Required Operating Procedures apply to all actions, whether implemented by the BLM or authorized by the BLM and implemented by another individual, organization or agency on public land. These were based on the best information available during development of the RMP/EIS.

ROPs are common to all action alternatives and will be applied as appropriate for BLM actions and BLM-authorized activities including: leases and permits; Special Recreation Permits; oil and gas activities; hardrock mineral leasing activities; coal activities; renewable energy activities; mining Plans of Operation; and, authorizations for rights-of-way. For mineral leasing activities, ROPs would apply in addition to the Leasing Stipulations. Only those ROPs concerning resources that are potentially affected by the action will be applied to permits and authorizations. The ROPs may be modified through site-specific analysis of subsequent authorizations. Modifications to ROPs may be appropriate if other measures are taken to protect resources that would result in the same or reduced impact.

The Authorized Officer (AO) or their representative is responsible for ensuring that the intent of the ROPs presented in this RMP/EIS are followed and that permittees comply with the conditions of their authorization. Non-compliance will be documented and a notice will be sent to the permittee, along with corrective actions and a time frame in which the actions are to be completed.

Hardrock Mineral Leasing Stipulations (Leasing Stipulations) are specific to hardrock mineral leasing and exploration in the White Mountains NRA. These Leasing Stipulations are included in a lease. In this Supplement, leasable hardrock minerals include placer gold and rare earth elements. Leasing Stipulations constitute significant restrictions on the conduct of operations under a lease.

Additional site-specific Leasing Stipulations may be added, if determined necessary, through further analysis. Steps during the leasing process where additional NEPA analysis would occur include approval of exploration licenses and associated exploration plans, lease sales, and approval of development plans for approved leases. Additional stipulations may be developed at any of these steps in the process.

Leasing Stipulations may be excepted, modified or waived by the Authorized Officer (AO) pursuant to 43 CFR 3101.1-4 and WO-IM-2008-032. The environmental analysis prepared for hardrock mineral development (such as lease sales or development plans) will address proposals to except, modify, or waive a Leasing Stipulation. To except, modify, or waive a stipulation, the environmental analysis would need to show that: 1) the circumstances or relative resource values in the area had changed following issuance of the lease; or 2) less restrictive requirements could be developed to protect the resource of concern; or 3) operations could be conducted without causing unacceptable impacts; or 4) the resource value of concern does not occur within the lease area. An exception exempts the holder of a lease from the Leasing Stipulation on a one-time basis. A modification changes the language or provisions of a Leasing Stipulation, either temporarily or for the term of the lease. A waiver permanently exempts the Leasing Stipulation.

Compliance with Leasing Stipulations is monitored by the AO or their representative. Non-compliance may result in monetary fines or operation shut-down.

ROP C-1 For permitted activities, cultural resource protection and conservation will be consistent with 1) Sections 106, 110, and 101d of the National Historic Preservation Act (1966, as amended); 2) procedures under BLM’s 1997 National Programmatic Agreement for Section 106 compliance or its successor agreement; and, 3) the 1998 Protocol for Managing Cultural Resources in Alaska between BLM Alaska and the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) or its successor agreement.

ROP C-2 Mitigation measures will be considered for all actions that may potentially affect cultural resources. If the AO determines mitigation measures are necessary to protect and conserve known cultural resources, a mitigation plan will be approved by SHPO and implemented by the AO. Mitigation plans will be reviewed as part of Section 106 consultation for National Register of Historic Places eligible or listed properties. The extent and nature of recommended mitigation will be commensurate with the significance of the cultural resource involved and the anticipated extent of the damage. Costs for mitigation will be borne by the land use applicant.

ROP C-3 The BLM will evaluate the impacts of proposed actions to known paleontological resources. If damage to known significant paleontological resources cannot be avoided, the applicant (or the BLM for internal actions) will perform scientific examination of the impacted significant paleontological resources followed by mitigation approved by the AO. This may include the professional collection and analysis of significant specimens by scientists.

ROP FA-1 No road crossings will be permitted in priority fish species spawning habitat, unless no feasible alternative exists.

