United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

Dance Hall Rock Parking Area Development

Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-UT-0300-2013-003-EA

June 2014

Location: Dance Hall Rock is located in Kane County, Utah. The nearest gateway community is Escalante, Utah, approximately 50 miles west-northwest.

Salt Lake Meridian, Township 40 South, Range 7 East, Section 1.

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument 669 South Highway 89A Kanab, Utah 84741 Phone: (435) 644-1200 Fax: (435) 644-1250

Dance Hall Rock Parking Area Development DOI-BLM-UT-0300-2013-003-EA

Table of Contents 1.0 Purpose and Need ...... 1 1.1 Introduction ...... 1 1.2 Background ...... 2 1.3 Need for the Proposed Action ...... 2 1.4 Purpose(s) of the Proposed Action ...... 3 1.5 Conformance with BLM Land Use Plan(s) ...... 3 1.6 Relationship to Statutes, Regulations, or Other Plans ...... 3 1.7 Identification of Issues ...... 4 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING PROPOSED ACTION ...... 5 2.1 Introduction ...... 5 2.2 Design Features Common to Both Action Alternatives ...... 7 2.3 Alternative A – No Action ...... 8 2.4 Alternative B – Develop the current parking area ...... 8 2.5 Alternatives C – Develop a new parking area ...... 10 3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ...... 11 3.1 Introduction and General Setting ...... 11 3.2 Cultural Resources ...... 12 3.3 Recreation ...... 12 3.4 Soils and Hydrology ...... 13 3.5 Vegetation ...... 14 3.6 Visual Resources ...... 14 3.7 Wildlife ...... 15 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS...... 16 4.1 Introduction ...... 16 4.2 General Analysis Assumptions and Guidelines ...... 16 4.3 Direct and Indirect Effects ...... 17 4.3.1 Alternative A – No Action ...... 17 4.3.2 Alternative B ...... 18 4.3.3 Alternative C ...... 20 4.4 Cumulative Impacts Analysis ...... 23 4.4.1 Cultural Resources ...... 24 4.4.2 Recreation ...... 24 4.4.3 Soils and Hydrology ...... 25 4.4.4 Vegetation ...... 25 4.4.5 Visual Resources ...... 25 4.4.5 Wildlife ...... 26 5.0 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION ...... 26 5.1 Introduction ...... 26 5.2 Persons, Groups, and Agencies Consulted: ...... 26 5.3 Summary of Public Participation ...... 27 5.4 List of Preparers ...... 28 6.0 REFERENCES, GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS ...... 28 6.1 References Cited ...... 28 6.2 Glossary of Terms ...... 28 6.3 List of Acronyms ...... 29 APPENDICES ...... 30 APPENDIX A: Interdisciplinary Team Checklist ...... 30 APPENDIX B: Key Observation Points ...... 34 APPENDIX C: Vegetation Types of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument ...... 35

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Dance Hall Rock Parking Area Development DOI-BLM-UT-0300-2013-003-EA

1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED 1.1 Introduction Dance Hall Rock, a large sandstone outcrop shaped like a natural amphitheater, is along the route of the 1879-80 San Juan Expedition. This route is also known as the Hole-in- the-Rock trail. The Hole-in-the-Rock trek was an epic journey in which members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) pioneered a more direct wagon route across the Colorado River to the southeastern corner of Utah in order to settle at Fort Bluff along the San Juan River. Dance Hall Rock is a popular attraction with tourists and members of the LDS Church.

Hole-in-the-Rock trail is on the National Register of Historic Places. Dance Hall Rock located 41 miles down the road from State Route 12 is not listed on the National Register although it is identified as eligible. Since the site is eligible, BLM manages it as if it were on the National Register.

Since the 1879-80 San Juan expedition, local and regional Mormon heritage groups customarily travel to Dance Hall Rock and the Hole-in-the-Rock site for educational youth conferences. In 2009, the novel The Undaunted was published telling stories about the San Juan Mission pioneers. Subsequently in 2010, BLM authorized four Special Recreation Permits (SRP) to organized groups associated with the LDS Church to host heritage events at Dance Hall Rock. During this same year, construction of the Hole-in- the-Rock - Escalante Heritage Center was completed, and the facility was formally opened to the public in May 2011. The interpretive facility focuses on sharing the stories associated with the Hole-in-the-Rock trek and Escalante history.

On April 5 2012, BLM finalized a programmatic environmental assessment (DOI-BLM- UT-0300-008-EA) and decision document for issuing SRPs to Organized Groups along Hole-in-the-Rock Road. This decision allows groups up to 145 people to attend heritage events at Dance Hall Rock as well as visit Hole-in-the-Rock. Considering current demand for use by large groups and a general upswing in heritage tourism nationwide, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) foresees a continuing desire for heritage groups, tourists, and backcountry users to visit Dance Hall Rock for its historical, educational, and recreational values.

In addition to use as a heritage resource, Dance Hall Rock is a popular destination for other visitors because of its unique geological features. Many visitors park at Dance Hall Rock to hike, explore, and photograph the sand stone domes and windblown pot holes behind the dance floor. Dance Hall Rock receives greater visitation due to the fact that it is adjacent to Hole-in-the-Rock Road as well as it is a unique landscape feature that is inviting to visitors.

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1.2 Background The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), GSENM proposes to design and construct parking area improvements at or near the Dance Hall Rock Historic Site.

