Draft resource management plan and environmental impact statement for the Lander Field Office Planning Area

2011·10.5 MB·English

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DRAFT Resource Management Plan and
Environmental Impact Statement for the
Lander Field Office Planning Area
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Volume 1 of 3
Chapters 1 - 3
September 2011
The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the
public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The
Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation,
livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving
natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
BLM/WY/PL-11/047+1610
Volume 1 of 3
Draft Resource Management Plan and
Environmental Impact Statement
for the
Lander Field Office Planning Area

Volume 1 of 3
Chapters 1 - 3

U.S. Department of the Interior
Bureau of Land Management
Lander Field Office, Wyoming

September 2011
Lander Draft RMP and EIS iii
Table of Contents
VOLUME 1 OF 3
Dear Reader Letter ................................................................................................................................ xxxi
Abstract ................................................................................................................................................. xxxiii
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................... xxxv
Reader's Guide to this Document ............................................................................................................ liii
Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................................... lv
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Introduction and Background ........................................................................................................ 1
1.1.1. Land Ownership within the Lander Field Office Planning Area .................................... 1
1.2. Purpose and Need for the Resource Management Plan Revision ................................................. 2
1.2.1. Need for Revising the Existing Plan ............................................................................... 3
1.2.2. Purpose of Revising the Existing Plan ............................................................................ 4
1.3. Planning Process ........................................................................................................................... 5
1.4. Planning Issues .............................................................................................................................. 7
1.4.1. Issues Addressed ............................................................................................................. 7
1.4.2. Issues Considered but Not Further Analyzed .................................................................. 9
1.5. Planning Criteria ........................................................................................................................... 9
1.6. Related Plans ............................................................................................................................... 11
2. Resource Management Alternatives .................................................................................................. 13
2.1. Resource Management Alternatives ........................................................................................... 15
2.2. Alternative Development Process ............................................................................................... 15
2.2.1. Receive Public Input ..................................................................................................... 15
2.2.2. Identify Current Management ....................................................................................... 15
2.2.3. Develop the Range of Alternatives ............................................................................... 16
2.2.4. Analyze the Effects of the Alternatives ......................................................................... 16
2.2.5. Develop the Preferred Alternative ................................................................................. 16
2.3. Alternative Components ............................................................................................................. 17
2.3.1. Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................................... 17
2.3.2. Allowable Uses and Management Actions ................................................................... 17
2.3.2.1. Allowable Uses ............................................................................................... 17
2.3.2.2. Management Actions ...................................................................................... 18
September 2011 Table of Contents
iv Lander Draft RMP and EIS
2.3.2.3. Organization of Allowable Uses and Management Actions in the
Alternatives ..................................................................................................... 18
2.4. Alternatives Considered but Not Carried Forward for Detailed Analysis .................................. 18
2.4.1. Require a Plan of Operations for the Entire Field Office .............................................. 18
2.4.2. Close Abandoned Mine Land Reclaimed Areas to New Surface Disturbance ............. 19
2.4.3. Prohibit Oil and Gas Development ............................................................................... 19
2.4.4. Identify Oil and Gas Lease Parcels to be Offered Instead of Responding to
Industry Requests and Utilize Master Leasing Plans .................................................... 20
2.4.5. Defer Oil and Gas Leasing until Infrastructure is in Place to Ensure Price Parity
with Other Parts of the Country .................................................................................... 21
2.4.6. Evaluate Oil Shale Production ...................................................................................... 22
2.4.7. Consolidate All Wild Horse Herd Management Areas in the Green Mountain
Common Allotment ....................................................................................................... 22
2.4.8. Open or Close the Planning Area to Solar Energy Generation ..................................... 22
2.4.9. Closure of Some Areas to Livestock Grazing ............................................................... 23
2.4.10. Close the Lander Slope and Dubois Section 15 Leases to Livestock Grazing .............. 26
2.4.11. Require Planning Area Wide Phased Development ...................................................... 26
2.4.12. Manage the Beaver Creek Ski Area as a Special Management Area ............................ 26
2.4.13. Manage Highway 287 as a Scenic Byway .................................................................... 27
2.4.14. Manage the Sweetwater River Corridor as a High Priority Management Area ............ 27
2.4.15. Designate Areas as “Open” to Facilitate Motorized Vehicle Play Areas ...................... 27
2.5. Management Actions Common to All Alternatives .................................................................... 28
2.6. Summaries of Alternatives .......................................................................................................... 29
2.6.1. Alternative A (Current Management) ........................................................................... 39
2.6.1.1. Overview of the Alternative ............................................................................ 39
2.6.1.2. Physical Resources .......................................................................................... 39
2.6.1.3. Mineral Resources ........................................................................................... 40
2.6.1.4. Fire and Fuels Management ............................................................................ 40
2.6.1.5. Biological Resources ....................................................................................... 40