ROP FA-2 New, replacement, and reconstructed stream crossing structures (such as bridges and culverts) will be designed to:

ROP FA-3 Application of pesticides and other toxicants will occur in a manner that does not prevent or retard attainment of desired conditions or adversely impacts priority aquatic species.

ROP FA-4 Drilling is prohibited in fish-bearing rivers and streams, as determined by the active floodplain; and fish-bearing lakes, except where the applicant can demonstrate on a site-specific basis that impacts would be minimal or it is determined by the AO that there is no feasible or prudent alternative.

ROP FA-5 When feasible, all water intakes will be screened and designed to prevent fish intake.

ROP FA-6 Reclamation plans for the rehabilitation of fish habitat as required under 43 CFR 3809.420(b)(3)(ii)(E) (Performance standards in part 3809 will also be used for hardrock mineral leasing operations in the White Mountains NRA) will focus on three objectives. Typically, these requirements would be satisfied through the development of a site-specific reclamation plan and on achievement of reclamation objectives. Bond release would be based on meeting specific measurable objectives outlined in a monitoring plan (43 CFR 3809.401(b)(3)). These objectives are:

Within Riparian Conservation Areas, the Salmon Fork ACEC, and areas open to hardrock mineral leasing in the White Mountains baseline hydrological data adequate to characterize the seasonal flow patterns and discharge will be required prior to surface-disturbing activities with the potential to affect stream channel integrity; reduce riparian functioning condition; or, reduce the Watershed Condition Rating. The BLM will be available to advise operators on the exact type of information and detail needed to meet this requirement. Reclamation plans will be designed to result in rehabilitation of habitats within an accelerated timeframe (such as less than three years) and will focus on active revegetation and streambank stabilization techniques as the basis for reclamation design.

ROP Forest-1 Timber sale authorizations will require the proper site preparation to ensure natural regeneration of timber stands.

ROP Forest-2 Timber sales will include buffers to prevent disturbance of priority fish species habitat and sedimentation into streams. Buffer widths will be dependent on harvest method, season of harvest, equipment used, slope, vegetation, and soil type. Winter operations will be considered in order to avoid the need for road building and reduce impacts to soils, vegetation, and riparian areas.

ROP Hazmat-1 Areas of activities will be left clean of all debris to minimize environmental contamination from solid waste.

ROP Hazmat-2 All solid wastes, including incinerated ash, will be removed by the permittee from public lands and disposed of within an Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) approved facility, unless otherwise specified. Solid waste combustibles may be incinerated in a contained and controlled manner, however, burn restrictions may apply during high-risk wildland fire seasons. Burial of solid waste is not authorized on public lands.

ROP Hazmat-3 Wastewater should be managed in accordance with Title 18 Alaska Administrative Code, Chapter 72, (18 AAC 72) Wastewater disposal. Wastewater can be defined as human wastes (sewage) and gray water (wastewater from a laundry, kitchen, sink, shower, bath or other domestic sources). Pit privies are authorized in accordance with 18 AAC 72.020(b)(c)(i), 72.030 and all applicable updates. If these standards cannot be met, then special authorization may be given by the AO. Gray water may not be released in any waterbody, without authorization under the Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES). Gray water may be filtered and released to the surface so as not to cause erosion, and the grey water released must maintain compliance with the ADEC’s guidance.

ROP Hazmat-4 All hazardous materials and petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POLs) will be stored in containers that are compatible to the material being stored. Containers will be labeled with the responsible party’s name, contents of the container, the date the product was purchased, and the date the container was filled.

ROP Hazmat-5 Transportation and storage of POLs will be handled in a safe manner to avoid impacts to the environment and human health. The storage area for any POLs must be approved by the AO.

ROP Hazmat-6 POLs that are transferred to remote locations for operations are to be stored within a containment area constructed to contain 110 percent of the volume of the largest container. The containment area must be lined with an impermeable liner which is free of cracks or gaps, compatible with the contents to be stored, and sufficiently impervious to contain leaks or spills. The containers shall be covered to eliminate the collection of rainwater within the containment area throughout the storage period.