On December 28, 1970, a Federal Register Notice (FR, Vol. 35 No. 248 -12/12/1970) segregated Dance Hall Rock along with six other areas, within the then Escalante Field Station, from appropriation under Classification and Multiple Use Act of September 19, 1964 (78 Stat. 986, 43 U.S.C. 1411-18). In 1975, the National Park Service (NPS) nominated the Hole-in-the-Rock trail to be included on the National Register of Historic Places. Although the nomination only included the section of trail within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (NRA), the importance of the entire 225-mile trail would be recognized through this nomination. Within GSENM, the Hole-in-the-Rock trail and Dance Hall Rock are being considered for nomination as a Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) by the LDS Church.

With the increased interest to visit Dance Hall Rock by heritage groups and the general public, BLM is proposing this project to address recreation, health and safety, and protection of historic resource values.

During 2013, Colorado Mesa University conducted a Recreation Experience Baseline Study. In the 2014 report Dance Hall Rock was identified in the top 10 most commonly noted "Special Places" in the study. Most participants noted that Dance Hall Rock is an important historic site and their expectations for visiting it are different from those of backcountry sites, especially related to facility development and group sizes, where the tolerance for both was higher. 1.3 Need for the Proposed Action The need for action is based upon identified recreation, public health and safety, and resource protection needs that have been identified in the GSENM Monument Management Plan (MMP) and site monitoring. Recreational visitation to Dance Hall Rock has occurred for the last 50 years. In recent years, The Hole-in-the-Rock Foundation and the Escalante Heritage Center are promoting this site as a destination location. With the increase in heritage tourism, in addition to the general upward trend in recreational use of the area, BLM must consider facility improvements to ensure recreational values are maintained and resources are protected. Public health and safety concerns are directly associated with improper disposal of human waste within the parking area. Visitation to sites along Hole-in-the-Rock Road increased 66% from 2000 to 2012 (Recreation Management Information System (RMIS), 2012). BLM anticipates visitation will continue to increase at this site. Backcountry reports from 2006 to 2012 detail 50 instances of cleaning the Dance Hall Rock parking area due to campfire debris, camping, and trash. One toilet facility exists on the Hole-in-the-Rock Road located at Devils Rock Garden, approximately 20 miles to the north. Currently the Dance Hall parking area is undeveloped, has no facilities, and is receiving resource impacts. Impacts identified include improper disposal of human effluence, the parking area is not defined leading to an increased size of parking area, and user conflicts between day use and overnight camping. 2

1.4 Purpose(s) of the Proposed Action The purpose of the action is to improve the parking area at Dance Hall Rock Historic Site to address increased recreation demands, reduce resource impacts at the historic site, and address public health and safety concerns from improperly disposed of human waste. 1.5 Conformance with BLM Land Use Plan(s) The action alternatives described below are in conformance with the MMP and is supported in the following plan decisions:

FAC-13 - Existing destinations such as Devils Garden and Dance Hall Rock will be maintained. A better delineated parking area and toilets could be considered for Dance Hall Rock. 1.6 Relationship to Statutes, Regulations, or Other Plans The action alternatives are consistent with federal environmental laws and regulations, Executive orders, and Department of Interior and GSENM policies. It is in compliance with state laws and local and county ordinances and plans, including the following: National Historic Preservation Act (1966) Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act states, in part, that prior to proceeding with an undertaking the appropriate Federal agency shall “…take into account the effect of the undertaking on any district, site, building, structure, or object that is included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register.” The Dance Hall Rock Historic Site is considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The Hole-in-the-Rock trail between Escalante and Bluff, Utah, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Cultural resource inventories for this Dance Hall Rock proposal have been completed and the report submitted to SHPO for concurrence regarding the BLM finding of “No Adverse Effect.” The Hole-in-the-Rock trail/route is listed on the National Register. An updated site form was prepared for this site, detailing a short segment that passes through the current and proposed Dance Hall Rock parking areas, as well as documenting potential alternate and braided Hole-in-the-Rock trail segments between the community of Escalante and the actual Hole in the Rock. In a letter dated January 6, 2014, SHPO concurred with the BLM finding that this project will not have an adverse effect on either the Hole-in-the-Rock trail or Dance Hall Rock. Proclamation for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (1996) The action and no action alternatives have been evaluated for consistency with the proclamation, particularly in reference to the specific objects and values that were identified with the Proclamation. Dance Hall Rock Historic Site is noted as an object in the proclamation.

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Utah BLM State Director Order Utah State Director Order established Dance Hall Rock as a historic site under the authority contained in 43 CFR 2410 and 2411 and the Multiple Use Act of September 19, 1964. This order was published in the Federal Register on December 28, 1970. BLM Manual 6280 This proposal is consistent with policy for Management of National Scenic and Historic Trails and Trails Under Study or Recommended as Suitable for Congressional Designation. Utah Joint Resolution This resolution recognized the Hole-in-the-Rock San Juan Mission Historic Trail, 2012 General Session, State of Utah, February 14, 2012. Kane County General Management Plan (1998, updated 2010) Although Dance Hall Rock is not specifically mentioned in the Kane County General Plan, a review of the document reveals that the two action alternatives would not conflict with the county plan. 1.7 Identification of Issues A scoping letter was mailed on January 7, 2013 to the public, soliciting comments for their EA. The scoping period ended February 8, 2013. The proposed action was posted the Environmental Notification Bulletin Board website for public review on January 3, 2013. Seven comment letters were received. During the interdisciplinary review the following issues were identify.

