On a case-by-case basis, the BLM would manage to reduce impacts to geological features noted as significant during project analyses.

Apply Site-Specific Relocation (SSR; See Appendix B, Maps 2-2b, 2-2c, 2-2d, and 2-2e) in areas where outstanding geologic features have been identified and could be damaged, including examples of faults, ripple marks, cross-bedding, lithified mud cracks, angular uncomformities, or geomorphologic features.

No similar action in existing RMPs

Conduct geologic mapping for outstanding geologic features in the following areas:

No similar action in existing RMPs

Prohibit the installation of permanent climbing anchors in areas where outstanding geologic features could be damaged.

Require paleontological clearances/surveys and/or mitigation prior to surface-disturbing activities in Potential Fossil Yield Category (PFYC) class 4 and 5 areas (Map 3–2). Avoid or recover significant resources through the authorization process.

Require paleontological clearances/surveys and/or mitigation prior to surface-disturbing activities in PFYC class 3, 4 and 5 areas (Map 3–2). Avoid or recover significant resources through the authorization process.

Same as Alternatives A and B

Require paleontological clearances/surveys and/or mitigation prior to surface-disturbing activities in PFYC class 4 and 5 areas, as well as class 3 areas that are likely to contain high potential for scientifically significant fossils (Map 3–2). Avoid or recover significant resources through the authorization process.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Monitoring would be scheduled on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the BLM.

Prioritize monitoring of known surficial localities of vertebrate or other scientifically important fossils in order to protect these resources from vandalism and theft.

Prohibit the collection of paleontological resources, except where intended for legitimate scientific uses or Native American spiritual or traditional uses, for which documentation is provided to the satisfaction of the responsible management official (D-E NCA Interim Management Plan 2010).

Restrict collecting of vertebrate and trace fossils to scientific purposes and require valid BLM Paleontological Resources Use Permits. Allow recreational (non-permitted) collecting of common invertebrate and plant fossils.

Same as Alternatives A, B and C

Prohibit the collection of rocks, flagstones or other mineral materials in the D-E NCA, except where collection is intended for legitimate scientific uses or Native American spiritual or traditional uses, for which documentation is provided to the satisfaction of the responsible management official (D-E NCA Interim Management Plan 2010).

Allow for casual (noncommercial, nonpermitted) collection of rocks and minerals in the D-E NCA.

Same as Alternatives A, B and C

As information is obtained specific management will be identified (UB RMP 1989).

Continue the ongoing compilation and analysis of all available paleontological resource data and literature to provide an informed basis for understanding paleontological resources within and/or near the D-E NCA and to provide immediate protection for paleontological resources at risk.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Research proposals are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Allow geologic and paleontologic research using a combination of hand tools and mechanized equipment that improves understanding of the resource. Exception: where more restrictive wilderness rules apply.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Identification of opportunities for interpretation is done on a case-by-case basis.

Identify appropriate off-site interpretation opportunities related to paleontology and geology.

Identify appropriate opportunities for interpretation (both on-site and off-site) related to paleontology and geology

No similar actions in existing RMPs. Sites are allocated for education and interpretive use on a case-by-case basis.

Do not allocate newly identified paleontological sites to on-site education and interpretation.

As sites are identified, allocate appropriate sites (including active or retired research sites) for education and interpretative use by the public.

Manage the Gunnison Gravels Research Natural Area as a geologic research and educational site (Gunnison Gravels Research Natural Areas Articles of Designation, 1987)

No similar action

Provide interpretive sites at the following locations:

If these areas can be protected in doing so, provide interpretive sites at the following locations:

Section 2.1.2 deals with the biological systems of the D-E NCA. Within this section are subsections dealing with priority species and vegetation (2.1.2.1), special status species (2.1.2.2), fish and wildlife (2.1.2.3), noxious weeds (2.1.2.4), fire and fuels (2.1.2.5) and soils and water quality (2.1.2.6).

The planning team went through an extensive process to consider priority biological species and communities so that future management could be based on an understanding of species and community relationships. As part of this process, the BLM identified vegetation/habitat types and species (plants or wildlife) that would be priorities for management and would thus require special management consideration and attention. Desert bighorn sheep and Colorado hookless cactus were identified as priority species, as they required special management consideration and attention beyond management of their broader habitat types. Habitat for other special status species, fish and wildlife (including big game) are largely managed through management of the priority vegetation or habitat types listed in this section (Section 2.1.2.1).

After identifying the key attributes and associated indicators of health for each priority species and vegetation the planning team established standards for each indicator so that its current condition could be summarized as “poor”, “fair”, “good” or “very good”. The gap between current and desired condition defines objectives for management. Objectives were focused particularly on key attributes that were determined to currently be in “fair” or “poor” condition. For more detail on indicators, please see Appendix A.

This planning process is based on the “Planning for Priority Species and Vegetation” training offered by the BLM’s National Training Center.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Reassess or reevaluate priority species and vegetation standards and current condition in association with land health assessments, or on a more frequent basis than land health assessments.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Vegetation treatments are authorized on a case-by-case basis in order to improve wildlife habitat and/or to meet livestock grazing or fuels objectives.

Do not authorize the use of vegetation treatments unless conditions substantially deteriorate and restrictions on allowable uses are insufficient to meet objectives for priority species and vegetation.

Authorize the use of vegetation treatments and/or restrictions on allowable uses to meet priority species and vegetation objectives.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Seed mixtures are approved on a case-by-case basis.

Only use native, locally derived plant materials for restoration and revegetation efforts.

Ensure seed mixes are free of State listed noxious weed seeds.

Use only native (not necessarily locally derived) plant materials for restoration and revegetation efforts.

Ensure seed mixes are free of State listed noxious weed seeds.

Use native plant materials for restoration and revegetation efforts when available and not cost prohibitive. If not available, then use of noninvasive, non-native plant materials is permitted.

Ensure seed mixes are free of State listed noxious weed seeds.

All use of plant materials for restoration and revegetation efforts should be designed in order to meet biological objectives. Emphasize the use of native plant materials for restoration and revegetation efforts using the following prioritization criteria:

If criteria 1 through 4 are not feasible, use of noninvasive, non-native plant materials would be permitted outside the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness.

Ensure seed mixes are free of State listed noxious weed seeds.

Manage allowable uses to achieve land health standards.

Restrict or adjust allowable uses that are currently preventing achievement of priority species and vegetation objectives.

Intensively manage allowable uses that are currently preventing achievement of priority species and vegetation objectives.

Allow harvesting of plant materials only where such harvesting would improve forest or woodland health, could be implemented in a sustainable fashion, and would not require additional off-road exploration (D-E NCA Interim Management Plan 2009).

Prohibit the collection of plant materials (including firewood) within the D-E NCA, except for personal use by Native American tribal members.

Allow for the authorized collection of plant materials (including firewood) within the D-E NCA, where doing so helps achieve biological and/or cultural resource objectives.

Continue to grant Christmas tree permits as long as it would be likely to improve forest health, could be implemented in a sustainable fashion, and would not require additional off-road exploration (D-E NCA Interim Management Plan 2009).

Prohibit collection of Christmas trees within the D-E NCA.

Designate Christmas tree cutting areas when and where doing so helps meet goals and objectives established for biological resources in the D-E NCA.

Designate yearly Christmas tree cutting areas to maintain the recreational value of Christmas tree harvesting, while managing to conserve, protect or enhance biological resources.

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Priority habitats for the D-E NCA are desert shrub/saltbush, pinyon-juniper woodlands, sagebrush shrublands, ponderosa pine, mountain shrub, riparian, seeps and springs, and aquatic systems.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Reduce route density, where practicable, through travel management decisions.

Management of the following special status species is “nested” under management of this vegetation type: white-tailed prairie dog, burrowing owl, kit fox, black-footed ferret, ferruginous hawk, longnose leopard lizard, midget-faded rattlesnake, milksnake, Montrose bladderpod, Colorado desert parsley and various migratory bird species. In other words, health of these species is tied to health of this vegetation/habitat type.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Vegetation treatments are authorized on a case-by-case basis in order to improve wildlife habitat and/or to meet livestock grazing or fuels objectives.

Do not conduct vegetation treatments in desert shrub/saltbush vegetation type (exception: where substantial degradation would occur in the absence of such treatments).

Use vegetation treatments (e.g. introduction of biological controls, chemical treatments, seeding) to improve native vegetation composition and structure in desert shrub/saltbush communities.

Prior to completing vegetation treatments: establish research or pilot plots in D-E NCA to determine successful treatment prescriptions (exemption: noxious weed treatments); or ensure that likely outcomes are known on the basis of other tests conducted in the region.

Use existing research or pilot plots from the D-E NCA or surrounding region to inform vegetation treatment prescriptions in this vegetation type.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit disturbance of intact desert shrub/saltbush vegetation for authorized uses that are shown to cause substantial degradation (e.g. sheep bed grounds, livestock trailing, livestock salt and water placement, livestock developments, routes and recreational developments).

Minimize disturbance of intact desert shrub/saltbush vegetation for authorized uses that are shown to cause substantial degradation (e.g. sheep bed grounds, livestock trailing, livestock salt and water placement, livestock developments, routes and recreational developments).

Same as Alternatives C and D. Also minimize ground disturbing fire suppression activities.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Existing Fire Management Plans do not allow for fire use in most desert shrub/saltbush areas.

Do not suppress ignitions or portions of fires in desert shrub/saltbush vegetation, unless substantial long term degradation is likely to occur as a result of the fire.

Actively suppress all ignitions in desert shrub/saltbush vegetation except where it can be demonstrated that fire is neutral to or can help achieve biological resources objectives.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Seasons of grazing use is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Close allotments with highly degraded desert shrub/saltbush vegetation to livestock use.

In areas with degraded desert shrub/saltbush vegetation, avoid grazing use during the critical growth period (generally the period of early April to early October, depending on seasonal conditions) to allow for plant recovery while adequate soil moisture is available. Exception: where use outside of this time period would help achieve biological objectives.

Continue to determine seasons of grazing use on a case-by-case basis.

