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expected to impact the wildlife using the area such that viewing would be precluded or greatly <br />disrupted in the area around the parking area (Oulton 2004). There are no plans to change the <br />use of the area. <br />CDOT continues to perform upgrades to area highways and roads, including US 50, which <br />passes through the park and is the access point for the pit. Traffic on US 50 and other area <br />roads contribute to impacts to resources and visitors, especially from traffic noise. The traffic on <br />US 50 is dependent on many factors, including park visitation, and would likely be heaviest on <br />weekends and holidays and in the summer months. In 2002, the average annual daily traffic <br />along US 50 from Gunnison to State Highway (SH) 149 was 6,104 vehicles. CDOT also is a <br />primary customer for road base materials, which could affect the demand for mineral materials <br />from the pit. <br />Development with the surrounding county also affects resources in the area. Recreational and <br />residential development on such lands has become an issue during the past several years (NPS <br />1999). Thus far, the major issues include the proposed Blue Mesa Highlands Development, <br />proposed residential development on McIntyre Gulch, construction/operation of Blue Mesa <br />Recreational Ranch, ongoing construction of a residential development, and local and external <br />mineral exploration and development. All of these issues are linked to increases in <br />construction, runoff, and disposal of human wastes and thus, loss of aesthetic qualities and <br />potential effects on the natural system (NPS 1999). However, Gunnison County recently <br />passed a Land Use Resolution (Gunnison County 2001 }that contains numerous requirements <br />for mineral extraction and new development within the county. This may influence the rate at <br />which additional development proceeds in the county, including new mines. <br />Organization of the Analysis <br />The impact analyses are organized by impact topic. Under each impact topic, the affected <br />environment is described, methodology is described including impact threshold definitions, <br />impacts under each alternative are given, a cumulative impact analysis is provided (analysis <br />area is parkwide), and a conclusion is stated. The conclusion section summarizes all major <br />findings, including whether or not an impairment of resources or values is likely or would occur. <br />Impairment analyses are only performed for park resources and values (including all natural and <br />cultural resources). See Section 1.2.3 The Non-impairment Mandate, for a description of <br />impairment. <br />3.1. Impacts on Nonfederal Mineral Development <br />Methodology <br />Impacts on nonfederal mineral development were analyzed by reviewing current mining <br />operations at the Dickerson Pit and researching information on other mining in the vicinity of the <br />pit. Information from the park's enabling legislation, current local, state and federal laws and <br />regulations, and the park's approved General Management Plan were also reviewed. <br />The thresholds of change for the intensity of an impact are defined as follows: <br />Negligible: The impact is barely measurable and/or would not affect local or regional <br />supplies of mineral materials. <br />Minor: The impact is slight but measurable and/or would affect local or regional <br />supplies of mineral materials. <br />33 <br />