 Cultural Resources o Will the development of a parking area impact the historic setting? o Will the development of a parking area stabilize Hole-in-the-Rock historic trail?  Recreation o Will the proposed developments improve health and safety for the public? o Will the recreational developments impact visitor satisfaction? o Will the proposed site development improve recreational experience?  Soils and Hydrology o Will the site development have impacts on soils and hydrology?  Vegetation o Will the site development have an impact on vegetation?  Visual Resources o Will the proposed site developments create visually contrasting impacts that alter the landscape character? o Will the proposed site developments meet the Visual Resource Management (VRM) objectives for that area?

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 Wildlife o Will the site development have loss of habitat for identified sensitive species in the area?

2.0 DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING PROPOSED ACTION 2.1 Introduction The project area is located at Dance Hall Rock in Kane County, Utah. The nearest gateway community is Escalante, Utah, approximately 50 miles west-northwest. See map 1 for the specific location. A No Action alternative and two action alternatives are considered. The range of alternatives was developed based upon issues identified through public scoping.

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Map 1 Project Area

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2.2 Design Features Common to Both Action Alternatives BLM’s Guidelines for a Quality Environment (2010) was used to plan and design this project in order to develop facilities that are sustainable, functional, universally- accessible, cost effective, and responsive to place and setting.

Design criteria to meet built environment image guidelines and other guidance includes the following:

 Natural or natural-appearing materials would be used. These could include concrete, natural stone, gravels or fines, rusted or painted metal, and/or wood. No shiny, reflective materials would be used.

 Natural palette colors would include grays, reds, salmons, rusts, browns, and buffs. No bright colors such as whites or yellows would be used.

 Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas (Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 2013) would be utilized for final design.

In order to prevent unnecessary resource impacts, the following design features would be incorporated into project construction, scheduling, and monitoring:

 Through the BLM’s Seeds of Success program, native seeds from the Dance Hall Rock site will be collected for use in rehabilitation. If possible, plant materials would be collected prior to construction beginning and used to rehabilitate the site after construction is complete.

 In order to prevent the spread of noxious weeds and non-native, invasive plants, any equipment used would be washed before transport to the construction site.

 All ground disturbing and/or ground altering activities would take place outside of the migratory bird breeding and brood raising period from April 15-June 30 or the area will be surveyed by a qualified biologist and cleared for construction activities.

 The project site would be monitored for noxious weeds and non-native, invasive plants after construction.

 If noxious weeds or non-native, invasive plants are discovered, BLM-approved herbicides would be applied in a manner consistent with current BLM practice.

 Perform general maintenance to site facilities.

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2.3 Alternative A – No Action Under the No Action Alternative, BLM would not improve the parking area at Dance Hall Rock. The parking area would remain undeveloped with no facilities. BLM would not install a toilet on site. In addition, BLM would not define a foot trail. Under the No Action Alternative, BLM staff would continue to patrol and monitor the site, picking up trash, removing graffiti, removing fire rings, and disposing of human effluence.

General public and permit visitation would continue. The parking area would be defined based on user patterns as seen by the barren ground and may become larger with increased use and overuse of the site as a destination location and camping area. Camping will continue and will present user conflicts (camping and day use in the same location) at the site due to the small parking area. The ingress/egress road would remain the same creating challenges for large vehicles to turn around or exit and potentially increasing resource impacts, which include loss of vegetation, increased erosion, increased bare soil, and reducing visual quality of the setting.

Figure 1 – No Action alternative

Dance Hall Rock

Hole-in-the-Rock Road

Existing Parking Area

2.4 Alternative B – Develop the current parking area In Alternative B, BLM would design and implement parking area improvements within the existing parking area at Dance Hall Rock Historic Site. Development would include installing a vault toilet, reviewing and updating as necessary interpretive panels, updating and installing information and directional traffic signs, defining a 300-foot trail and reclaiming user-created social trails leading to the dance floor, and improving the 8 ingress/egress road and parking area. Improvements may include hardening the road surface with road base or an alternative material. The parking area at Dance Hall Rock Historic Site would be available for day-use only and overnight camping would not be allowed in the parking area.

This site is approximately 1 acre in size and currently is used as an ingress/egress road and parking area for the historic site (see figure 2). Surface disturbance would include improving and widening the road, surface leveling, removal of vegetation, digging a hole to install a pit toilet, developing a foot trail, and closing user-created social trails. Equipment likely to be used includes hand tools, dump trucks, front end loaders, road graders, and a tractor trailer with crane to install the pit toilet.

The earliest the project would be implemented is fall 2014. Implementation and completion of the project is estimated to be 1 month from when construction starts. GSENM would seek to develop this project in partnership with local counties and Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO) interest groups.

Figure 2 - Alternative B

Dance Hall Rock Hole-in-the Rock Road

Parking Area Improvements

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2.5 Alternatives C – Develop a new parking area In Alternative C, BLM would design and develop a new parking area adjacent to Dance Hall Rock Historic Site. See figure 3 for location. Development would include installing a vault toilet, reviewing and updating as necessary interpretive panels, updating and installing information and directional traffic signs, developing a 500-foot trail, reclaiming social trails, and developing a 500-foot road for ingress and egress to the parking area. Improvements may include hardening the road surface with road base or an alternative material. The new parking area for the Dance Hall Rock Historic Site would be available for day-use only and no overnight camping in the parking area would be allowed.