Same as Alternative C

Management of the following special status species is “nested” under management of this vegetation type: Montrose bladderpod, Grand Junction milkvetch, Naturita milkvetch, midget-faded rattlesnake, spotted bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, fringed myotis, northern goshawk, milk snake, longnose leopard lizard and various migratory bird species.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Do not allow vegetation treatments in old growth or late seral pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Do not allow vegetation treatments in old growth or late seral pinyon-juniper woodland. Actively suppress wildfire in these areas.

Avoid vegetation treatments and use of planned wildland fire in ancient pinyon-juniper woodlands (note: these stands are more rare than old growth or late seral pinyon-juniper woodlands). In balance with other resource and fire objectives, protect ancient pinyon-juniper woodlands in the case of unplanned wildland fire.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Vegetation treatments are authorized on a case-by-case basis in order to improve wildlife habitat and/or to meet livestock grazing or fuels objectives.

Do not conduct vegetation treatments in the pinyon-juniper woodlands vegetation type (exception: where substantial degradation would occur in the absence of such treatments).

Use vegetation treatments (e.g. introduction of biological controls, chemical treatments, seeding, targeted grazing, as well as planned and unplanned wildland fire) to improve plant composition and structure in pinyon-juniper woodland communities.

Same as Alternatives C and D, except that vegetation treatments would be focused in previously treated woodlands.

Management of the following special status species is “nested” under management of this vegetation type: Gunnison sage-grouse, Grand Junction milkvetch, Brewer’s sparrow and various migratory bird species.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Vegetation treatments are authorized on a case-by-case basis in order to improve wildlife habitat and/or to meet livestock grazing or fuels objectives.

Do not conduct vegetation treatments in this vegetation type (exception: where substantial degradation would occur in the absence of such treatments).

Use vegetation treatments (e.g. mechanical treatments, chemical treatments, prescribed fire, reseeding, targeted grazing) to improve plant composition and structure in sagebrush shrublands.

Use vegetation treatments (e.g. mechanical treatments, chemical treatments, planned and unplanned wildfire, reseeding, targeted grazing) to improve plant composition and structure in sagebrush shrublands where compatible with structural habitat guidelines found within the Gunnison sage-grouse Rangewide Conservation Plan (Gunnison Sage-grouse Rangewide Steering Committee, 2005).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Apply vegetation treatments to reintroduce and/or increase cover of sagebrush in old vegetation treatments where it was removed.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Apply vegetation treatments to reintroduce native grass, forb and shrub species in old vegetation treatments where crested wheatgrass is now a dominant species.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit the construction of new routes in existing, unfragmented sagebrush shrublands.

No surface disturbance standard exceptions apply, see Appendix B.

Allow for the construction of new routes in existing, unfragmented sagebrush shrublands, as long as one of the following conditions is met:

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Do not actively expand the sagebrush shrubland vegetation type.

Treat pinyon-juniper woodlands to encourage expansion of the sagebrush shrublands vegetation type. Prevent expansion of pinyon-juniper vegetation into existing sagebrush shrublands through use of mechanical treatments or prescribed fire.

Prevent expansion of pinyon-juniper vegetation into existing sagebrush shrublands through use of mechanical treatments or prescribed fire.

On sites where the Ecological Site Description potential is for sagebrush shrublands, prevent expansion of pinyon-juniper vegetation into these areas using mechanical treatments, and planned or unplanned wildfire.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Reduce fragmentation in existing sagebush shrublands by closing routes to public use.

Reduce fragmentation in existing sage shrublands by closing routes to public use or by rerouting routes to the edge of sage parks.

No similar action.

Same as Alternative C

Management of the following special status species is “nested” under management of this vegetation type: northern goshawk, milk snake, spotted bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, fringed myotis and various migratory bird species.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Vegetation treatments are authorized on a case-by-case basis in order to improve wildlife habitat and/or to meet livestock grazing or fuels objectives.

Do not conduct vegetation treatments in this vegetation type (exception: where substantial degradation would occur in the absence of such treatments).

Reduce the amount of ladder fuels and young trees, and reduce tree density in existing ponderosa pine stands with fire regime condition classes of 2 or 3.

Reduce the amount of ladder fuels and young trees, and reduce tree density in existing ponderosa pine stands with fire regime condition class of 3.

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs. Vegetation treatments are authorized on a case-by-case basis in order to improve wildlife habitat and/or to meet livestock grazing or fuels objectives.

Do not conduct vegetation treatments in this vegetation type (exception: where substantial degradation would occur in the absence of such treatments).

Increase current extent of ponderosa pine woodlands through vegetation treatments and use of natural and prescribed fire. Use natural regeneration and active revegetation to achieve diversity in age classes across the landscape.

Maintain current extent of ponderosa pine woodlands through vegetation treatments and use of natural and prescribed fire. Use natural regeneration and active revegetation to achieve diversity in age classes across the landscape.

Identify the historic extent of ponderosa pine woodlands. Where the current extent of ponderosa pine woodlands is shown to have contracted, use vegetation treatments, planned and unplanned wildland fire to support the expansion of ponderosa pine woodlands. Use natural and active revegetation to achieve diversity in age classes across the landscape.

Management of the following special status species is “nested” under management of this vegetation type: Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and various migratory birds.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Vegetation treatments are authorized on a case-by-case basis in order to improve wildlife habitat and/or to meet livestock grazing or fuels objectives.

Do not conduct vegetation treatments in this vegetation type (exception: where substantial degradation would occur in the absence of such treatments).

Use vegetation treatments, as appropriate, to improve the diversity of age classes in mountain shrub communities.

Use vegetation treatments, as appropriate, to maintain the current diversity of age classes in mountain shrub communities.

Do not conduct vegetation treatments in Mountain Shrub vegetation except under the following conditions:

Management of the following special status species is “nested” under management of this vegetation type: bonytail, humpback chub, razorback sucker, Colorado pikeminnow, roundtail chub, bluehead sucker, flannelmouth sucker, Colorado River cutthroat trout, canyon tree frog, Northern leopard frogbald eagle, Western yellow-billed cuckoo, white-faced ibis, American white pelican, black swift, big free-tailed bat, spotted bat, Townsend’s big-eared bat, fringed myotis and various migratory birds and waterfowl

Trailing would be the only livestock use in riparian areas along the following rivers/creeks (See livestock grazing section for more detail, Map 2–4a):

(Existing Allotment Management Plans and permits)

No livestock grazing will be allowed in Management Unit 9 (2,772 acres within the D-E NCA) from March 1 to range readiness to accelerate riparian vegetation improvement. Trailing use will be confined to established roads and limited as much as possible. No bedding livestock will be permitted in riparian areas to reduce bank disturbance (UB RMP 1989).

Close riparian areas along the following creeks to livestock use (See livestock grazing section for more detail, Map 2–4b):

Trailing would be the only livestock use in riparian areas along the following rivers/creeks (Map 2–4b):

Close riparian areas along the following creeks to livestock use (See livestock grazing section for more detail, Map 2–4c):

Trailing would be the only livestock use in riparian areas along the following rivers/creeks (Map 2–4c):

Trailing would be the only livestock use in riparian areas along the following rivers/creeks (See livestock grazing section for more detail, Map 2–4d):

Close riparian areas along the following creeks to livestock use (See livestock grazing section for more detail, Map 2–4e):

Trailing would be the only livestock use in riparian areas along the following rivers/creeks (See livestock grazing section for more detail, Map 2–4e):

If land health concerns associated with livestock use are documented in riparian areas along the Gunnison River, limit those areas to trailing use only.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Close riparian areas to dispersed camping when conditions are shown to be deteriorating as a result of this use.

Limit camping to designated sites in or near riparian areas.

Limit camping in riparian areas to designated sites when conditions are shown to be deteriorating as a result of this use, on the basis of riparian indicators in Appendix A.

Limit camping to designated sites in the Gunnison river corridor.

Limit camping in other riparian areas to designated sites when conditions are shown to be deteriorating as a result of this use, on the basis of riparian indicators identified in Appendix A.

Physically close and rehabilitate the Dry Fork of Escalante Creek (UB RMP 1989).

Minimize travel routes in and crossing riparian and wetland areas. When routes are contributing to continued decline, close these routes.

Minimize travel routes in and crossing riparian and wetland areas. When routes are contributing to continued decline, close and rehabilitate these routes.

Minimize travel routes in and crossing riparian and wetland areas. When routes are contributing to continued decline, do one or more of the following:

No similar action in existing RMPs. As a best management practice, routes are encouraged to be placed outside of riparian/wetland areas. Riparian crossings are minimized and properly armored to protect crossing locations.

Prohibit new routes in or crossing riparian and wetland areas.

Locate new routes outside of riparian and wetland areas. Minimize the number of crossings and build bridges at necessary crossing locations.

Encourage route placement outside of riparian/wetland areas. Minimize the number of crossings and properly armor or protect crossing locations.

Same as Alternative C

Measures designed to mitigate adverse riparian impacts will be required for all surface-disturbing activities (UB RMP 1989).

Prohibit surface disturbance in riparian areas (GJ RMP 1987).

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities (See Appendix B, Map 2-1b) within a minimum distance of 150 meters (492 feet) from the edge of the ordinary high-water mark (bank-full stage) of streams possessing lotic riparian characteristics. Where the riparian corridor width is greater than 150 meters (492 feet) from the ordinary high-water mark, prohibit surface-disturbing activities within the riparian zone.

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities (See Appendix B, Map 2-1c) within a minimum distance of 100 meters (328 feet) from the edge of the ordinary high-water mark (bank-full stage) of streams possessing lotic riparian characteristics. Where the riparian corridor width is greater than 100 meters (328 feet) from the ordinary high-water mark, prohibit surface-disturbing activities within the riparian zone.

Apply SSR (see Appendix B, Maps 2-2d and 2-2e) restrictions within a minimum of 100 meters (328 feet) from the edge of the ordinary high-water mark (bank-full stage) of streams possessing lotic riparian characteristics.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Vegetation treatments are authorized on a case-by-case basis in order to improve wildlife habitat and/or to meet livestock grazing or fuels objectives.

Do not conduct vegetation treatments in this vegetation type (exception: where substantial degradation would occur in the absence of such treatments).

Restore native riparian species in degraded areas by planting, seeding and by relying on natural regeneration associated with flooding and successional processes.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit campfires in riparian and wetland areas.

Prohibit campfires in riparian and wetland areas, except at designated or developed campsites.