ROP Hazmat-7 All hazardous materials/toxic substances must be disposed of in accordance with EPA and ADEC regulations at the time of disposal.

ROP Hazmat-8 Transfer of POLs to equipment will be completed in a secure manner to minimize the possibility of contamination to the surrounding environment. At a minimum, POL-type absorbent pads will be placed under the transfer location to catch overflow or assist the operator in containing a spill. If refueling cannot be avoided within riparian habitat, 500 feet of fish-bearing waterbodies, or 100 feet of non-fish bearing waterbodies; the responsible party must exercise caution while refueling to ensure no release of POLs into the waterbody. Equipment that has been identified as having a fluid leak must have a drip basin placed under the leak area to ensure no release to the surrounding environment or collection of rain water.

ROP Hazmat-9 Equipment maintenance by the responsible party may be allowed if it is necessary to operate equipment as described in the authorization. Equipment maintenance that has the potential to release fluids should be completed over an impermeable liner to ensure fluid migration to the environment does not occur.

ROP Hazmat-10 A Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan will be written for all sites which have the potential to store 1,320 gallons or more of POLs. Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plans will follow the requirements in 40 CFR 112 and state regulations.

ROP Hazmat-11 All spills will be contained and cleaned up in accordance with ADEC guidance as soon as the release has been identified, unless health and safety of personnel is at risk. ADEC discharge notifications and reporting requirements are outlined in AS 46.03.755 and 18 AAC 75 Article 3. The release of POLs to any waterbody must be immediately reported to ADEC, as soon as the person has knowledge of the release. The responsible party will contact the AO within 48 hours of a spill on public lands. Notifying the EPA may be required for discharges of oil, as required by 40 CFR 112.4.

ROP MM-1 Use existing upland material sources that meet suitability and economic needs whenever possible. Using material from wetlands, lakes, and active or inactive floodplains will be avoided, unless no feasible upland alternative exists. Sales or permits for in-stream gravel extraction within an active channel will not be allowed in priority fish species spawning habitat.

ROP MM-2 When authorizing mineral material sale sites, avoid habitats critical to local fish or wildlife populations (such as fish spawning and overwintering, calving areas, or raptor nesting sites). Avoid key geomorphic features, such as the river cut banks and associated riparian zones; springs; active channels of small, single channel rivers; and, wetlands.

ROP MM-3 When authorizing mineral material sale sites, avoid priority plant species and communities. If sales are authorized in vegetated areas all overburden, vegetation mats and debris will be saved and appropriately stored for use during site reclamation to facilitate vegetative recovery.

ROP MM-4 When scraping gravel in active or inactive floodplains, maintain buffers that will constrain active channels to their original locations and configurations.

ROP Soils-1 Save all organic material in a separate area from overburden (defined in 43 CFR 23.3 (d)) for future use.

ROP Soils-2 Stockpiled soil and overburden will be spread over mine tailings and stabilized to minimize erosion. The shape of contoured tailing and overburden should approximate the shape of surrounding terrain.

ROP Soils-3 Roadways will be ditched on the uphill side. Culverts or low water crossings will be installed at suitable intervals. Spacing of drainage devices and water bars will be appropriate for the road gradient and soil erodibility of the site.

ROP Soils-4 Design roads and trails for minimal disruption of natural drainage patterns.

ROP Soils-5 Roads and trails should avoid areas with unstable or fragile soils.

ROP Soils-6 Water bars will be placed across reclaimed roads. Spacing will be dependent on road gradient, soil erodibility, and other site-specific factors.

ROP Soils-7 Snow and ice bridges will be removed, breached, or slotted before spring break-up. Ramps and bridges will be substantially free of soil and debris.

ROP Soils-8 Overland moves and heavy equipment use:

ROP SS-1 The planning area may contain or be identified with Special Status Species or their habitats. The BLM may require actions to avoid or minimize impacts to Special Status Species, pursuant to BLM policy and Endangered Species Act consultation.

ROP SS-2 Where practical, use may be redirected to protect Special Status Species habitat; to enhance indigenous animal population; or, to otherwise maintain public land health through avoidance of sensitive habitat. If impacts to Special Status Species (populations and habitats) cannot be avoided, the applicant (or the BLM for internal actions) will develop mitigation measures to reduce impacts.