This alternative site is approximately 2 acres in size. BLM would develop a new ingress/egress road and parking area for the historic site. A section of the original wagon road/trail would be used as the new ingress/egress road. Surface disturbance would include building a road, surface leveling, removing vegetation, and digging a hole to install a pit toilet. A section of the original expedition trail would be used as part of the foot trail to access the dance floor. Equipment likely to be used includes hand tools, dump trucks, front end loaders, road graders, and a tractor trailer with crane to install the pit toilet.

BLM would reclaim the current parking area and road to a natural state. Reclamation would include ripping the current parking area and roadway, seeding the disturbed area with native seed, planting native plants and vertical mulching to aid in disguising the disturbance. A temporary wire fence would be installed along Hole-in-the-Rock Road at the mouth of the current road to prevent vehicles from using the reclaimed road and parking area. The fence would be in place for 2-3 years to allow vegetation to become re-established. Once vegetation is re-established, the fence would be removed.

The earliest the project would be implemented is fall 2014. Implementation and completion of the project is estimated to take 1 month from when construction starts. GSENM would seek to develop this project in partnership with local counties and NGO interest groups.

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Figure 3 – Alternative C

Hole-in-the Rock Road New Parking Area Dance Hall Rock

Old Parking Area Would be Reclaimed

3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 3.1 Introduction and General Setting

The affected environment was determined by an interdisciplinary team as documented in the Interdisciplinary Team Checklist (Appendix A). The checklist indicates which resources are either not present in the project area or would not be impacted. Resources which are potentially impacted are described in Chapter 3 and impacts on these resources are analyzed in Chapter 4.

Dance Hall Rock historic site is approximately 42 miles down Hole-in-the-Rock Road from Highway 12. This region of the Monument is a desert environment supporting sand dunes, blackbrush, and intermittent pinyon and juniper trees. The site is 4700 feet above sea level. The site hosts large sandstone outcrops, one of which is an amphitheater called Dance Hall Rock, named for its use as a meeting area and dance floor during the 1879 – 80 San Juan Expedition. Today, Dance Hall Rock is recognized as a historical site because of the 1879-80 San Juan Expedition.

Cultural Resources, Recreation, Soils, Hydrology, Visual Resources, and Wildlife were identified by the Interdisciplinary Team as potentially impacted.

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3.2 Cultural Resources Archaeological Resources The Hole-in-the-Rock road area in general, in which Dance Hall Rock is an important cultural feature, has an important and complex set of cultural resource sites. Human occupation dates back at least 13,000 years, and sites from the Archaic period (BC 11,000 to 0 AD), the Formative Period (AD 1 to AD 1250), and from the Late Prehistoric (AD 1250 to the late 1800s) are all well represented. Prehistoric site types in the area include camps, resource procurement locations, rock art, lithic scatters, rock shelters and overhangs, isolated artifacts, and middens, while residential and storage structures are more prone to be found closer to the Straight Cliffs and the Kaiparowits Plateau. Sites from the Archaic and Late Prehistoric periods tend to be camp and resource procurement locations. Formative Period sites (Anasazi and Fremont cultures) will include camps and resource procurement locations, and can also include residential pit structures (pit houses), surface structures, surface and subsurface storage structures, and granaries, although these are not likely in the Dance Hall Rock area. Historic sites include “cowboy glyphs” (generally historic signatures and cattle brands carved or scribed on rock faces) and livestock-related sites such as corrals, line shacks, and historic spring improvements. Also included are any sites related to the historic pioneer Hole-in-the-Rock trek. Dance Hall Rock and the Hole-in-the-Rock could potentially be considered historic Traditional Cultural Properties. Prehistoric site densities can vary from only a few sites per square mile to 80 or more sites per square mile, depending on such factors as location, exposure, and proximity to resources. Historic site densities are generally low, with these sites scattered few and far between. Ethnographic Resources Ethnographic resources are defined by the BLM as any natural or cultural resource, landscape, or natural feature that is linked by a cultural community to on-going traditional practices of that community. Groups associated with Dance Hall Rock and the Hole-in-the Rock corridor include contemporary members of the LDS Church, while American Indian Tribes are associated with prehistoric and historic use of the area in general. 3.3 Recreation Dance Hall Rock is a destination for the general public and heritage groups associated with the LDS Church. The site is located in the Passage Zone (MMP, p. 8) and is mostly undeveloped; user impacts are present due to public use. Dance Hall Rock includes one interpretive panel, includes a user-defined parking area, and provides for a semi- primitive recreation experience. There is a user developed foot path from the parking area to the dance floor. No facilities (i.e. toilet) exist at the parking area. The one development in the parking area is an interpretive panel discussing the importance of Dance Hall Rock to the San Juan Pioneers.

The ingress/egress road into Dance Hall Rock is approximately 200 yards long and was constructed with machinery. This road is maintained as needed. The Dance Hall Rock roadway is incised 3-4 feet from the surface grade which does not allow vehicles bound

12 in opposite directions to pass on the roadway. The road bed is comprised of natural materials and is prone to erosion during heavy storm events.