No similar action

Gunnison River corridor: take measures to reduce fire risk associated with camping.

All other riparian and wetland areas: prohibit campfires except at designated or developed campsites.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit firewood harvest or collection in riparian and wetland areas.

Prohibit firewood harvest or collection of native species in riparian and wetland areas (exception: driftwood). Allow for noncommercial (permitted) or commercial harvest of non-native species such as tamarisk or other approved species.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Tamarisk, Russian olive and elm (and other woody non-native plants) are currently treated in wetlands and riparian areas through release of biological control agents, and through use of select mechanical and chemical treatments.

Limit mechanical or herbicide treatments to areas that are in danger of substantial degradation.

Treat tamarisk, Russian olive and elm (and other woody non-native plants) in a phased approach. Remove patches of woody non-natives allowing for the establishment of native species in treated patches prior to treating adjacent patches. Conduct active restoration in disturbed patches.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Prioritize non-native plant treatments to most efficiently achieve biological resources objectives.

Prioritize non-native plant treatments to improve recreation settings.

Within SRMAs: Prioritize non-native plant treatments to most efficiently achieve both biological and recreation objectives.

In all other areas: Prioritize non-native plant treatments to most efficiently achieve biological resources objectives.

See Noxious Weed section for additional guidance on noxious weed treatment (2.1.2.5).

See Hydrology and Aquatic Systems section for guidance on water flow protections (2.1.2.1.8).

Management of the following special status species is “nested” under management of this vegetation type: Eastwood’s monkey-flower.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities (see Appendix B, Map 2-1b) within a minimum distance of 150 meters (492 feet) from the edge of the riparian zone of naturally occurring seeps and springs (lentic riparian areas). This restriction does not apply to the maintenance of existing facilities.

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities (see Appendix B, Map 2-1c) within a minimum distance of 100 meters (328 feet) from the edge of the riparian zone of naturally occurring seeps and springs (lentic riparian areas). This restriction does not apply to the maintenance of existing facilities.

Apply SSR (see Appendix B, Map 2-2d) within a minimum distance of 100 meters (328 feet) from the edge of the riparian zone of naturally occurring seeps and springs (lentic riparian areas).

Apply SSR (see Appendix B, Map 2-2e) within a minimum distance of 100 meters (328 feet) from the edge of the riparian zone of naturally occurring seeps and springs (lentic riparian areas). Also apply SSR to the spring/seep recharge zone where it is determined to extend more than 100 meters from the riparian zone.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Reclaim nonfunctional spring developments, wells and water catchments in seep and wetland recharge areas.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit new spring developments, wells and water catchments in seep and spring recharge areas.

Allow new spring developments, wells and water catchments in seep and spring recharge areas when consistent with biological resources objectives.

Limit new spring developments, wells and water catchments in seep and spring recharge areas to instances where needed to achieve biological resources objectives.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Reintroduce appropriate native, wetland obligate plant species to seeps and springs that have been degraded.

Reintroduce appropriate native, wetland obligate plant species to seeps and springs that have been degraded. Emphasize reintroductions in springs and seeps that lack rare species and communities.

Categorize seeps and springs as high priorities for weed control. See Section 2.1.2.4, Noxious Weeds, for more detail on weed control.

Management of the following special status species is “nested” under management of this habitat type: bonytail, humpback chub, razorback sucker, Colorado pikeminnow, roundtail chub, flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker, Colorado River cutthroat trout, canyon tree frog and northern leopard frog.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Remove barriers to river channel movement in historically flood prone areas on BLM-administered lands along the Gunnison River to allow for periodic channel movement and the creation of microhabitats (e.g. backwaters, side channels, overflow channels, flooded bottom lands) for aquatic species.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit BLM actions that would further restrict natural migration of the Gunnison River.

Minimize BLM actions that would further restrict natural migration of the Gunnison River.

Engage in collaborative discussions with Gunnison River stakeholders (including Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, water users, Colorado River district, etc.) to manage the flow regime of the Gunnison River to support flow-dependent values (e.g. recreation, riparian, fish).

Make recommendations to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for appropriation of new instream flow water rights or enlargement of existing instream flows on tributary streams to the Gunnison River within the D-E NCA in cases where data show that existing stream flow protection is insufficient to support water-dependent values.

Apply to the Colorado water court for water rights in the name of the Federal Government on all point water sources (e.g. springs, wells, ponds) located on BLM-administered lands within the D-E NCA.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Work with appropriate local, State, and Federal agencies as well as adjoining land owners to fund and implement watershed restoration projects that would improve overall ecosystem health and contribute to the sustainability of existing State In-Stream Flow Water Rights in tributary creeks.

Prohibit in-channel stream work (see Appendix B) in all coldwater occupied trout habitat during spring and fall spawning periods.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Remove or modify man-made fish barriers between the Gunnison river and tributary creeks as opportunities or partnerships present themselves in order to improve aquatic habitat connectivity.

No similar action

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit in-channel stream work (See Appendix B) in warmwater spawning habitat used by flannelmouth sucker, bluehead sucker, and roundtail chub from March 1 to June 30.

The planning team went through an extensive process to identify priority biological species and communities, and to identify indicators and current condition for each of these species and communities so that future management could be predicated on an understanding of species and community relationships. As part of this process, the BLM identified vegetation/habitat types and species (plants or wildlife) that would be priorities for management and would thus require special management consideration and attention.

Desert bighorn sheep and Colorado hookless cactus were identified as priority species, as they required special management consideration and attention beyond management of their broader habitat types. For these two priority species, the planning team identified key attributes and associated indicators of health, then established standards for each indicator so that condition of each indicator could be summarized as “poor”, “fair”, “good” or “very good”. These two species have separate subsections below. The gap between current and desired condition defines objectives for management for these two species. Objectives were focused particularly on key attributes that were determined to currently be in “fair” or “poor” condition. For more detail on indicators, please see Appendix A.

Habitat for other special status species, fish and wildlife (including big game) are largely managed through management of the priority vegetation or habitat types in Section 2.1.2.1. Where specific management actions and allowable uses were necessary for protection of other special status species, they can be found below.

This planning process is based on the “Planning for Priority Species and Vegetation” training offered by the BLM’s National Training Center.

Actions related to this habitat objective are housed within Section 2.1.2.1 related to desert shrub/saltbush, riparian and PJ woodlands.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Sheep grazing would continue to be authorized on a case-by-case basis through the grazing permit renewal process. Sheep grazing is currently authorized on five allotments within the D-E NCA.

Discontinue current and deny proposed domestic sheep or goat grazing or trailing permits and permit renewals (including trailing). Allow for conversion to cattle grazing permits.

Exclude domestic goat but permit domestic sheep grazing or trailing in occupied bighorn sheep habitat, on an allotment-by-allotment basis using a Probability of Interaction Assessment (See Appendix C, Map 3–12). The Probability of Interaction Assessment may be updated when occupied bighorn habitat changes.

Exclude domestic goat but permit domestic sheep grazing or trailing in occupied bighorn sheep habitat. Manage domestic sheep grazing in occupied bighorn sheep habitat on an allotment-by-allotment basis using a Probability of Interaction Assessment (See Appendix C, Map 3–12). The Probability of Interaction Assessment may be updated when occupied bighorn habitat changes or when new science (e.g. vaccines, monitoring of desert bighorn sheep) provides additional information.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Sheep grazing would continue to be authorized on a case-by-case basis through the grazing permit renewal process.

No similar action. Domestic sheep or goat grazing would be discontinued.

Manage domestic sheep grazing using (as guidance) the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Recommendations for Domestic Sheep and Goat Management In Wild Sheep Habitat and the Interagency Memorandum of Understanding for Wild Sheep Management.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Sheep grazing would continue to be authorized on a case-by-case basis through the grazing permit renewal process.

No similar action. Domestic sheep or goat grazing would be discontinued.

Manage domestic sheep with the following restrictions in “some probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12):

No similar action in existing RMPs. Sheep grazing would continue to be authorized on a case-by-case basis through the grazing permit renewal process.

No similar action. Domestic sheep or goat grazing would be discontinued.

Manage domestic sheep with the following restrictions in “some probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12):

Manage domestic sheep with the following restrictions in “some probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12):

Manage domestic sheep with the following restrictions in “some probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12):

No similar action in existing RMPs. Sheep grazing would continue to be authorized on a case-by-case basis through the grazing permit renewal process.

No similar action. Domestic sheep or goat grazing would be discontinued.

Manage domestic sheep with the following restrictions in “moderate probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12):

No similar action in existing RMPs. Sheep grazing would continue to be authorized on a case-by-case basis through the grazing permit renewal process.

No similar action. Domestic sheep or goat grazing would be discontinued.

Manage domestic sheep with the following restrictions in “moderate probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12):

Manage domestic sheep with the following restrictions in “moderate probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12):

No similar action in existing RMPs. Sheep grazing would continue to be authorized on a case-by-case basis through the grazing permit renewal process.

No similar action. Domestic sheep or goat grazing would be discontinued.

Close “high probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12) to domestic sheep grazing.

This could be achieved by converting the class of livestock to cattle.

Manage domestic sheep with the following restrictions in “high probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12):

Manage domestic sheep with the following restrictions in “high probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12):

No similar action in existing RMPs. Sheep grazing would continue to be authorized on a case-by-case basis through the grazing permit renewal process.

Prohibit conversion of cattle grazing allotments to domestic sheep/goat grazing or trailing in the D-E NCA.

Allow for swapping of allotments with permitted domestic sheep grazing use for allotments with permitted cattle grazing use in order to move domestic sheep grazing from “high probability” or “moderate probability” allotments to “some probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12). Do not allow swapping of cattle use for sheep use in “high probability” or “moderate probability” allotments.

Allow for swapping of allotments with permitted domestic sheep grazing use for allotments with permitted cattle grazing use in order to move domestic sheep grazing from “high probability” or “moderate probability” allotments to “some probability” allotments. Also allow swapping to move domestic sheep grazing from “high probability” allotments to “moderate probability” allotments (Appendix C, Map 3–12).

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Coordinate with CPW when proposed bighorn sheep population augmentations may affect BLM permitted activities.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Domestic non-working dogs must be on leash within bighorn sheep range, as defined by CPW.