2.6.1.6. Heritage and Visual Resources ....................................................................... 41
2.6.1.7. Land Resources ............................................................................................... 42
2.6.1.8. Special Designations ....................................................................................... 43
2.6.1.9. Socioeconomic Resources ............................................................................... 43
2.6.2. Alternative B ................................................................................................................. 44
2.6.2.1. Overview of the Alternative ............................................................................ 44
2.6.2.2. Physical Resources .......................................................................................... 44
2.6.2.3. Mineral Resources ........................................................................................... 44
2.6.2.4. Fire and Fuels Management ............................................................................ 45
2.6.2.5. Biological Resources ....................................................................................... 45
2.6.2.6. Heritage and Visual Resources ....................................................................... 46
2.6.2.7. Land Resources ............................................................................................... 46
2.6.2.8. Special Designations ....................................................................................... 48
2.6.2.9. Socioeconomic Resources ............................................................................... 48
2.6.3. Alternative C ................................................................................................................. 49
Table of Contents September 2011
Lander Draft RMP and EIS v
2.6.3.1. Overview of the Alternative ............................................................................ 49
2.6.3.2. Physical Resources .......................................................................................... 49
2.6.3.3. Mineral Resources ........................................................................................... 49
2.6.3.4. Fire and Fuels Management ............................................................................ 50
2.6.3.5. Biological Resources ....................................................................................... 50
2.6.3.6. Heritage and Visual Resources ....................................................................... 51
2.6.3.7. Land Resources ............................................................................................... 51
2.6.3.8. Special Designations ....................................................................................... 52
2.6.3.9. Socioeconomic Resources ............................................................................... 52
2.6.4. Alternative D (Preferred Alternative) ........................................................................... 52
2.6.4.1. Overview of the Alternative ............................................................................ 52
2.6.4.2. Physical Resources .......................................................................................... 53
2.6.4.3. Mineral Resources ........................................................................................... 53
2.6.4.4. Fire and Fuels Management ............................................................................ 54
2.6.4.5. Biological Resources ....................................................................................... 54
2.6.4.6. Heritage and Visual Resources ....................................................................... 55
2.6.4.7. Land Resources ............................................................................................... 55
2.6.4.8. Special Designations ....................................................................................... 56
2.6.4.9. Socioeconomic Resources ............................................................................... 57
2.7. Detailed Description of Alternatives by Resource ...................................................................... 57
2.8. Summary of Environmental Consequences by Alternative ...................................................... 214
3. Affected Environment ...................................................................................................................... 225
3.1. Physical Resources .................................................................................................................... 231
3.1.1. Air Quality .................................................................................................................. 231
3.1.2. Geologic Resources ..................................................................................................... 250
3.1.3. Soil .............................................................................................................................. 254
3.1.4. Water ........................................................................................................................... 258
3.1.5. Cave and Karst Resources ........................................................................................... 275
3.1.6. Lands with Wilderness Characteristics ....................................................................... 276
3.2. Mineral Resources .................................................................................................................... 280
3.2.1. Locatable Minerals ...................................................................................................... 281
3.2.2. Leasable Minerals – Coal ............................................................................................ 289
3.2.3. Leasable Minerals – Geothermal ................................................................................. 289
3.2.4. Leasable Minerals – Oil and Gas ................................................................................ 291
3.2.5. Leasable Minerals – Oil Shale .................................................................................... 307
3.2.6. Leasable Minerals – Other Solid Leasable Minerals ................................................... 307
3.2.7. Salable Minerals .......................................................................................................... 309
3.3. Fire and Fuels Management ...................................................................................................... 313
3.3.1. Unplanned/Wildfire ..................................................................................................... 314
3.3.2. Planned/Prescribed Fires and Other Fuels Treatments ................................................ 321
3.3.3. Stabilization and Rehabilitation .................................................................................. 324
3.4. Biological Resources................................................................................................................. 326
September 2011 Table of Contents
vi Lander Draft RMP and EIS
3.4.1. Vegetation – Forests, Woodlands, and Aspen Communities ...................................... 330
3.4.2. Vegetation – Grassland and Shrubland Communities ................................................. 333
3.4.3. Invasive Species and Pest Management ...................................................................... 337
3.4.4. Riparian-Wetland Resources ....................................................................................... 343
3.4.5. Fish and Wildlife Resources – Fish ............................................................................. 348
3.4.6. Fish and Wildlife Resources – Wildlife ...................................................................... 350
3.4.7. Special Status Species – Plants ................................................................................... 363