During 2012, BLM estimated visitation at Dance Hall Rock to be 5,105 people (RMIS 2012). BLM does not have a traffic counter at the Dance Hall Rock site; the visitation number is estimated to be the same as visitation to the Hole-in-the-Rock site. GSENM Back Country database identified 50 reports with Dance Hall Rock as part of a patrol record or site monitoring. These reports indicate concerns related with camping, fire rings, human effluence, trash, graffiti, illegal mountain bike use in the area, and monitoring heritage groups.

Since 2010, GSENM has permitted five LDS youth conferences to visit the site for historical and educational purposes. In March 2012, BLM and NPS completed a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (EA) to allow groups of up to 145 people to visit Dance Hall Rock and the Hole-in-the-Rock site for heritage and educational purposes.

In May 2011, the Escalante Heritage Center opened to the public. The Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Hole-in-the-Rock/San Juan pioneers who passed through the Escalante Valley in the winter of 1879 and 1880. The Center is built on Scenic Byway 12, gateway to the Escalante Desert and is focused on “enhancing the aesthetic, cultural and historic aspect of travel for the local citizenry and visitors (http://escalanteheritagecenter.org/).” BLM anticipates that visitation will increase for two reasons. First, LDS heritage groups are likely to continue to want to visit this location. Second, more tourists will learn about the Hole-in-the-Rock trek and Dance Hall Rock from the Escalante Heritage Center and will want to visit the Dance Hall Rock and Hole-in-the-Rock historic sites.

3.4 Soils and Hydrology The soils of the area predominantly occur on hill slopes, plains, dunes and sand sheets on structural benches; the slopes in the project area are mostly slight (<2%). Soil resources in the area consist primarily of three soil map units (5026, 5042 and 5046). Most of the project area is map unit 5042, but a portion of the proposed road and the new parking lot are map unit 5046. Map unit 5026 is Rock Outcrop, Entrada and Carmel Formations Sandstone, of which Dance Hall Rock and surrounding outcrops are composed, with 5% minor components.

Map unit 5042 is the Moenkopie, warm-Moepitz-Rock outcrop (Carmel Formation) complex, 10 to 30 percent slopes. Its dominant soil series is Moenkopie, warm soils (40%), with Moepitz and similar soils (25%), Carmel Formation Rock outcrop (25%), and 10% minor components. The soil series that compose map unit 5042 are sandstone and shale residuum and mixed alluvium and eolian sand (and bedrock). Their surface texture is loamy fine sand (except for the bedrock). These soils are well drained, with moderately rapid to rapid permeability, very low available water capacity, and high to very high runoff (except for the bedrock). These soils are moderately erodible (erosion

13 factors Kw and Kf 0.15-0.17), and susceptible to wind erosion (wind erodibility group 2 or 3, wind erodibility index 86-134).

Map unit 5046 is the Moffat-Sheppard-Nakai complex, 2 to 30 percent slopes. Its co- dominant soil series are Moffat and similar soils (30%) and Sheppard and similar soils (30%), with Nakai and similar soils (25%) and 15% minor components. The soil series that compose map unit 5046 are eolian sand and alluvium, eolian sand, and sand sheets on structural benches. Their surface texture is predominantly loamy fine sand with some sandy loam (Nakai). These soils are well to somewhat excessively drained, with moderately rapid to rapid permeability, low to moderate available water capacity, and very low to low runoff. These soils are somewhat more erodible than those of map unit 5042 (erosion factors Kw and Kf 0.17-0.28), but slightly more susceptible to wind erosion (wind erodibility group 2, wind erodibility index 134).

Ecological sites on map unit 5042 are Desert Shallow Sandy Loam (blackbrush) and Desert Sandy Loam (blackbrush); those of map unit 5046 are Desert Sandy Loam (blackbrush), Desert Sand (sand sagebrush) and Desert Sandy Loam (fourwing saltbush). 3.5 Vegetation The dominant vegetation type in the project area is the desert shrub plant community. The plant communities in the project area show evidence of disturbance because this is a popular recreation area and historic use of livestock. Common species in the desert shrub community include shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), mat atriplex (A. corrugata), fourwing saltbush (A. canescens), winterfat (Ceratoides lanata), ephedra or Mormon tea (Ephedra viridis), horsebrush (Tetradymia canescens), rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), and broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). Associated species include greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus), sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima), Utah juniper (Juniperus ostesperma), Russian thistle (Salsola pestifer), and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). 3.6 Visual Resources Characteristic Landscape The project area is located just off Hole-in-the-Rock Road, adjacent to the locally well- known landmark, Dance Hall Rock, a massive sandstone feature that emerges from the rolling desert floor to create a large natural amphitheater on its western edge and an exposed expanse of uplifted sandstone riddled with huge potholes and depressions toward its eastern backside.

The project area is east of the Straight Cliffs and west of the Escalante Canyons in a landscape comprised of long, rolling desert benches that extend from the base of the Straight Cliffs until they drop away into the Escalante Canyons. The dominant vegetation is blackbrush and other desert shrubs and grasses, with a few random pinyon/juniper in isolated locations. The vegetation is mostly dark greenish gray and ranges from medium to coarse in texture. There are few built elements in this landscape

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– the road, an interpretive panel, a small monitoring station, and a few signs. The road is the only built element that is prominent enough to draw attention.