ROP SS-3 Where populations or individual sensitive status plant species are located, take measures to protect these populations or individuals through site-specific buffers or management prescriptions. Route new roads and trails away from known sensitive plant communities, with minimum 100-foot buffers; and minimize summer cross-country OHV travel where there are sensitive plants.

ROP Sub-1 For externally generated actions, the BLM may require applicants to provide information to potentially affected subsistence communities regarding the timing, siting, and scope of a proposed activity; and to consult with the potentially affected subsistence communities about ways to minimize impacts to subsistence. If these consultations occur, the applicant may be required to provide documentation of their consultation efforts to the BLM.

ROP Veg-1 All vegetation treatments and revegetation of surface disturbance will require an approved site-specific plan designed to prevent the introduction of non-native invasive plants (invasive plants), and achieve desired conditions. These plans should describe current vegetative conditions: including plant community composition, structure, cover, seral stages, soil descriptions, age class distribution if applicable, and presence of invasive plants, desired vegetative conditions (based on the ecological capability of the site), treatment methods, measures for preventing introduction and spread of invasive plants, and monitoring actions. Whenever possible, treatments will use native vegetation and seed. Non-native vegetation and seed may be used with specific approval from the AO, and in the following cases (1) where native species are not available in sufficient quantities; (2) where native species are incapable of maintaining or achieving the objectives; or, (3) where non-native species are essential to the functional integrity of the site. Seed must meet Alaska certification standards (11 AAC 34.020 Prohibited and Restricted Noxious Weeds) and any amendments to the existing seed laws or new seed legislation.

ROP Veg-2 Existing roads and trails will be utilized for access where feasible, rather than creating new roads and trails. All road or trail construction must include a plan for reclamation similar to a vegetation treatment plan in ROP Veg-1 above. It should also include best management practices for revegetation of cuts and fills and minimize off-site sediment transport impacts. Construction of road or trails in wetlands and floodplains will be avoided.

ROP Veg-3 Destruction of the vegetative mat and associated vegetation will not be be authorized, unless the AO determines that no feasible alternative exists. In those cases the AO will require that the vegetative mat and topsoils be salvaged and appropriately stored and used for reclamation. If the AO decides that vegetative mat and topsoils cannot be salvaged, other measures to protect vegetation and soils will be considered. Plans for revegetation of surface disturbances will be clearly addressed during authorization of an action.

ROP Veg-4 Design and locate permanent facilities to minimize the development footprint.

ROP NIS-1 To eliminate, minimize, or limit the spread of noxious and non-native invasive plants, only feed and mulch (hay cubes, hay pellets, or straw, for example) certified as weed-free through the Alaska Weed-Free Forage certification program (or other programs with approval of the AO) will be authorized on BLM lands. Where Alaska certified sources are not available, locally produced forage and mulch may be used with approval from the AO. If no certified weed-free or local sources are available, other products may be used with the approval of the AO.

ROP NIS-2 To eliminate, minimize, or limit the spread of noxious and non-native invasive plants, only gravel and material certified as weed-free through the Alaska Weed-Free Gravel certification program will be authorized on BLM lands. Where weed-free gravel and materials are not available other sources may be used, with the approval of the AO.

ROP NIS-3 Fire management actions, including prescribed fire operations, wildland fire suppression and fire rehabilitation efforts, will protect burned and adjacent areas from the introduction and spread of non-native invasive plants. Protection may include the use of washing stations with a containment system.

ROP NIS-4 Employ measures outlined in the most current Alaska Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan (ADF&G 2002a) and the most current Interim Fire Operations Guidance to Prevent Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (USFS 2011) to reduce the introduction and spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species.

ROP NIS-5 All actions implemented or authorized by the BLM will include measures to prevent the introduction and spread of non-native invasive species, if applicable to the site.

ROP VRM-1 To the extent practicable, all facilities and activities will be located away from roads (except access roads), rivers, trails, and other transportation features; using distance to reduce the facility’s visual impact along travel corridors.

