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has received concurrence on the terms of this exploration plan approval, as required by 43 CFR <br />3482.2(a)(1). <br />This action will fulfill BLM management obligations regarding the federal coal resource by <br />obtaining information which allows the BLM to verify the recoverable reserves. That <br />information may provide an opportunity to extend the life of the mine, and be consistent with <br />BLM management goals and prescriptions for the area. <br />This decision balances exploration of the coal resource with protection of other resources and <br />resource uses consistent with the applicable laws, regulations, BLM policy and Resource <br />Management Plan goals and objectives, standards and guidelines, and multiple -use decisions. <br />The coal exploration plan was submitted under the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920. Federal Coal <br />Leasing Amendments Act of 1976, and 43 CFR 3400. It was reviewed in accordance with the <br />regulations found at 43 CFR 3482. <br />STIPliLATION MEASURES: <br />Exploration activities will conform with the stipulations attached in Appendix A. <br />The proposed action conforms to the overall guidance given in the Forest Plan, which <br />encourages environmentally sound energy and mineral development. None of the lands were <br />found to be unsuitable based on the criteria. No additional restrictions or need for stipulations <br />were identified as a result of applying the criteria (USFS, 1983). <br />MONITORING: <br />The GMUG will conduct normal routine compliance inspections periodically throughout the life <br />of the exploration activities. The inspections will be designed to monitor environmental effects <br />of the project and to insure that the operator complies with the stipulation measures noted above. <br />COMPLIANCE WITH MAJOR LAWS: <br />The decision is in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and policy, including the <br />Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and the <br />National Historic Preservation Act. <br />PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: <br />The GMUG evaluated the impacts of leasing and a future development scenario in an <br />environmental impact statement (EIS) (USFS, 2012a), then issued a record of decision (ROD) <br />(USFS, 2012b) consenting to the lease modifications. Subsequently the BLM issued a ROD <br />which authorized the lease modifications, and then issued the modifications. <br />Scoping was completed during the EIS. Issues raised were addressed in the EIS. Site specific <br />impacts for the exploration plan project are disclosed in DOI- BLM -CO -5050- 2013 -0027 EA. <br />Wild Earth Guardians submitted comments on the exploration plan in April 2013. <br />2 <br />