The project area is within an enclosed landscape created by the cliffs, uplifted sandstone features, and counterbalancing washes, drainages, and depressions in the landform. The predominant lines are rounded and horizontal created by landform edges. The road adds a distinct band across the landscape that is created by the removal of vegetation which creates a contrast in color and texture to the existing scene and that directs the eye along its alignment. The predominant colors of this landscape are reds and grays due to the landform and vegetation. The texture of the landscape varies from fine due to the consistent swaths of shrubs in the mid and background, to coarse due to the sandstone outcrops and washes.

This project is proposed in a canyon country landscape with exposed reddish sandstone, sand dunes, and desert vegetation similar to other areas within the Colorado Plateau.

This lower segment of Hole-in-the-Rock Road where Dance Hall Rock is located is used primarily by recreationists and cattle permittees. Those using the area for recreation are typically engaged in scenic and heritage touring, hiking, backpacking, OHV activities, and photography. This range of individuals defines the casual observer.

Visual Resource Management Classes and Objectives The Dance Hall Rock Parking Area Development project area is located in VRM Class II. The objective for VRM Class II is to retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be low. Management activities may be seen, but should not attract the attention of the casual observer. Any changes must repeat the basic elements found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

3.7 Wildlife Habitat that will be affected in the project area is composed of a community dominated by blackbrush and ephedra in rolling sandy hills. There are three sensitive species listed for Kane County that may be affected: kit fox, burrowing owls, and golden eagle. Sensitive species have been documented in the vicinity. Prey species for these animals occur in the area. A survey conducted on February 12, 2014, identified some activity of burrowing in the area. No scat or signs of permanent occupation were found. Burrowing owls and kit fox are active predominantly during the nighttime hours. No active eagle nests are known to occur in the vicinity but individuals have been observed there.

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4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 4.1 Introduction This section discloses the predicted impacts (direct, indirect, and cumulative) of the alternatives. This section includes impacts to resources that were identified as potentially impacted in Chapter 3. Direct effects are caused by the action and occur at the same time and place. Indirect effects are caused by the action and are later in time or farther removed in distance, but are still reasonably foreseeable. Cumulative impacts are those impacts resulting from the incremental impact of an action when added to other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable actions regardless of what agency or person undertakes such other actions. 4.2 General Analysis Assumptions and Guidelines Each resource has its own review, methodology, and standards by which to assess environmental impacts. For cultural resources, site clearances were conducted for all alternatives. This includes an on-site visit to physically inventory and identify cultural artifacts or sites. Recreation analytical methodology utilizes data collected to track visitor use patterns (RMIS). GSENM also utilizes the in-house Back-country Database System developed to track and store monitoring reports developed via Backcountry Ranger Report logs. This data provides a temporal report that can be reviewed to provide visitation trends and impacts associated with those uses. Soil analysis utilizes three soil map units (5026, 5042 and 5046). Most of the project area is map unit 5042, but the new parking lot and a portion of the proposed road are within map unit 5046.

Vegetation analysis utilizes the Gap Analysis Program. The Gap Analysis Program provides regional assessments of the conservation status of natural land cover types and is used to develop models showing where there is appropriate habitat for vertebrate species. This information was further adapted for the vegetation types of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (see Appendix C).

For visual resources, a standardized system to review lands actions for management plan conformance was used. Visual contrast rating worksheets were completed. In order to evaluate the impacts of the alternatives for this proposed project, three key observations points (KOPs) were established as part of completing the contrast rating worksheets. KOP #1 was along Hole-in-the-Rock Road looking south toward the sites; KOP #2 was also along Hole-in-the-Rock Road but looking north toward the sites; and KOP #3 was on the dance floor of Dance Hall Rock looking outward across the landscape. The visibility of the alternatives from these KOPs is detailed in the table below.

Comparison of Visibility by Alternative from Key Observation Points Alternative KOP#1 KOP#2 KOP#3

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A: No Action Not Visible Minimally Visible Fully Visible B Not Visible Partially Visible Fully Visible C Partially Visible Fully Visible Not Visible

See Appendix B for VRM Key Observation Points. 4.3 Direct and Indirect Effects 4.3.1 Alternative A – No Action 4.3.1.1 Cultural Resources Under the No Action Alternative, the existing parking area and access road would continue to be used. The important historic “feel and setting” of the site would continue to be compromised by the presence of the parking area, largely unregulated recreational use, and ever-increasing amounts of trash and human waste. The existing original Hole- in-the-Rock trail, passing through the project area and in front of Dance Hall Rock, would not be stabilized and utilized as an access route, and would continue to degrade through neglect and erosion. 4.3.1.2 Recreation General visitation is expected to increase. Since 2010, GSENM has issued five heritage permits to visit Dance Hall Rock. Each season, four to five groups contact BLM to inquire about permits. These types of events are expected to continue and will increase with more interest.

The current parking area would remain the same, mostly undeveloped with no new facilities to the site. BLM would not improve the parking area or install a toilet. The parking area may increase in size as visitation increases. Human waste is likely to continue to be improperly disposed of and is likely to continue be found in the area. Road maintenance would be expected to continue as the road has been maintained for many years. No road improvements would be conducted.

The site has no restrictions and allows for day-use and overnight camping. Since the parking area is small, user conflicts are expected to continue. One group of 10 people camping in the parking area would occupy the parking area making access difficult for any other visitors. These types of uses and associated activities will likely increase the bare ground associated with the parking area and user conflicts with day users and campers.