ROP VRM-2 All facilities and activities will be designed to meet the visual resource management class, using proper siting and location so that natural features of vegetation and landforms provide screening from travel corridors and other key observation points, and to blend with the natural surroundings.

ROP VRM-3 The modification or disturbance of landforms and vegetative cover will be minimized. Facilities and activities will be designed to reduce unnecessary disturbance.

ROP VRM-4 Facilities and activities will be designed so their shapes, sizes, colors, and textures harmonize with the scale and character by repeating the elements of line, form, color and texture of the surrounding landscape, where possible.

ROP VRM-5 In open exposed landscapes, development will be located in the opposite direction from the primary scenic views, where feasible.

ROP Water-1 Where instream operations are authorized, streams must be diverted using an appropriately sized bypass channel.

ROP Water-2 In mining operations and fluid mineral leasing operations, all process water and ground water seeping into an operating area must be treated appropriately (i.e., use of settling ponds) prior to re-entering the natural water system.

ROP Water-3 Settling ponds will be cleaned out and maintained at appropriate intervals to comply with state and federal water quality standards. Fine sediment captured in the settling ponds will be protected from washout and left in a stable condition at the end of each field season to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation to the environment during periods of non-operation.

ROP Water-4 Streams altered by channeling, diversion, or damming will be restored to a condition that will allow for proper functioning of the riparian zone and stream channels. Active streams will be returned to the natural water course or a new channel will be created at its lowest energy state (valley bottom) that approximates the old natural channel in shape, gradient, and meander frequency using a stable channel design.

ROP Water-5 All permitted operations will be conducted in such a manner to not block any stream or drainage system.

ROP Water-6 Structural and vegetative treatments in riparian and wetland areas will be compatible with the capability of the site, including the system's hydrologic regime, and will contribute to maintenance or restoration of proper functioning condition.

ROP Water-7 Projects requiring the withdrawal of water will be designed to maintain sufficient quantities of surface water and contributing groundwater to support fish, wildlife, and other beneficial uses.

ROP Water-8 State-designated stream crossings will be used where possible for vehicle travel. Stream crossings are online at http://www.habitat.adfg.alaska.gov/gpvehstreamxings.php, noted under the General Permits Index-Authorized Vehicle Stream Crossings

ROP Water-9 Rivers and streams will be crossed by vehicles at shallow riffles from point bar to point bar, where possible.

ROP Water-10 When a stream must be crossed, the crossing will be as close to possible to a ninety degree angle to the stream. Stream crossings will be made at stable sections in the stream channel, based on Rosgen channel type evaluations.

ROP Water-11 Disturbed stream banks will be recontoured and revegetated (or other protective measures will be taken) to prevent soil erosion into adjacent waters.

ROP FM-1 Permittees and casual users will be held financially responsible for any actions or activity that results in a wildland fire. Costs associated with wildland fires include (but are not limited to) damage to natural or cultural resources and costs associated with any suppression action taken on the fire.

ROP FM-2 The BLM will not be held responsible for protection of permittees' structures or their personal property from wildland fire. It is the responsibility of permittees and lessees to mitigate and minimize risk to their personal property and structures from wildland fire, following the conditions in their permit.

ROP FM-3 Gas-powered equipment must be equipped with manufacturer approved and functional spark arrestors.

ROP FM-4 To avoid the potential impacts to aquatic life, the BLM prohibits the use of fire retardant, except when necessary to protect human life, permanent year-round residences, national historic land-marks, structures listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, government facilities, other designated sites or structures, or high-value resources on adjacent lands. Water will be used instead of fire retardant where possible or appropriate. The use of fire suppressant foams is prohibited. Fisheries staff will be involved with decisions to deliver chemical retardant, additives to, or grey water discharge into surface waters.

ROP FM-5 The use of tracked or off-road vehicles in wildland fire suppression or management activities will be conducted in a manner that does not cause erosion, riparian area damage, water quality or fish habitat degredation, or contributes to stream channel sedimentation.

ROP FM-6 Off-road use of heavy equipment and other motorized vehicles requires approval of the AO.