Domestic non-working dogs must be on leash within bighorn sheep production and winter concentration areas from December 1 to May 1 (minor changes to these dates may be made in coordination with CPW).

No similar action

Domestic non-working dogs must be on leash within Wilderness Zone 1 (see Wilderness section and Map 2–10). In all other areas within bighorn sheep range, domestic non-working dogs must be on leash or under voice control. Coordinate with CPW on additional area requirements as issues are identified between domestic non-working dogs and desert bighorn sheep.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit use of domestic pack goats within the D-E NCA

Require domestic pack goats to be contained (e.g. on a pack string or picket if in camp) at all times.

No similar action

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Reduce (close) miles of motorized and mechanized routes through desert bighorn crucial breeding habitat (production and summer concentration areas, as defined by CPW).

Reduce (close and rehab) miles of motorized and mechanized routes through desert bighorn crucial breeding habitat (production and summer concentration areas, as defined by CPW).

Same as Alternative B.

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Close BLM routes within desert bighorn sheep winter concentration areas to motorized and mechanized travel (does not apply to administrative access and county roads).

Close and rehab BLM routes within desert bighorn sheep winter concentration areas to motorized and mechanized travel (does not apply to administrative access and county roads).

No similar action

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit construction of new motorized or mechanized routes through desert bighorn crucial breeding habitat (production and summer concentration areas, as defined by CPW, Map 3–11).

No similar action

Prohibit the construction of new motorized or mechanized routes in desert bighorn sheep production areas (see Map 3–11). Allow for the construction of new motorized or mechanized routes in desert bighorn summer concentration areas only if any additional fragmentation of habitat is offset by projects that reduce fragmentation within desert bighorn summer concentration areas (Map 3–11).

From December 1 to May 1, apply the following restrictions within 30,980 acres of bighorn sheep range within the D-E NCA:

(GJ RMP 1987)

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities (see Appendix B, Maps 2-1b and 2-1c) in mapped desert bighorn sheep production areas from February 1 to May 1.

No similar action

Same as Alternatives B and C.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Apply SSR restrictions (see Appendix B, Map 2-2c) to surface-disturbing activities within bighorn sheep summer range.

No similar action

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Reduce noxious weed spread in occupied Colorado hookless cactus habitat by restricting permitted activities in occupied habitat (grazing, recreation, road and trail construction).

Reduce noxious weed spread in occupied Colorado hookless cactus habitat by spot treating weeds, and by intensively managing permitted activities in occupied habitat (grazing, recreation, road and trail construction). Exclosures may be used if needed.

Implement the mitigation measures for livestock grazing outlined in the programmatic consultation between USFWS and the BLM.

Exclude or minimize grazing, trail development, and other permitted activities in habitat supporting excellent and good (defined by Colorado Natural Heritage Program) occurrences of the Colorado hookless cactus.

Minimize impacts from livestock grazing, trail development and other permitted activities in habitat supporting excellent and good (defined by Colorado Natural Heritage Program) occurrences of the Colorado hookless cactus.

Where BLM monitoring indicates that grazing, trail development, or other permitted activities are causing degradation to habitat supporting excellent and good (defined by Colorado Natural Heritage Program) occurrences of the Colorado hookless cactus, exclude or minimize these activities.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Reduce as much as practicable, the density (miles/square mile) of routes within 200 m of known Colorado hookless cactus occurrences throughout the D-E NCA.

Reduce as much as practicable, the density (miles/square mile) of routes within 200 m of known Colorado hookless cactus occurrences throughout the D-E NCA. See ACEC section for area-specific restrictions related to routes and Colorado hookless cactus.

See ACEC section for area-specific restrictions related to routes and Colorado hookless cactus.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities (see Appendix B, Map 2-1b) that pose adverse impacts to hookless cactus occurrences.

See ACEC Section 2.3.1 for area-specific restrictions to protect hookless cactus within proposed ACECs.

Limit livestock use of Escalante Canyon to trailing use only (Map 2–4a).

Close Upper Escalante Canyon to livestock use (Map 2–4b).

Same as Alternative A (Map 2–4c).

No similar action.

Same as Alternative A (Map 2–4e)

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities (see Appendix B, Map 2-1b) in the following vegetation communities:

Apply SSR restrictions (see Appendix B, Map 2-2c) in the following vegetation communities:

Apply SSR restrictions (see Appendix B, Map 2-2d) in the following vegetation communities:

Same as Alternative C (See Appendix B and Map 2-2e).

Promote BLM sensitive plant conservation and reduce the likelihood and need for species to be listed pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (BLM Manual 6840).

Actively manage habitat locations to improve the habitat for unique, sensitive, and endangered plants and animals. In the remainder of the resource area, improve habitat of these species where opportunities exist through development of other resources (GJ RMP 1987).

Apply SSR restrictions within 100 meters (328 feet) of known occurrences of BLM sensitive plant species (see Appendix B, Maps 2-2b and 2-2c).

Prohibit any action that poses adverse impacts to any BLM sensitive species element occurrence or subpopulation. Also prohibit any activity that would detrimentally alter connectivity between subpopulations.

Same as Alternative A. See ACEC section for additional restrictions for protection of BLM sensitive species.

Apply SSR restrictions within 100 meters (328 feet) of known occurrences of BLM sensitive plant species. See ACEC section for additional restrictions for protection of BLM sensitive species (See Appendix B and Map 2-2e.

Prohibit actions that pose adverse impacts to BLM sensitive species subpopulations or connectivity between subpopulations to a degree that is expected to decrease the viability of the subpopulation or population.

See ACEC section for additional restrictions for protection of BLM sensitive species.

No similar action

See ACEC section for additional restrictions for protection of BLM sensitive species.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Apply SSR restrictions (see Appendix B, Maps 2-2b and 2-2c) within 200 meters (656 feet) of known occurrences of federally listed and candidate plant species and occupied habitat of federally listed and candidate animal species (exception: where more restrictive restrictions apply for Colorado hookless cactus or ACECs, see Sections 2.1.2.2 and 2.3.1).

Apply SSR restrictions (see Appendix B, Map 2-2d) within 200 meters (656 feet) of known occurrences of federally listed and plant species and occupied habitat of federally listed and animal species. (exception: where more restrictive restrictions apply for Colorado hookless cactus or ACECs, see Section 2.1.2.2 and 2.3.1).

Same as Alternatives B and C (Map 2-2e).

Special Status raptors: Prohibit disruptive and surface-disturbing activities during the period from nest territory establishment to dispersal of young from nest (see Appendix E, Raptor Species Breeding Periods) within 0.50 miles of active special status raptor nest sites (see Appendix B, Maps 2-3a, 2-3b, 2-3c, 2-3d, and 2-3e).

Other raptors (except American kestrel): Prohibit surface-disturbing activities from nest territory establishment to dispersal of young from nest (see Appendix E, Raptor Species Breeding Periods) within 0.25 miles of active raptor nest sites during the period (see Appendix B, Maps 2-3a, 2-3b, 2-3c, 2-3d, and 2-3e).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Year-round, apply SSR (see Appendix B, Map 2-2b) within the following areas:

Special Status Raptors: within 0.25 mile of active special status raptor nest sites and associated alternate nests.

Year-round, apply SSR (see Appendix B, Map 2-2c) within the following areas:

Bald Eagle: within 0.25 mile of active and inactive nest sites or within 100 meters of abandoned nests (i.e., unoccupied for 5 consecutive years but with all or part of the nest remaining);

Golden Eagle: within 0.25 mile of active and inactive nest sites;

Ferruginous Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Prairie Falcon, and Northern Goshawk: within 0.50 mile of active and inactive nest sites;

Other Special Status Raptors (except Mexican spotted owl): within 0.25-mile of active and inactive nest sites.

Same as Alternative B (Map 2-2d)

Same as Alternative C (Map 2-2e)

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Apply SSR (see Appendix B, Map 2-2b) within 200 meters (656 feet) of active nest sites and associated alternate nests of Other raptors (except kestrel)

Apply SSR (see Appendix B, Map 2-2c) within 100 meters (328 feet) of active nest sites and associated alternate nests of Other raptors (except American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, and great-horned owl).

No similar action.

Same as Alternative C (Map 2-2e)

Protect bald eagle concentration and falcon nest buffer areas by prohibiting activities during certain times of the year (GJ RMP 1987).

To protect bald eagles from activities that would cause abandonment of winter concentration areas, all development activities (exploration, drilling, etc.) will only be allowed in these areas from May 1 through November 30. Exceptions to this limitation may be authorized in writing by the BLM’s Authorized Officer (UB RMP 1989).

Prohibit disruptive and surface-disturbing activities from December 1 to April 30 within bald eagle winter concentration areas (see Appendix B, Maps 2-3b and 2-3c).

No similar action

Same as Alternatives B and C (Map 2-3e).

If Mexican Spotted Owls or any other federally listed species are newly discovered within the D-E NCA, adopt measures consistent with current recovery plans.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities from February 15 to August 30 within 0.25 miles of active kit fox dens (see Appendix B) (Wilson & Ruff 1999).

Prohibit surface-disturbing and disruptive activities from February 15 to August 30 within 0.25 miles of active kit fox dens (see Appendix B).

Apply SSR restrictions within 200 meters (656 feet) of active kit fox dens year round (see Appendix B, Map 2-2c).

Same as Alternative B

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Apply SSR within 0.25 miles of federally listed, BLM sensitive, and Colorado State Species of Concern bat maternity roost sites and winter hibernacula, including all entrances to cave/mine network (see Appendix B).

Apply SSR restrictions within 0.25 miles of federally listed and BLM sensitive bat species’ maternity roost sites and winter hibernacula, including all entrances to cave/mine network) (see Appendix B).

Same as Alternative B (Exception for mine gate installation for public health and safety)

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Prohibit surface-disturbing and disruptive activities from April 1 through August 31 within 50 meters (164 feet) of all entrances to cave/mine network associated with special status bat species’ maternity roost sites (see Appendix B). Prohibit surface-disturbing and disruptive activities from October 15 to April 15 within 50 meters (164 feet) of all entrances to cave/mine networks associated with special status species winter hibernacula (see Appendix B).

