunting. Use <br />of ATVs has dramatically increased in the past 10 yeazs with most use occurring during hunting <br />seasons. In August 2001, the Forest Supervisor signed a closure order that limits ATV use to existing <br />roads and trails. No recreation developments are currently planned. <br />2.5.13 Roadless Inventory <br />Pazt of the project area was inventoried and designated as pazt of the West Elk IRA in 1979 in the <br />RARE II process. The poztlon of the West EIk IRA that includes the project azea was not <br />recommended for wilderness designation or as a "further planning azea". The project azea was not <br />designated Eor management as roadless in the GMUG Forest Plan. The Forest Plan did not restrict <br />road building in the "non-wildemess designated" portion of the West Elk IRA. The Record of <br />' PVI/M.,iu. !rYG/F~1/D'.f )/a/~}E~ (:tFJ <br />s/t/u.s <br />EnuronmentalA.creumext <br />