Visitors would continue to randomly walk to the dance floor via multiple braided trails, all of which converge onto the same trail 70 yards from the parking area. Multiple foot trails will likely lead to greater dispersion of impacts throughout the area. Ultimately this would make it more difficult in the future to define a trail and reclaim old braided trails.

The site would be maintained based on the status quo. Visitors to the historic site will have a semi-primitive experience. While standing on the dance floor, visitors will see the parking area, cars, and camp sites of anyone in the parking area. BLM expects to

17 continue to receive requests from NGO interest groups for toilet facilities to the heritage site. The nearest toilet is 22 miles to the north. 4.3.1.3 Soils and Hydrology Under the No Action Alternative, the existing original Hole-in-the-Rock trail, passing through the project area and in front of Dance Hall Rock, would not be stabilized and associated soils would continue to degrade through erosion. Low infiltration and high runoff would continue as a result of soil instability. 4.3.1.4 Vegetation Under the No Action alternative, lack of vegetation in the current parking area would remain. The social trails would remain and may increase which will continue to degrade the site. Without improvements to the ingress/egress along the road and around the parking area the surrounding vegetation will continue to be trampled and suppressed by visitors. 4.3.1.5 Visual Resources Under the No Action alternative, the site improvements would not be constructed and casual use of the area would continue. In this alternative, minor visual contrast would be created by the temporary but regular presence of parked vehicles. This level of contrast would not alter the characteristic landscape allowing VRM objectives to be met.

4.3.1.6 Wildlife The existing amount of habitat loss would continue. Wildlife in the area would continue to use the area as they have in the past. Some lizards and birds are residents and have been able to live there with the level of disturbance from visitation. Other species that are sensitive to visiting people will avoid them as usual. As visitation increases, there may be an increase in garbage or food items that would attract kit foxes to the area and put them in risk of human animal interactions. The number of human-animal interactions is not anticipated to increase by much in the No Action alternative.

4.3.2 Alternative B

4.3.2.1 Cultural Resources Under Alternative B, the existing parking area would be expanded, better defined, and a vault toilet installed in the general parking area. This alternative would have an even greater adverse effect on the “feel and setting” of Dance Hall Rock than the No Action Alternative, as these improvements would be visible from the Dance Hall Rock “dance floor.”

4.3.2.2 Recreation In Alternative B the current parking area would be developed. The overall visitor experience is expected to improve based on the proposed improvements. The current 18 parking area would be better defined and a toilet would be installed on-site. Because of the installation of a toilet, improperly disposed of human effluence would be reduced in the area. Road maintenance would be conducted on an as-needed basis.

BLM would re-vegetate any construction disturbance around the new parking area and trail. Native plants and seeds will be used in order to re-establish a natural environment. It is expected to take one calendar year for construction disturbance to re-blend with the surrounding environment.

BLM would establish one foot trail to the dance floor and reclaim unnecessary braided social trails. This would reduce user created resource impacts by focusing visitors to one foot path. Overall this will decrease multiple foot paths, reduce soil compaction as well as allow stabilizing plant matter to reduce soil erosion.

Under Alternative B, BLM would allow the site to be used for day-use only. General public and heritage groups would not be allowed to camp in the Dance Hall Rock parking area. This would reduce user conflicts and resource impacts to the site. Programmatic EA for Organized Groups along Hole-in-the-Rock Road (DOI-BLM-UT- 030-2010-0008-EA) identified suitable camping locations for permitted groups. The general public has multiple dispersed camping locations in the immediate area suitable for camping. Since the parking area is small, user conflicts are expected to decline with a day use designation. These types of uses and associated activities will not increase the footprint of the parking area.

The installation of this toilet would provide visitors a second toilet along Hole-in-the- Rock Road. Currently the only toilet is located at Devils Garden, 22 miles to the north. The toilet and parking area would be visible from the dance floor. To some visitors this view may be disturbing or disheartening as it is a historic site. However, the site would remain in its current location reducing the amount of new disturbance as well as re- vegetation needed.

Overall, site improvements would increase visitor satisfaction at this historic site by reducing the amount of trash and human effluence encountered. 4.3.2.3 Soils and Hydrology Under Alternative B, the existing parking area would be expanded, better defined, and a vault toilet installed in the general parking area. Alternative B would have minimal additional impact on soil resources and hydrologic conditions (it would disturb less than 1 acre of previously undisturbed land). Because user-created social trails will be reclaimed, erosive loss of soil resources would be reduced.

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4.3.2.5 Vegetation

Some vegetation loss (less than 1 acre) would occur under this alternative. Vegetation removal and soil disturbance typically increases the chances for weed invasion and proliferation. However, the restoration of the disturbed sites with native, site appropriate species and the weed management measures outlined in this alternative would improve the long-term stability and resilience of vegetation at the site. 4.3.2.3 Visual Resources During construction, temporary visual impacts would result from the visibility of construction equipment and site work. Post-construction, the contrast created by the site improvements would be negligible in regards to the changes in vegetation. Weak landform contrast would be created in line and form by the delineation of the parking area and the structures (i.e. toilet, signs) due to adding blocky, randomly-spaced elements with vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines into the landscape. Additionally, vehicles parked in the area would be visible and would create minor visual contrast, though they would be transitory.