ROP FM-7 Rehabilitate burned areas in accordance with the wildland fire-specific rehabilitation plan provided by the Field Office to the suppression agency.

ROP FM-8 Firelines to mineral soil will not be built in or around riparian areas; unless they are needed to protect life, property, and/or wetland resources. Use natural features as preferred firebreaks over firelines constructed to mineral soil. When possible, use hand crews to construct firelines within (or adjacent to) riparian areas.

ROP FM-9 To the extent practicable, select the location for incident bases, camps, helibases, and so on to avoid riparian areas.

ROP Wild-1 Design pipelines and roads to allow the free movement of wildlife and the safe, unimpeded passage of the public while participating in traditional subsistence activities. The currently accepted design practices are: 1) Above-ground pipelines will be elevated a minimum of seven feet, measured from the ground to the bottom of the pipeline at vertical support members, to facilitate human and wildlife movement under the pipe; 2) In areas where facilities or terrain may funnel caribou movement, ramps over pipelines or buried pipelines may be required; and, 3) Where feasible, maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet between above-ground pipelines and roads.

ROP Wild-2 Prior to development of large facilities, the AO may require development of an ecological land classification map of the development area. The map will integrate geomorphology, surface form, and vegetation at a scale, level of resolution, and level of positional accuracy adequate for detailed analyses of development alternatives and facility siting options. The map will be prepared in time to plan one summer season of ground-based wildlife or vegetation surveys, if deemed necessary by the AO, before approval of exact facility location and facility construction.

ROP Wild-3 Whenever possible, operations that require vegetation removal will avoid the migratory bird nesting period of May 1 to July 15 (USFWS Advisory: Recommended Time Periods for Avoiding Vegetation Clearing in Alaska to Protect Migratory Birds. September 2007). If NEPA analysis reveals that this would unacceptably compromise project objectives or logistical feasibility, potential impacts must be identified, and mitigation applied that are appropriate to the magnitude and duration of expected effects. Assessments would focus on species of concern, priority habitats, and key risk factors. Permittees/project proponents will be reminded that it is their responsibility to comply with provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

ROP Wild-4 Employ industry accepted best management practices to prevent raptors and other birds from colliding with or being electrocuted by utility lines, alternative energy structures, towers, and poles (APLIC 2006, http://www.aplic.org/). If possible bury utility lines in important bird areas. Where raptors are likely to nest in human-made structures (such as cell phone towers) and such use could impede operation or maintenance of the structures or jeopardize the safety of the raptors; equip the structures with either (1) devices engineered to discourage raptors from building nests, or (2) nesting platforms that will safely accommodate raptor nests without interfering with structure performance.

ROP Wild-5 Guy-wired apparatus, regardless of purpose, will be marked in accordance with the guidance provided by the USFWS Guidance on the Siting, Construction, Operation and Decommissioning of Communications Towers, dated September 14, 2000, or a more current or contemporaneous version of that guidance.

ROP Wild-6 To minimize the potential for disease transmission to wildlife, the use of domestic sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, and other similar species will not be authorized in conjunction with BLM-authorized activities in Dall sheep habitat.

ROP Wild-7 Activities will not be authorized between May 15 and July 15 if the activity will interfere with caribou calving and postcalving activities or Dall sheep lambing (May 10 through June 1). However, ongoing mineral production activities will be allowed throughout these time periods. In these areas and time periods, aircraft associated with activities that require BLM authorization will maintain an altitude of at least 1,500 feet above ground level (except for takeoffs and landings), unless doing so would endanger human life or violate safe flying practices. These seasonal restrictions can be modified based on actual caribou or Dall sheep occupancy of the area.

ROP Wild-8 Within the Fortymile and White Mountains caribou calving and postcalving ranges (Map 90 of the Draft RMP/EIS), mineral exploration activities will not be authorized from May 15 through July 15 unless the AO determines that caribou no longer occupy the specific area of the proposed operations. This seasonal restriction can be modified based on actual caribou occupancy of area.

