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Underground Exploration and Development Project with the Forest in July 2012. Exploration activities <br />would be authorized through the Forest Service approval of the Plan of Operations that will incorporate <br />all appropriate design criteria and monitoring measures as described in the EA, Appendix B. <br />In 2008, Rio Grande Silver Inc.posted a state -wide bond with the Colorado Division of Reclamation <br />Mining and Safetywhich covers all approved activities. At the time further construction is scheduled, <br />RGS will update its reclamation bond to ensure that sufficient reclamation bonding is posted for the <br />planned work (See Appendix B, Section 4.0) <br />Two alternatives were analyzed in the EA, Alternative 1- No Action (to provide a baseline for analysis), <br />and Alternative 2 — Proposed Action., Alternative 2 was developed to minimize negative environmental <br />impacts. Wherever possible, surface activities were confined to previously disturbed areas forwaste <br />rock storage facilities, access roads and pipelines, minimizing length and total surface disturbance, <br />avoidance of identified cultural resources and avoidance of wetland areas where feasible, the proposed <br />project minimizes environmental impacts. <br />In accordance with the National Forest Management Act (NFMA) and National Environmental Policy Act <br />(NEPA), Forest Service staff formed an interdisciplinary (ID) team to analyze the environmental effects of <br />the proposed exploration and development activities. The findings of the ID team are documented in <br />the EA. Their recommendations to protect each resource area are included in my decision. <br />1.2CHANGESFROM THE EA FOR COMMENT <br />The only change made to the "EA for Comment ", was on the title page, removing the words "for <br />Comment" and the correction of minor typographical errors. <br />1.3 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT <br />This action wasoriginally listed as a proposal on the Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) Schedule of <br />Proposed Actions (SOPA) and updated periodically during the analysis. People were invited to review <br />and comment on the proposal through newspaper articles, news releases, public meetings and <br />individual letter mailings. The "EA for Comment" was also circulated for 30 days for public comment. <br />An initial list of possible issues to arise during the planning process was developed by the Forest Service, <br />and discussed with the Public at an Open House meeting on August 14, 2012 at the community center in <br />Creede, Colorado. The meeting allowed the general public the opportunity to learn more about the <br />Bulldog Underground Exploration and Development Program, the NEPA process, and the nature of <br />public participation in the NEPA process. <br />During the 30 day comment period for the circulation of the "EA for Comment ", fourcomment letters <br />were received. Two were supportive of the project. Two identified other concerns; All issues raised were <br />carefully considered. The comment letters and the Forest Service responses are contained in the project <br />record. <br />The following is a list of the major public outreach efforts. <br />• On July 16, 2012, RGS presented the Forest Service with the Bulldog Underground Exploration <br />and Development Plan of Operations. <br />Bulldog Underground Exploration and Development Project DN/FONSI Page 3 <br />