No similar action

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Where bat roosting, maternity sites and winter hibernacula occur, bat gates would be required for closing abandoned mine lands.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Apply SSR restrictions (see Appendix B) within 200 meters (656 feet) of identified BLM sensitive reptile hibernacula.

No similar action

Same as Alternatives B and C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

In coordination with CPW, maintain healthy white-tailed prairie dog populations in the D-E NCA as part of healthy saltdesert shrub/saltbush vegetation communities.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit surface-disturbing or disruptive activities within 50 meters (164 feet) of the edge of active (occupied within the last 10 years) white-tailed prairie dog towns (see Appendix B, Maps 2-1b and 2-1c).

Prohibit disruptive activities within presently occupied white-tailed prairie dog towns (see Appendix B). Seek to relocate surface-disturbing activities outside of or toward the edge of all active (occupied within the last 10 years) prairie dog towns.

Prohibit surface-disturbing or disruptive activities from March 1 to June 15 within 50 meters (164 feet) of the edge of active (occupied within the last 10 years) white-tailed prairie dog towns (see Appendix B, Map 2-3e).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit surface-disturbing and disruptive activities from December 15 to March 15 within occupied winter habitat for Gunnison sage-grouse (see Appendix B, Map 2-3b).

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities from December 15 to March 15 within occupied winter habitat for Gunnison sage-grouse (see Appendix B, Maps 2-3c and ).

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities from December 15 to March 15 within occupied winter habitat for Gunnison sage-grouse (see Appendix B, Map 2-3e). If other seasonal habitats are determined to be occupied, implement conservation measures consistent with the range-wide plan for the species (Gunnison Sage-grouse Rangewide Steering Committee 2005).

Protect lands that are high priority habitat for migratory bird species of high Federal interest.

Protect breeding habitats of migratory birds by managing for priority vegetation type objectives (see specific actions and allowable uses under each habitat type in section 2.1.2.1).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit surface-disturbing or disruptive activities during the migratory bird nesting season from May 15 to July 31 (see Appendix B).

Prohibit surface-disturbing or disruptive activities during the migratory bird nesting season from May 15 to July 15 (see Appendix B).

Same as Alternative B.

Reduce risk of introduction and expansion of invasive fish and wildlife in the D-E NCA through appropriate measures in coordination with CPW and other appropriate entities.

Eradicate non-native and invasive fish and wildlife species in the D-E NCA in coordination with CPW and other appropriate entities.

Same as Alternatives A and B.

Reduce risk of introduction and expansion, and work to eradicate invasive fish and wildlife in the D-E NCA through appropriate measures in coordination with CPW and other appropriate entities (e.g. removal of non-native rainbow trout and restocking with native cutthroat trout).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Use early detection/rapid response to prevent the spread of non-native aquatic competitors (e.g. bull frogs) in coordination with CPW and other appropriate entities.

Remove non-native aquatic competitors (e.g. bull frogs) from active native aquatic breeding grounds in coordination with CPW and other appropriate entities.

Protect the habitat of deer, and elk by prohibiting disturbing activities as follows (GJ RMP 1987):

Prohibit disruptive activities in mapped big game crucial winter range (including severe winter range and winter concentration areas) as follows:

See Appendix B

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Close BLM routes from December 1 to April 30 within mule deer and elk winter concentration areas to public motorized and mechanized vehicles (as mapped by CPW, Maps 3–16 and 3–17).

If big game herds are determined by CPW to be highly stressed during crucial winter periods, reduce human induced stressors by seasonally closing BLM routes to public motorized and mechanized use within big game crucial winter range (severe winter range and winter concentration areas) during the following time periods:

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Close BLM routes within pronghorn winter concentration areas to motorized and mechanized travel (does not include administrative access and county roads).

Close and rehab BLM routes within pronghorn winter concentration areas to motorized and mechanized travel (does not include administrative access and county roads).

No similar action

Close and rehab BLM routes within pronghorn winter concentration areas to motorized and mechanized travel to the extent practicable (does not include administrative access and county roads).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Within pronghorn range, prohibit the construction of new fences to accommodate passage by pronghorn.

Within pronghorn range, minimize the number of fences that present barriers to pronghorn. Construct new fences to accommodate passage by pronghorn, and replace existing fences that do not accommodate pronghorn passage.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

To prevent the spread of whirling disease and non-native aquatic organisms: require disinfection prior to construction/launch of all equipment previously used in water bodies with known invasive species. Emergency equipment would be exempt.

To prevent the spread of whirling disease and non-native aquatic organisms: require permitted boat operators to disinfect all equipment previously used in water bodies with known invasive species prior to construction/ launch. Emergency equipment would be exempt.

Coordinate with the State of Colorado to prevent the spread of whirling disease and non-native aquatic organisms.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

In the event of a bat disease outbreak such as White Nose Syndrome, close to public access (except for scientific research) any caves and other structures utilized by bats.

No similar action

Same as Alternatives B and C

Any introduction or augmentation of fish or wildlife populations must come from healthy population sources.

Ensure noxious weed preventive measures are applied to Special Recreation Permit activities, construction activities, road maintenance and mechanical vegetation treatment activities as outlined in contracts, permits, and cooperative agreements.

In coordination with the counties, use early detection/rapid response to contain and (where possible) eradicate State A-listed species and selected BLM species of concern (see Appendix F for list of State weeds).

In coordination with the counties, use early detection/rapid response to contain and (where possible) eradicate all State listed species and selected BLM species of concern (see Appendix F for list of State weeds).

In coordination with the counties, use early detection/rapid response to contain and (where possible) eradicate State A and B-listed species and selected BLM species of concern (see Appendix F for list of State weeds).

Same as Alternative C

Focus weed inventory surveys and treatments on high use areas (roads, trails, ponds, river, etc.) and federally listed species habitat.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Increase community and partner involvement in the application of Integrated Weed Management, including development of weed plans, coordinated efforts across boundaries, and efficient use of resources.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Encourage the counties to use construction materials for road maintenance that come from quarries that are free of all State listed species and selected BLM species of concern.

Where feasible, require the use of road maintenance or construction materials that come from quarries that are free of all State listed species and selected BLM species of concern.

Allow natural unplanned ignitions to be managed for multiple objectives (including resource benefit) within 167,772 acres of the D-E NCA. (BLM 2008b; BLM & National Park Service 2012, Map 2–6a).

Allow natural unplanned ignitions to be managed for multiple objectives (including resource benefit) within 208,568 acres of the D-E NCA. This excludes 1,423 acres within the following areas (Map 2–6b):

Allow natural unplanned ignitions to be managed for multiple objectives (including resource benefit) within 181,308 acres of the D-E NCA. This excludes 28,680 acres within the following areas (Map 2–6c):

Allow natural unplanned ignitions to be managed for multiple objectives (including resource benefit) within 166,557 acres of the D-E NCA. This excludes 43,430 acres within the following areas (Map 2–6d):

Allow natural unplanned ignitions to be managed for multiple objectives (including resource benefit) within 208,565 acres of the D-E NCA to meet biological resource objectives. This excludes 1,427 acres within the following areas (Map 2–6e):

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Do not use vegetation treatments to improve FRCC or to meet biological and cultural resources objectives.

Use mechanical, chemical and biological treatments and prescribed fire to improve FRCC and to meet biological and cultural resource objectives.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Manipulate fire and fuels to the minimal extent necessary to protect private property and infrastructure.

Manage fire and fuels to protect private property, infrastructure, cultural and biological resources, and watersheds.

Implement emergency stabilization and rehabilitation as needed to meet resources objectives.

Implement emergency stabilization only as needed to prevent significant and lasting resource degradation, as well as to prevent threats to public health and safety.

Implement emergency stabilization and rehabilitation as needed to meet biological and cultural resource objectives.

Implement emergency stabilization and rehabilitation as needed to meet biological, recreation and cultural resource objectives.

Ensure surface disturbances do not cause accelerated erosion (e.g. rills, soil pedestals, actively eroding gullies) on a watershed scale (e.g. 4th field watershed).

All new facilities would be designed to meet BLM standards

Require professional geotechnical engineering and reclamation plans for surface-disturbing projects in areas having soils with severe or very severe erosion hazard. Proponents must commit to the following in these areas:

No similar action

Same as Alternative A

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Avoid disturbance to biologic soil crusts that are determined to be key in sustaining proper function and condition of upland soil health.

Avoid and/or mitigate disturbance to biologic soil crusts that are determined to be key in sustaining proper function and condition of upland soil health.

No similar action

Same as Alternative C

Treat or limit the use of soils in Cactus Park (1,000 acres): Limit access to the area, implement land treatment measures (including gully plugs, reseeding, diversion and water-retention structures) (GJ RMP 1987).

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities within a minimum of 25 meters (82 feet) of "fragile soils" (distance may be extended on the basis of site-specific conditions) (see Appendix B, Maps 2-1b and 2-1c). On-site evaluation of site-specific soil characteristics would be conducted by the BLM verifying that NRCS soil mapping unit descriptions are appropriate to the site.

No similar action

Apply SSR within a minimum of 25 meters (82 feet) of "fragile soils" (distance may be extended on the basis of site-specific conditions) (see Appendix B, Map 2-2e). On-site evaluation of site-specific soil characteristics would be conducted by the BLM verifying that NRCS soil mapping unit descriptions are appropriate to the site.

Analyze proposed surface-disturbing projects to determine suitability of soils to support such projects (GJ RMP 1987).

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities on slopes greater than or equal to 40 percent to maintain site stability (see Appendix B, Maps 2-1b, 2-1c, 2–1d, and 2–1e). Apply SSR in areas with natural slopes in the range of 25 to 40 percent (see Appendix B, Maps 2-2b, 2-2c, 2-2d, and 2-2e).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities within a minimum distance of 50 meters (164 feet) from the edge of the ordinary high-water mark (bank-full stage) of ephemeral streams (see Appendix B, Map 2-1b).

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities within a minimum distance of 30 meters (98 feet) from the edge of the ordinary high-water mark (bank-full stage) of ephemeral streams (see Appendix B, Map 2-1c).

Apply SSR within a minimum distance of 30 meters (98 feet) from the edge of the ordinary high-water mark (bank–full stage) of ephemeral streams (see Appendix B, Maps 2-2d and 2-2e).