ROP Wild-9 All reasonable precautions will be taken to avoid attracting wildlife to food and garbage. Garbage from all BLM-authorized activities will be removed and properly disposed to prevent habituation of wildlife or alteration of populations. The BLM may require food and garbage to be stored in bear-proof containers or by methods that make it unavailable to bears or other wildlife.

ROP Wild-10 From May 1 through August 31, avoid sustained human activity within one-quarter mile of trumpeter swan nests and rearing ponds. No activity will commence prior to May 15 and, if necessary, qualified personnel will conduct a preliminary site survey within the two-week period prior to the projected start date of the activity to determine trumpeter swan presence. If present, short-term activities will be delayed until after nesting trumpeter swans and cygnets have left the habitat. Exceptions may be granted by the AO, following NEPA analysis, if no feasible alternative exists.

ROP Wild-11163 Applicants proposing to conduct surface-disturbing activities or other intensive activities will, at the determination of the AO, be required to submit an approved plan (Caribou and Dall Sheep Impact Assessment and Mitigation Plan) describing methods to minimize impacts to caribou and Dall sheep and their habitat. This plan must describe the proposed project, the design and mitigation alternatives considered, the amount and quality of habitat to be affected, the mitigation and restoration to be applied, the residual impacts predicted, and the monitoring to be undertaken to confirm mitigation success.

ROP Wild-121 Permanent roads will generally not be allowed (although long-term temporary roads may be) and roads will generally not be open to the public. Roads will be of the lowest practical profile. Road use may be restricted during caribou calving, postcalving, or Dall sheep lambing. Road construction will not be permitted if other means of access is practical (such as aircraft or winter ice-road). Facilities within ACECs that require year-round access will be located in forested areas where practical. Permitted aircraft will follow a minimum flight level of 1,500 feet above ground level, except at landing and takeoff and when it would compromise safety. The AO may allow exceptions to these access requirements where impacts to caribou and Dall sheep are adequately minimized and where other resource considerations are of higher priority.

ROP Wild-131 To minimize habitat loss, the surface disturbance and the aerial extent of facilities will be minimized. The amount of cumulative vegetation clearing and surface disturbance will be minimized through an integrated review of planned disturbance between all land users.

ROP Wild-141 Reclamation and revegetation of disturbed areas will be required to meet performance standards set in site-specific reclamation plans, such as a required plant cover (percent) within a certain number of years before a performance bond is released.

ROP Wild-15 To minimize the direct loss of priority raptor foraging habitat, all reasonable and practicable efforts will be made to locate permanent facilities as far from priority raptor nests as feasible and to minimize habitat loss to the extent feasible. Of particular concern for avoidance are ponds, lakes, streams, wetlands, and riparian habitats.

ROP Wild-16 To minimize disturbance to nesting priority raptors, aircraft authorized by the BLM are required to maintain an altitude of at least 1,500 feet above ground level when within one-half mile of priority raptor nesting sites during nesting season. This protection is not intended to restrict flights necessary to conduct wildlife surveys satisfying wildlife data collection requirements.

ROP Wild-17 To reduce disturbance to nesting priority raptors, campsites authorized by the BLM, including short- and long-term camps and agency work camps, must be located at least 500 meters from any known priority raptor nest site during the nesting season. Exceptions may be granted by the AO if no feasible alternative exists.

ROP Wild-18 Authorized human activity within 500 meters of priority raptor nest sites will be minimized during the nesting season. The cumulative number of authorized visits (defined as each day in which work is done within 500 meters of a nest site) to any nest site per nesting season, by all authorized users, must be limited to three visits per nest site. Exceptions may be granted by the AO if no other feasible alternative exists.

ROP Wild-19 To reduce disturbance impacts to priority raptors, motorized ground-vehicle use must be minimized within one mile of any known priority raptor nest during the nesting season. Such use is prohibited within one-half mile of nests during the nesting season, unless an exception is granted by the AO.

ROP Wild-20 Construction within one-half mile of known priority raptor nests is prohibited during the nesting season. No facilities that will be used or accessed during the nesting period (including the area of associated human activity by facility users) can be constructed within one-half mile of known priority raptor nesting sites. Exceptions may be granted by the AO if no feasible alternative exists.