3.4.8. Special Status Species – Fish ...................................................................................... 366
3.4.9. Special Status Species – Wildlife ................................................................................ 368
3.4.10. Wild Horses ................................................................................................................. 374
3.5. Heritage and Visual Resources ................................................................................................. 379
3.5.1. Cultural Resources ...................................................................................................... 379
3.5.2. Paleontological Resources........................................................................................... 398
3.5.3. Visual Resources ......................................................................................................... 402
3.6. Land Resources ......................................................................................................................... 408
3.6.1 Lands and Realty ......................................................................................................... 408
3.6.1.1. Land Status .................................................................................................... 408
3.6.1.2. Land Use Authorizations............................................................................... 409
3.6.1.3. Unauthorized Use/Trespass ........................................................................... 410
3.6.1.4. Land Tenure Adjustments ............................................................................. 411
3.6.1.5. Withdrawals and Classifications ................................................................... 413
3.6.2. Renewable Energy ...................................................................................................... 416
3.6.3. Rights-of-Way and Corridors ...................................................................................... 420
3.6.4. Comprehensive Trails and Travel Management ......................................................... 423
3.6.5. Livestock Grazing Management ................................................................................. 428
3.6.6. Recreation ................................................................................................................... 436
3.7. Special Designations ................................................................................................................. 444
3.7.1. Congressionally Designated Trails .............................................................................. 444
3.7.1.1. National Scenic Trails ................................................................................... 445
3.7.1.2. National Historic Trails ................................................................................. 447
3.7.2. Wilderness Study Areas .............................................................................................. 457
3.7.3. Wild and Scenic Rivers ............................................................................................... 461
3.7.4. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern ................................................................... 464
3.7.4.1. Existing ACECs ............................................................................................ 465
3.7.4.2. Existing ACECs with Proposed Expansions ................................................. 468
3.7.4.3. Proposed ACECs ........................................................................................... 471
3.8. Socioeconomic Resources ......................................................................................................... 473
3.8.1. Social Conditions ........................................................................................................ 473
3.8.2. Economic Conditions .................................................................................................. 488
3.8.3. Health and Safety ........................................................................................................ 523
3.8.4. Environmental Justice ................................................................................................. 526
3.8.5. Tribal Treaty Rights .................................................................................................... 530
3.9. Climate Change ......................................................................................................................... 531

Table of Contents September 2011
Lander Draft RMP and EIS vii
VOLUME 2 OF 3
4. Environmental Consequences .......................................................................................................... 535
4.1. Physical Resources .................................................................................................................... 539
4.1.1. Air Quality .................................................................................................................. 539
4.1.1.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 539
4.1.1.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 542
4.1.1.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 544
4.1.2. Geologic Resources ..................................................................................................... 575
4.1.3. Soil .............................................................................................................................. 575
4.1.3.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 576
4.1.3.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 576
4.1.3.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 579
4.1.4. Water ........................................................................................................................... 593
4.1.4.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 596
4.1.4.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 596
4.1.4.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 598
4.1.5. Cave and Karst Resources ........................................................................................... 611
4.1.6. Lands with Wilderness Characteristics ....................................................................... 611
4.1.6.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 611
4.1.6.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 612
4.1.6.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ................................................................ 612
4.2. Mineral Resources .................................................................................................................... 617
4.2.1. Locatable Minerals ...................................................................................................... 617
4.2.1.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 617
4.2.1.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 620
4.2.1.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 622
4.2.2. Leasable Minerals – Coal ............................................................................................ 632
4.2.3. Leasable Minerals – Geothermal ................................................................................. 633
4.2.3.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 633
4.2.3.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 633
4.2.3.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 634
4.2.4. Leasable Minerals – Oil and Gas ................................................................................ 635
4.2.4.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 636
4.2.4.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 637
4.2.4.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 639
4.2.5. Leasable Minerals – Oil Shale .................................................................................... 658
4.2.6. Leasable Minerals – Other Solid Leasable Minerals ................................................... 658
