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An alternntive access rotde is considered in the analysis (see Section 1.D Alternatives). Access from Sylvester Gulch is not being considered at this time, as other options are ntorefeasible. 2.D. ALTERNATIVES Alternative development followed the requirement under NEPA for the agency to analyze a reasonable range of alternatives suitable for the project. The alternatives were developed to address the purpose and need for the project, and the issues raised. The alternatives analyzed are as follows: Alternative 1: No Action. Analysis of the No Action alternative is required by CEQ 40 CFR Part 1502.14(d). Under the no action alternative, the GVB drilling proposal would not be approved, and no drilling would occur in these specific areas. Impacts from drilling and road reopening or construction would not occur in the project area, and the effects from on-going land uses would continue. The land would continue [o be managed according to Forest Plan standards, goals and guidelines. Alternative 2: Approve GVB Drilling and Road Access Needs with Road Access on FR 71 1 to Abandoned Drill Road and One Mile of New Temporary Road Construction . This action alternative would considers drilling and installing the five GVB, constructing about one mile of new temporary road in the project area corridor (shown on the attached map), and reopening the abandoned drill access road to reclaimed locations SOM-53 and 54. This alternative assumes that the new temporary road alignment would follow the bottom of Long Draw. This alternative assumes that the project azea corridor would be accessed via FR 711 (Dry Fork Road), to where the abandoned drilling access road (to reclaimed locations of drill holes SOM-53 and 54) ]eaves FR 711 to the north. This alternative assumes that the exception to the Big Game Winter Range timing limitation would be granted. Surface use in the project area is subject to the stipulations currently in effect on federal coal lease COC-56447 (see Appendix A). This alternative would also require providing an exception to the No Surface Occupancy (NSO) stipulation for riparian areas (see Appendix A), for placement of the new temporary access road along the bottom of Long Draw. This alternative also assumes application of potential conditions of approval given in Appendix B. Others conditions may be added as needed for mitigation. Alternative 3: Approve GVB Drilling with Road Access from Currently Used West Flatiron Road and Place the One Mile of New Temporary Road Construction on North Hillslone. This action alternative considers drilling the GVBs, and constructing the about otre tnile of new temporary road in the project area corridor shown on the attached map, assuming that the new tetporary road and drill pads would be placed on the north hillside of Long Draw. This alternative assumes that the project area corridor would be accessed oCf the existing West Flatiron drill access road (currently used for access to other GVB locations). 9