Monitor water quality, morphology, and channel stability of streams with concerns identified through land health assessments or inventories.

Where willing sellers / participants exist, consider land or easement acquisitions and land exchanges that will enhance the values of the D-E NCA (Interim Management Policy 2009).

No similar action

Pursue acquisition of land within the D-E NCA from willing sellers on properties with high potential to improve water resources.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Maintain, replace, improve, or remove and reclaim structures within streams that are contributing to morphologic destabilization and increased sedimentation to surface waters. This would not include non-Federal diversions associated with valid existing water rights.

Maintain or improve water quality in remaining public land by incorporating site-specific mitigation or improvement measures into other resource program projects that have potential to affect water quality (GJ RMP 1987).

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities within water quality impaired stream segments (currently segment 2 of the Lower Gunnison River Basin) (see Appendix B, Map 2-1b).

Restrict development of new recreational facilities (e.g., roads, trails, parking areas, and camp grounds) in water quality impaired stream segments (currently segment 2 of the Lower Gunnison River Basin). Maintain and restore existing facilities to the greatest extent practicable without increasing disturbance footprints.

Apply SSR in watersheds of water quality impaired stream segments (currently segment 2 of the Lower Gunnison River Basin) (see Appendix B, Map 2-2e). Maintain and restore existing facilities to the greatest extent practicable without increasing disturbance footprints.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Within the planning area, close all nonessential routes (per travel management objectives) located in water quality impaired stream segments (currently segment 2 of the Lower Gunnison River basin).

Within the planning area, close and rehab all nonessential routes (per travel management objectives) located in water quality impaired stream segments (currently segment 2 of the Lower Gunnison River basin).

No similar action

In watersheds of water quality impaired stream segments (currently segment 2 of the Lower Gunnison River basin), close and rehab all nonessential routes (per travel management objectives) where monitoring shows they are contributing to water quality degradation.

Treat 1,500 acres within Cactus Park to reduce sediment (GJ RMP 1987).

Allow degraded and excessively eroding landscapes to reclaim through passive management (e.g. removal of grazing, route closures, environmental education and awareness) and natural processes.

Within the planning area, restore degraded and excessively eroding landscapes (per land health determinations) to more desirable conditions (as defined by ecologic site description).

Note: Regardless of alternative, ongoing consultations (between the BLM, State Historic Preservation Office, Native American Tribes, and other parties with an interest in the cultural and archaeological resources of the D-E NCA) will drive the BLM’s management of cultural resources. Management actions to be influenced by consultation include resource allocation decisions, priority-setting and the establishment or discontinuing of heritage areas. Cooperative projects between the BLM and Native American Tribes will also continue regardless of alternative. Examples include the Ute Ethnobotany and Ute Trails projects and the Learning/Teaching Garden.

Consider the following when setting priorities for sites (GJ RMP 1987):

Allocate all cultural resources currently recorded, or projected to occur on the basis of existing data synthesis, to use allocations according to their nature and relative preservation value (BLM Manual Section 8110.42 and Planning Handbook H-1601-1, see glossary for more information regarding cultural use allocations). Cultural Use Allocations include:

Actively manage the Cactus Park Cultural Resources Management Site (1,000 acres). Protect and preserve remaining high value sites as prescribed by law and policy or as opportunities and situations arise (GJ RMP 1987).

Preserve and protect eligible properties and/or landscapes to protect the integrity of setting and sense of place, and their scientific and/or traditional values.

Preserve the existing character of eligible cultural properties through holistic management to protect the cultural, visual, and biological landscape.

Same as Alternatives B and C

Manage potentially eligible properties (“Need Data”) as eligible until evaluative testing determines whether the site is eligible or not eligible.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Manage scientifically and publicly valuable archaeological and cultural resources through documentation and nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and completion of Cultural Resource Management Plans. Annually identify areas of significance for future inventory and designate high-value areas for special management actions annually based upon criteria outlined in the resource protection planning process reports and cultural resource management guide for the resource area.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Nominate applicable individual eligible sites to the National Register of Historic Places.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Nominate groups of eligible sites on the basis of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Multiple Property Submissions for the following themes: Roads, Rails, & Trails; Paleoindian and Archaic Transition; Rock Art; Fremont; Protohistoric Camps, and shelters, caves, & alcoves.

Conduct stabilization and rehabilitation of significant sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Respond to basic Section 106 and Section 110 responsibilities.

Respond to basic Section 106 and Section 110 responsibilities and identify measures such as the following to proactively manage, protect, and use cultural resources:

Respond to basic Section 106 and Section 110 responsibilities and identify measures such as the following to proactively protect, manage and preserve cultural resources:

Respond to basic Section 106 and Section 110 responsibilities and identify measures such as the following to proactively protect, manage and preserve cultural resources:

Respond to basic Section 106 and Section 110 responsibilities and identify measures such as the following to proactively protect, manage and preserve cultural resources:

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Manage 327 acres in Little Dominguez Canyon as the Rambo/Little Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area to maintain and protect the integrity of setting and place as a historic homestead location (Map 2-9). Within this area:

Manage 327 acres in Little Dominguez Canyon as the Rambo/Little Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area to maintain and protect the integrity of setting and place as a historic homestead location (Map 2-9). Within this area:

Manage 327 acres in Little Dominguez Canyon as the Rambo/Little Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area to maintain and protect the integrity of setting and place as a historic homestead location (Map 2-9). Within this area:

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Manage 1,652 acres in Big Dominguez Canyon as the Big Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area to maintain and protect the integrity of setting and place with a focus on prehistoric Rock Art, trails, historic railroad area, biological heritage (Map 2-9). Within this area:

Manage 1,652 acres in Big Dominguez Canyon as the Big Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area to maintain and protect the integrity of setting and place with a focus on prehistoric rock art, trails, historic railroad area, biological heritage (Map 2-9). Within this area:

Manage 1,652 acres in Big Dominguez Canyon as the Big Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area to maintain and protect the integrity of setting and place with a focus on prehistoric rock art, trails, historic railroad area, biological heritage (Map 2-9). Within this area:

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Manage 2,034 acres in High Park as the High Park Heritage Area to maintain and protect the integrity of setting and preserve the natural landscape characteristics of the area. This area will be used to provide Native American groups with traditional use opportunities (Map 2-9). Within this area:

Manage 2,034 acres in High Park as the High Park Heritage Area to maintain and protect the integrity of setting and preserve the natural landscape characteristics of the area. This area will be used to provide Native American groups with traditional use opportunities (Map 2-9). Within this area:

Same as Alternative C, except that the area will be managed using VRM Class II, not VRM Class I.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

No similar action

Manage the Escalante Canyon and Hunting Ground RMAs as heritage area to provide opportunities for heritage tourism (Map 2–8d). See the recreation and National Historic Trails sections for actions related to these areas.

Manage the Escalante Canyon RMA (Map 2–8e) as a heritage area to provide opportunities for heritage tourism. See the recreation section for more details.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prioritize Section 110 efforts on inventory of areas that are likely to contain the most scientifically valuable archaeological resources, and testing of “needs data” sites.

Prioritize Section 110 efforts on inventory of areas that are likely to contain the most scientifically valuable archaeological resources.

Prioritize Section 110 efforts on inventory of areas that are likely to contain the most scientifically valuable archaeological resources, testing of “needs data” sites and research excavation of eligible sites.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Develop a Monitoring Plan that identifies sites that are to receive regular patrols and documentation by BLM law enforcement rangers.

Goal: Reduce imminent threats from natural or human-caused deterioration and resolve potential conflicts with other resource uses by ensuring that all authorizations for land use and resource use comply with Section 106 of the NHPA.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities within 100 meters (328 feet) around sites allocated to Public Use, Scientific Use, Conservation Use and Experiment Use.

Apply SSR within 100 meters (328 feet) of sites allocated to Public Use, Scientific Use, Conservation Use, and Experimental Use.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prohibit surface-disturbing activities within 200 meters (656 feet) around sites allocated to Traditional Use.

Apply SSR to surface-disturbing activities within 200 meters (656 feet) of sites allocated to Traditional Use.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Identify cultural properties requiring physical or administrative protection measures to protect site integrity and implement necessary measures.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Authorized actions must include a stipulation that requires the applicant to protect cultural resources from damages associated with inadvertent discovery or intentional or unauthorized use.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

In coordination with other travel management objectives, work with tribal cultural departments and tribal members to reestablish and interpret traditional trails.

Cooperate with and include Native American Tribes with land-use planning.

In consultation with Native Americans and other groups with heritage values in the D-E NCA, develop additional Heritage Areas (additional to the areas described above) and manage those landscapes to preserve the existing character of the cultural and physical landscape to the maximum extent possible.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Maintain and protect natural and cultural resource conditions to enhance opportunities for Native Americans to use cultural landscapes and properties in their traditional homeland.

Maintain and, where appropriate, improve natural and cultural resource conditions to enhance opportunities for Native Americans to use cultural landscapes and properties in their traditional homeland.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Considering other resource decisions to the extent possible, work with tribal cultural departments and tribal members to provide administrative access to authorized tribal members for the collection of appropriate natural resources needed to maintain traditional lifeways.

Notes: the Wilderness has been subdivided into 3 Wilderness Zones (Map 2–10)

Allow trammeling only as needed to meet the above wilderness objectives, or in the case of emergencies where such an action is needed for the protection of public health and safety.

For any non-emergency implementation action in the Wilderness, conduct and use a minimum requirements analysis to achieve the resource objectives (emergency involves wildland fire activities and the health and safety of persons in the area) (see Appendix H).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Do not conduct vegetation treatments in the Wilderness (exception: where substantial degradation to wilderness values would occur in the absence of such treatments).

Authorize the minimum number of vegetation treatments (e.g. planned fire, chemical, mechanical, biological) necessary to meet naturalness objectives, or as needed to achieve cultural resource objectives.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Manage wildland fire using MIST (Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques) to promote fire as a natural process, and control only in instances where fire threatens life and/or property outside the Wilderness, or as needed to fulfill legal and tribal obligations (Exception: to meet historic preservation objectives).