4.2.6.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 658
4.2.6.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 659
4.2.6.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 661
4.2.7. Salable Minerals .......................................................................................................... 669
4.2.7.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 669
September 2011 Table of Contents
viii Lander Draft RMP and EIS
4.2.7.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 670
4.2.7.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 672
4.3. Fire and Fuels Management ...................................................................................................... 682
4.3.1. Unplanned/Wildfire ..................................................................................................... 683
4.3.1.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 683
4.3.1.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 683
4.3.1.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 684
4.3.2. Planned/Prescribed Fires and Other Fuels Treatments ................................................ 695
4.3.2.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 695
4.3.2.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 695
4.3.2.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 695
4.3.3. Stabilization and Rehabilitation .................................................................................. 705
4.4. Biological Resources................................................................................................................. 706
4.4.1. Vegetation – Forests, Woodlands, and Aspen Communities ...................................... 706
4.4.1.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 706
4.4.1.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 707
4.4.1.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 708
4.4.2. Vegetation – Grassland and Shrubland Communities ................................................. 722
4.4.2.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 722
4.4.2.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 723
4.4.2.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 725
4.4.3. Invasive Species and Pest Management ...................................................................... 739
4.4.3.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 739
4.4.3.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 739
4.4.3.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 740
4.4.4. Riparian-Wetland Resources ....................................................................................... 757
4.4.4.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 758
4.4.4.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 758
4.4.4.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 759
4.4.5. Fish and Wildlife Resources – Fish ............................................................................. 774
4.4.5.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 774
4.4.5.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 774
4.4.5.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 775
4.4.6. Fish and Wildlife Resources – Wildlife ...................................................................... 788
4.4.6.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 788
4.4.6.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 789
4.4.6.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 790
4.4.7. Special Status Species – Plants ................................................................................... 838
4.4.7.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 839
4.4.7.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 839
4.4.7.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 840
4.4.8. Special Status Species – Fish ...................................................................................... 854
4.4.8.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 854
4.4.8.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 855
Table of Contents September 2011
Lander Draft RMP and EIS ix
4.4.8.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 856
4.4.9. Special Status Species – Wildlife ................................................................................ 859
4.4.9.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 860
4.4.9.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 860
4.4.9.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 861
4.4.10. Wild Horses ................................................................................................................. 907
4.4.10.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 908
4.4.10.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 908
4.4.10.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 908
4.5. Heritage and Visual Resources ................................................................................................. 928
4.5.1. Cultural Resources ...................................................................................................... 928
4.5.1.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 929
4.5.1.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 929
4.5.1.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 930
4.5.2. Paleontological Resources........................................................................................... 941
4.5.2.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 942
4.5.2.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 942
4.5.2.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 942
4.5.3. Visual Resources ......................................................................................................... 949
4.5.3.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 949
4.5.3.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 951
4.5.3.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 952
4.6. Land Resources ......................................................................................................................... 957
4.6.1. Lands and Realty ......................................................................................................... 957
4.6.1.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 958
4.6.1.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 959
4.6.2. Renewable Energy ...................................................................................................... 960
4.6.2.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 961
4.6.2.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 961
4.6.2.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 962
4.6.3. Rights-of-Way and Corridors ...................................................................................... 971
4.6.3.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 971
4.6.3.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 971
4.6.3.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 972
4.6.4. Comprehensive Trails and Travel Management ......................................................... 981
4.6.4.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 982
4.6.4.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 983
4.6.4.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 985
4.6.5. Livestock Grazing Management ................................................................................. 994
4.6.5.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................... 994
4.6.5.2. Methods and Assumptions .......................................................................... 995
4.6.5.3. Detailed Analysis of Alternatives ............................................................... 996
4.6.6. Recreation ................................................................................................................. 1019
4.6.6.1. Summary of Impacts ................................................................................. 1020
September 2011 Table of Contents