Alternative E combines elements selected from the other alternatives that were further refined. It is designed to respond most comprehensively to each of the issues and management concerns identified in the planning process. Using the Preferred Alternative in the DRMP/DEIS, the BLM revised this alternative to incorporate and address comments received during the 90 day public comment period. Through clarifications in response to the protests received, the Proposed RMP is now the Approved RMP , which is attached to this ROD . In the most comprehensive manner, the Approved Plan is designed to respond to each of the issues and management concerns recognized during the planning process. The BLM determined that the decisions presented under Alternative E will provide the optimal balance between authorized resource use and the protection and long-term sustainability of sensitive resources within the area.
Alternative E, the Approved Plan, is considered by the BLM to be the environmentally preferable alternative when taking into consideration the natural, social, and economic components of the human environment. The U.S. Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) has defined the environmentally preferable alternative as the alternative that will promote the national policy as expressed in Section 101 of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA ). This section lists six broad policy goals for all federal plans, programs, and policies:
Fulfill the responsibilities of each generation as trustee of the environment for succeeding generations;
Assure for all Americans safe, healthful, productive, and aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings;
Attain the widest range of beneficial uses of the environment without degradation, risk to health or safety, or other undesirable and unintended consequences;
Preserve important historic, cultural, and natural aspects of our national heritage, and maintain, wherever possible, an environment that supports diversity and variety of individual choice;
Achieve a balance between population and resource use which will permit high standards of living and a wide sharing of life’s amenities; and
Enhance the quality of renewable resources and approach the maximum attainable recycling of depletable resources.
In comparison with the other alternatives that were analyzed, Alternative E best meets the above NEPA goals for the future management of the Bradshaw-Harquahala Planning Area. It provides for the protection of sensitive natural, scenic, and cultural resources, while maintaining open space near communities to accommodate a variety of motorized and non-motorized recreational activities. This alternative also supports community needs for energy, transportation, minerals, and lands for public purposes and sustainable economic activities. It promotes public safety through actions that address fire and vegetation management, hazardous materials, responsible recreation, and reclamation of abandoned mine lands. Alternative E best meets the requirements of Section 101 of NEPA and was thus selected as the environmentally preferable alternative.