Manage wildland fires using MIST (Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques) to help achieve wilderness objectives, prevent substantial degradation to any wilderness value, and/or protect life and/or property outside the Wilderness.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Limit post-fire rehabilitation to instances where conditions threaten public health and safety, or where substantial degradation could occur to natural and supplemental values.

Allow post-fire rehabilitation if such actions help achieve wilderness and naturalness objectives (or to prevent substantial degradation to any wilderness value).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Require all overnight visitors to pack out solid human waste.

Require all overnight visitors to bury solid human waste in a cathole more than 100 meters from a natural water source (rivers, creeks, springs, and seeps).

Big Dominguez Canyon: require all overnight visitors to pack out solid human waste.

Remainder of the Wilderness: Same as Alternative D.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Monitoring devices (e.g. radio collars, stream gauges, cameras) would only be allowed in cases where such devices would prevent substantial wilderness resource degradation.

Monitoring devices (e.g. radio collars, stream gauges, cameras) may be installed to meet naturalness and supplemental value objectives.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Close areas within 100 meters of a natural water source to overnight camping.

Close areas within 50 meters of a natural water source to overnight camping.

Limit camping in riparian areas to designated sites when conditions are shown to be deteriorating as a result of this use, on the basis of riparian indicators identified in Appendix G.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Allow non-emergency landing of aircraft inside the Wilderness only for the purpose of protecting or enhancing naturalness (e.g. bighorn sheep management).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Domestic non-working dogs must be on leash within bighorn sheep range (includes substantial portions of the Wilderness), as defined by CPW.

Domestic non-working dogs must be on leash within bighorn sheep production and winter concentration areas (includes portions of the Wilderness) from December 1 to May 1 (minor changes to these dates may be made in coordination with CPW).

No similar action

Wilderness Zone 1: Domestic non-working dogs must be on leash to protect desert bighorn sheep (Map 2–10).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Wilderness Zone 1 (includes a portion of the Big Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area and all of the Rambo/Little Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area) and the Wilderness portion of the Leonards Basin Heritage Area: Close to overnight camping (Map 2-9).

Wilderness Zone 1 (includes a portion of the Big Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area and all of the Rambo/Little Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area) and the Wilderness portion of the Leonards Basin Heritage Area: Prohibit camping within 100 meters of cultural sites and/or historic buildings (Map 2-9).

Same as Alternatives B and C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Wilderness Zone 1: Designate as limited to designated routes for horse and foot travel to enhance supplemental values.

No similar action

Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Implement temporary area or activity closures for the protection of supplemental values only where such closures are necessary to prevent substantial degradation to (or loss of) supplemental values.

Implement temporary area or activity closures as needed to protect and/or restore supplemental values.

Wilderness Zone 1: Same as Alternative C

Wilderness Zones 2 and 3: Same as Alternative B

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Leave in place and allow natural processes to degrade existing human developments inside the Wilderness (Exception: to meet historic preservation objectives).

Remove existing human developments not needed to achieve wilderness resource objectives (Exceptions: necessary livestock developments, significant cultural resources).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Do not authorize the construction or installation of new developments in the Wilderness (exception: when needed to prevent substantial degradation of wilderness values or to protect public health and safety).

Authorize the construction or installation of the minimum number of new developments (e.g. livestock water facilities, fences) necessary to protect or enhance naturalness, supplemental values, opportunities for solitude, or to protect public health and safety.

Wilderness Zone 1: Authorize the construction or installation of the minimum number of new developments necessary to protect or enhance supplemental values, or to protect naturalness.

Wilderness Zone 2: Authorize the construction or installation of new developments only in concert with the removal of existing developments.

Wilderness Zone 3: Allow for the construction of new developments (e.g. livestock water facilities, fences), while minimizing impacts to primitive and unconfined recreation.

Same as Alternative C

Authorize motorized entries for livestock operations using minimum requirements analysis in accordance with congressional grazing guidelines.

Allow the use of motorized vehicles for the Rambo life lease.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Limit group size in the Wilderness to 6 people or fewer.

Wilderness Zone 1: Limit group size to 12 people or fewer.

Wilderness Zone 2: Limit group size to 6 people or fewer.

Wilderness Zone 3: Do not limit group size

Wilderness Zone 1: Limit group size to 12 or fewer, including pets and stock animals

Wilderness Zone 2: Limit group size to 8 or fewer, including pets and stock animals

Wilderness Zone 3: Limit group size to 12 or fewer, including pets and stock animals

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Limit visitor use only as necessary to prevent substantial degradation to other wilderness values (i.e., naturalness, undeveloped, and solitude).

Limit visitor use as necessary to protect or improve naturalness, supplemental values and to meet the above objective related to outstanding opportunities for solitude.

Wilderness Zone 1: Limit visitor use as necessary to protect supplemental values.

Wilderness Zones 2: Limit visitor use as necessary to meet the above objective related to outstanding opportunities for solitude.

Wilderness Zone 3: Limit visitor use only as necessary to prevent degradation to other wilderness values (i.e., naturalness, undeveloped, and solitude)

Limit visitor use only as necessary to meet wilderness objectives and/or to protect public health and safety.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Identify a trail system that supports outstanding opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation (see Appendix N, Travel Management).

Identify a trail system to enhance visitor opportunities for solitude (see Appendix N, Travel Management).

Identify a trail system that supports wilderness zone objectives (see Appendix N, Travel Management).

Wilderness Zone 1: Construct new or reroute designated routes to protect cultural resources

Wilderness Zone 2: Construct new routes only when accompanied by a comparable number of route closures that improves opportunities for solitude.

Wilderness Zone 3: Construct new or reroute designated routes to enhance opportunities for primitive types of recreation.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Issue low impact (Class I in Appendix I) commercial special recreation permits

Do not issue commercial permits.

Issue low and medium impact (Class I and Class II in Appendix I) commercial special recreation permits.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Implementation Action: Do not provide for exceptions to group size limitations.

Implementation Action: If group size limitations are introduced through a Special Area SRP, provide for an exception to group size limitations in Wilderness Zone 1 for groups that obtain a Low and medium impact (Class I or II) organized group special recreation permit.

Implementation Action: Same as Alternative C

No similar action in existing RMPs (not managing for wilderness characteristics in these areas).

Manage the following areas for their wilderness characteristics (Map 2–11b):

No similar action (not managing for wilderness characteristics in these areas)

No similar action (not managing for wilderness characteristics in these areas)

Manage the following areas for their wilderness characteristics (Map 2–11e):

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Manage for solitude and primitive/unconfined recreation in lands with wilderness characteristics by providing opportunities for quiet, nonmotorized, nonmechanized recreation.

No similar action

No similar action

Manage the Dry Fork of Escalante and Cottonwood Canyon, targeting nonmotorized, nonmechanized, quiet trail users. Target the following activities: hiking and horseback riding.

See recreation objectives for Cottonwood/Dry Fork SRMA for more details regarding recreation management in the Dry Fork of Escalante and Cottonwood Canyon.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Consistent with the theme of Alternative B, leave existing human developments in lands with wilderness characteristics in place and allow them to degrade over time (exception: existing and necessary livestock developments).

No similar action

No similar action

Leave existing human developments in place in the Dry Fork of Escalante and Cottonwood Canyon and allow them to degrade over time (exception: existing and necessary livestock developments).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

For any non-emergency implementation action in lands with wilderness characteristics, consider how proposed actions would impact inventoried naturalness and opportunities for solitude and/or primitive and unconfined recreation (emergency involves unplanned, wildland fire activities and the health and safety of persons in the area).

No similar action

No similar action

For any non-emergency implementation action in the Dry Fork of Escalante and Cottonwood Canyon, consider how proposed actions would impact inventoried naturalness and opportunities for solitude and/or primitive and unconfined recreation (emergency involves unplanned, wildland fire activities and the health and safety of persons in the area).

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Consistent with theme of Alternative B, allow natural processes to dictate the condition of biological resources in lands with wilderness characteristics unless conditions would substantially deteriorate in the absence of management intervention.

No similar action

No similar action

No similar action

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Consistent with theme of Alternative B and to protect naturalness, prohibit surface-disturbing activities and new developments within lands with wilderness characteristics (see Appendix B, Map 2-1b).

No similar action

No similar action

To protect naturalness, prohibit surface-disturbing activities and new developments within the Dry Fork of Escalante and Cottonwood Canyon (see Appendix B, Map 2–1e)

No similar action in existing RMPs.

To protect opportunities for unconfined recreation, limit visitor use only as necessary to prevent substantial degradation to wilderness characteristics (i.e., naturalness and opportunities for solitude).

No similar action

No similar action

To protect opportunities for unconfined recreation, limit visitor use in the Dry Fork of Escalante and Cottonwood Canyon only as necessary to prevent substantial degradation to wilderness characteristics (i.e., naturalness and opportunities for solitude).

Manage the following acres to achieve Visual Resource Management Class objectives (Map 2–12a):

VRM Class I: 69,238 acres

VRM Class II: 36,769 acres

VRM Class III: 104,871 acres

Undesignated: 420 acres

Manage the following acres to achieve Visual Resource Management Class objectives (Map 2–12b):

VRM Class I: 93,468 acres

VRM Class II: 116,519 acres

Manage the following acres to achieve Visual Resource Management Class objectives (Map 2–12c):

VRM Class I: 71,679 acres

VRM Class II: 138,308 acres

Manage the following acres to achieve Visual Resource Management Class objectives (Map 2–12d):

VRM Class I: 107,636 acres

VRM Class II: 102,351 acres

Manage the following acres to achieve Visual Resource Management Class objectives (Map 2–12e):

VRM Class I: 82,830 acres

VRM Class II: 127,169 acres

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Prioritize co-location of communication towers, facilities, and associated structures with existing communication sites to minimize overall visual impacts.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Reduce visual impacts from past and future vegetation treatments, consistent with VRM objectives.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Manage the following heritage areas as VRM I (Map 2-9):

Manage heritage areas outside of the Wilderness as VRM II (Map 2-9).

Manage the Wilderness and Wilderness Study Area as VRM I

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Manage the following lands with wilderness characteristics as VRM I (Map 2–11b):

No similar action

No similar action

Manage the following lands with wilderness characteristics as VRM I (Map 2–11e):

Manage Escalante Canyon under VRM II guidelines to maintain its scenic qualities (UB RMP 1989)

No similar action

No similar action

Manage the following RMAs as VRM I in order to meet recreation setting objectives:

Manage the following RMAs as VRM I in order to meet recreation setting objectives:

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Designate the National Historic Trail corridor VRM II (Exception: allow construction of facilities that support interpretive opportunities).

Designate the National Historic Trail corridor VRM I (Exception: allow construction of facilities that support retracement and interpretive opportunities).

Same as Alternatives B and C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Construct facilities to repeat the basic elements of form, line, color, and texture found in the predominant natural features of the adjacent landscape.

Obtain State of Colorado permits for emissions for all prescribed burns.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Implement appropriate Best Management Practices (Appendix J) and measures to reduce small particulate pollution (PM10 and PM2.5) resulting from management actions (e.g., dust abatement on existing and new road construction).

No similar action

No similar action

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

Reduce, as much as practicable, the number of motorized routes within high sound-impact areas (canyon rims, overlooks, etc.).

No similar action

No similar action

Please see the Wilderness section (2.1.4) for management guidance on recreation within Dominguez Canyon Wilderness

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Ensure that all sources of D-E NCA recreation information (e.g. kiosks, brochures, web sites) include an educational component regarding the D-E NCA’s purposes.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

The BLM would not issue competitive SRPs that authorize motorized events where speed or time determines winners.

The BLM may issue competitive SRPs that authorize motorized events where speed or time determines winners.

Same as Alternatives B and C

Allow geocaching and similar activities without BLM authorization.

Prohibit geocaching and similar activities in the D-E NCA

Geocaching and similar activities require BLM authorization prior to placement

Same as Alternative A.

Only allow virtual geocaching and similar activities without BLM authorization. Do not authorize other types of geocaching.

Allow metal detecting activities without BLM authorization.

Prohibit metal detecting activities unless administratively authorized to protect cultural resources from vandalism and theft.

Same as Alternative A.

Same as Alternatives B and C

No similar action in existing RMPs. Area closures may be made on a case-by-case basis.

When camping contributes to a failure to meet cultural, biological, recreation and other natural resource objectives, close areas to camping.

When camping contributes to a failure to meet cultural, biological, recreation and other natural resource objectives, designate undeveloped campsites and limit overnight camping to designated undeveloped sites so as to help achieve these objectives.

When camping contributes to a failure to meet cultural, biological, recreation and other natural resource objectives, close areas to camping or designate campsites and limit overnight camping to designated sites.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Do not implement recreation fees.

As provided by the guidelines in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA; PL 108-447), implement recreation fees as appropriate to maintain visitor services and facilities through management of sites or areas as a US Fee Area.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Paintball activities are prohibited in the following area:

Prohibit paintball activities in the D-E NCA to protect the D-E NCA’s scenic resources.

Same as Alternative A.

Same as Alternatives B and C

No similar action in existing RMPs. Glass containers are prohibited in the following area:

Prohibit glass containers for beverages, food or other items to protect the D-E NCA’s scenic resources.

Prohibit glass containers for beverages, food or other items in the following areas to protect the scenic resources of these areas (2–8c):

Same as Alternative A (use existing public lands regulations that prohibit littering to enforce issues associated with glass bottles).

No similar action in existing RMPs. Temporary closures are allowed to protect public health and safety.

Do not implement temporary area or activity closures, except where necessary to protect public health and safety.

Implement temporary area or activity closures as needed to achieve biological, cultural and wilderness objectives, as well as to protect public health and safety.

Allow recreational prospecting at the Rattlesnake Gulch site consistent with casual mining regulations and restricted to collection of material with nonmotorized equipment below the surface of the water. Close the area to recreational prospecting if resource conditions warrant restrictions or closures.

Close the D-E NCA to all recreational prospecting.

Allow recreational prospecting at the Rattlesnake Gulch site consistent with casual mining regulations and restricted to collection of material with nonmotorized equipment below the surface of the water. Close the area to recreational prospecting if resource conditions warrant restrictions or closures. Close the rest of the D-E NCA to all recreational prospecting.

Same as Alternatives B and C

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Implementation Action: All SRPs will be evaluated using Permit Evaluation Factors and Permit Classification System (see Appendix I).

Require portable toilet systems and fire pans along the Gunnison River for overnight camping (2000 supplementary rule)

Require human waste and fire ash to be packed out using portable toilet systems and fire pans for all overnight camping in undeveloped camp sites in all areas outside of the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness

Require human waste and fire ash to be packed out using portable toilet systems and fire pans for all overnight camping in undeveloped camp sites in the following recreation management areas:

Require human waste and fire ash to be packed out using portable toilet systems and fire pans for all overnight camping in undeveloped camp sites in the following recreation management areas:

Require human waste and fire ash to be packed out using portable toilet systems and fire pans for all overnight camping in undeveloped camp sites in the following recreation management areas:

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Reduce visitor conflicts using strategies that separate conflicting recreation uses.

Reduce visitor conflicts by managing for targeted participants, activities and outcomes.

Same as Alternative B for the following RMAs:

Same as C for the following RMAs

Continue to allow hunting throughout the D-E NCA (210,012 acres) in accordance with CPW regulations

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Discharge of firearms for recreational target shooting is allowed throughout the D-E NCA, with the following exceptions (Map 2–7a):

Close the D-E NCA to discharge of firearms (e.g. paintball guns, pellet/BB guns, air soft guns, archery, firearms) for recreational target shooting (Map 2–7b).

Close the following areas (totaling 104,999 acres) to discharge of firearms for recreational target shooting (Map 2–7c):

In areas not subject to area closure, firearms must be discharged toward a proper backstop sufficient to stop the projectiles forward progress beyond the intended target. Targets must be constructed of wood, cardboard, paper or similar non-breakable materials. All targets, clays, and shells are considered litter after use and must be removed and disposed of properly.

Close the following areas (totaling 156,942 acres) to discharge of firearms for recreational target shooting (Map 2–7d):

In areas not subject to area closure, firearms must be discharged toward a proper backstop sufficient to stop the projectiles forward progress beyond the intended target. Targets must be constructed of wood, cardboard, paper or similar non-breakable materials. All targets, clays, and shells are considered litter after use and must be removed and disposed of properly.

Close the following areas (totaling 9,995 acres) to discharge of firearms for recreational target shooting (Map 2–7e):

If monitoring reveals that recreational target shooting is preventing achievement of the objectives identified in this RMP for the purposes of the D-E NCA, as identified in the Omnibus Act of 2009 (e.g. recreation, wilderness, natural resources), then the BLM may consider closure or restriction of affected areas to recreational target shooting.

If monitoring reveals that recreational target shooting is causing or is likely to cause impacts to public health and safety, or is causing damage to nearby private property, the BLM may consider closure or restriction of affected areas to recreational target shooting.

Any subsequent closure or restriction of target shooting based on these criteria must be implemented in accordance with the regulations and procedures detailed in 43 CFR 8364.1, Closure and Restriction Orders.

In areas not subject to area closure, firearms must be discharged toward a proper backstop sufficient to stop the projectiles forward progress beyond the intended target. Targets must be constructed of wood, cardboard, paper or similar non-breakable materials. All targets, clays, and shells are considered litter after use and must be removed and disposed of properly.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Restrict recreation (access, timing, activity) as necessary to reduce conflicts between recreation and livestock grazing and to achieve livestock grazing objectives.

When identifying locations for high concentrations of recreation activity and/or facilities, ensure the locations do not create pervasive conflict with livestock grazing.

Create a working group (similar to a Cooperative Resource Management Group or CRMP) that meets annually to cooperatively review management and identify best practices where conflicts can be resolved between recreation and livestock grazing.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Designate the Hunting Ground as an Extensive Recreation Management Area (ERMA) (23,131 acres, Map 2–8b).

No similar action

Designate the Hunting Ground as a Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) (23,131 acres, Map 2–8d).

Same as Alternative B (Map 2–8e)

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Connect/reroute routes to make loop opportunities as necessary; reroute/repair unsustainable and eroding routes

No similar action

Close and rehab existing routes to reduce route density.

Same as Alternative B

No similar action in existing RMPs.

With partners (e.g. local governments, trail organizations, user groups, service providers, tourism councils, etc.), design and construct a mixed-use connective trail between Whitewater and Delta

No similar action

Same as Alternative B

Same as Alternative B

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Implement a 3-day camping limit within the RMA, unless otherwise authorized.

No similar action

Implement a 7-day camping limit within the RMA, unless otherwise authorized.

No similar action in existing RMPs.

Manage the RMA as VRM Class II to meet recreational setting objectives

No similar action

Manage the RMA as VRM Class I to meet recreational setting objectives (exception: allow landscape changes to meet recreation objectives)

Same as Alternative B

No similar action in existing RMPs.

No similar action

No similar action

Provide cultural/historic education/interpretation to help promote learning about the past

See Education section for learning outcomes.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Permit applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Issue Vending SRPs only in conjunction with Competitive SRPs

No Similar action

Do not issue Vending SRPs

Same as Alternative B

No similar action in existing RMPs. Permit applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Issue nonmotorized Competitive SRPs that are consistent with RMA objectives

No similar action. Permit applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Do not issue competitive SRPs.

Same as Alternative B.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Permit applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Implementation Action Issue low, medium, and moderate impact (Class I, II & III in Appendix I) Competitive SRPs that are consistent with RMA objectives.

No similar action. Permit applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

No similar action. Do not issue Competitive SRPs.

Implementation Action Same as Alternative B

No similar action in existing RMPs. Permit applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Implementation Action Issue low, medium and moderate impact (Class I, II and III in Appendix I) Organized Group SRPs that are consistent with RMA objectives.

No similar action. Permit applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Implementation Action Issue low impact (Class I in Appendix I) Organized Group SRPs that are consistent with RMA objectives.

Implementation Action: Issue low and medium impact (Class I and II in Appendix I) Organized Group SRPs that are consistent with RMA objectives.

No similar action in existing RMPs. Permit applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Implementation Action: Issue low, medium and moderate impact (Class I, II and III in Appendix I) Commercial SRPs that are consistent with RMA objectives

No similar action. Permit applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Implementation Action: Issue low and medium impact (Class I and II in Appendix I) Commercial SRPs that are consistent with RMA objectives