In order to minimize the visibility of the site development for those travelling along Hole-in-the-Rock Road, the toilet and other fixtures would be constructed of materials that blend with the natural environment minimizing the color and textural contrast they would create. By constructing the project according to the outlined design features the minor changes to the existing character of the landscape would be appropriate to meet the visual resource management objectives of the area. 4.3.2.4 Wildlife Some habitat loss (less than 1 acre) for prey species utilized by the listed sensitive species would occur under this alternative. Due to the small amount of habitat loss and the abundance of suitable habitat surrounding the area, there would be no measurable effects to the species of concern. Installing toilet facilities could actually decrease disturbance to animals in the vicinity by reducing a need to find private places to take care of physical needs and reducing trash associated with those activities. There would not likely be an increase in garbage or food items that would attract kit foxes to the area and put them in risk of human-animal interactions. The number of human-animal interactions is not anticipated to increase with this project.

4.3.3 Alternative C 4.3.3.1 Cultural Resources Under Alternative C, the parking area would be relocated north and west of Dance Hall Rock, to a location not highly visible from the “dance floor.” It would also include closure and rehabilitation of the existing parking area and access road. A new foot trail would use a portion of the original Hole-in-the-Rock trail as an access route to Dance Hall Rock.

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Alternative C would stabilize and/or minimally reconstruct (potentially graveling and some grading) a 180-meter segment of the Hole-in-the-Rock trail. Although this would impact the historic site, this is seen as a positive effect as it will prevent further loss of this trail segment through erosion, and it in part re-establishes the historic use of this trail (access to Dance Hall Rock). Aside from the small, adjacent, proposed parking area, visual alterations from what the trail would have looked like originally (in the late 1800s) would be minimal.

Making the Hole-in-the-Rock trail useable once again, and having visitors approach Dance Hall Rock by foot from the proposed parking area, along the original trail, will provide a more impressive and immersive experience. There is also the unquantifiable “Wow!” factor when the visitors walk round the rock outcrop corner and see Dance Hall Rock for the first time.

The removal of the existing parking area to an unobservable location, and the associated rehabilitation of the existing parking area and road will return some of the “pioneer” feel and setting for visitors to Dance Hall Rock.

Overall, relocating the parking area and stabilizing the trail would not result in an adverse impact to cultural resources. 4.3.3.2 Recreation In Alternative C, a new parking area would be developed. The overall visitor experience is expected to improve based on the proposed improvements. The new parking area would be located to the northwest of the current parking area. See figure 3 for location as well as the installation of toilet at the site. In addition, because of the installation of a toilet, improperly disposed of human effluence would be reduced in the area.

The road maintenance would occur on an as needed basis. Road improvements, such as surface hardening, may be conducted if necessary to reduce resource damage or erosion.

BLM would rehabilitate the construction disturbance by re-vegetating around the new parking area and trail where necessary. Native plants and seeds will be used in order to re-establish a natural environment. It is expected to take one calendar year for construction disturbance to re-blend with the surrounding environment.

The old parking area would be reclaimed. BLM would utilize large equipment (i.e. backhoe, grading with rippers) to break-up the compacted soils in the old parking area. Re-vegetation would utilize native seed and plants to re-establish native flora on location.

BLM would establish one foot trail to the dance floor and reclaim unnecessary braided social trails. This would reduce user-created resource impacts by focusing visitors to one foot path. Overall this will minimize multiple foot paths, decrease soil compaction and allow stabilizing plant matter to reestablish and reduce soil erosion.

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Under Alternative C, BLM would allow for day-use only. Public and heritage groups would not be allowed to camp in the Dance Hall Rock parking area. This would reduce user conflicts (day-use vs. camping) and resource impacts (improper human waste disposal) to the site. Programmatic EA for Organized Groups along Hole-in-the-Rock Road (DOI-BLM-UT-030-2010-0008-EA) identified suitable camping locations for permitted groups. The general public has multiple dispersed camping locations in the immediate area suitable for camping. Day use only designation reduces the user conflicts at the historic site.

The installation of a toilet would provide visitors a second toilet along Hole-in-the-Rock Road. The toilet and parking area would be less visible from the dance floor compared to the current parking area. 4.3.3.3 Soils and Hydrology Under Alternative C, the parking area would be relocated north and west of Dance Hall Rock, and the existing parking area and access road would be reclaimed. Stabilization and/or minimal reconstruction of a portion of the Hole-in-the-Rock trail will prevent further degradation of soil resources through erosion and runoff. Removal and reclamation of the existing parking lot will similarly prevent further degradation of soil resources through erosion and runoff.

Approximately 2 acres of previously undisturbed land will be disturbed by construction of the new parking area and access road. Use of appropriate best management practices during construction, and reclamation (re-vegetation) afterwards, will minimize erosion and runoff from this disturbance to the point that it is expected to have negligible impact on the soil resources and hydrologic condition of the area. Re-vegetation will take up to several years to completely stabilize the soils with accompanying natural infiltration and runoff, depending on rainfall and plant growth.

Appropriate maintenance of the new road will be necessary to ensure present soil erosion and high runoff problems do not recur. Additional road improvements, such as surface hardening, may be necessary to reduce soil loss from erosion and to minimize impacts from runoff.

4.3.3.5 Vegetation

Removal of vegetation would occur with the new road, parking area, and toilet. It is anticipated that this would involve 2 acres of vegetation alteration in the desert shrub plant community. The desert shrub plant community does not represent a unique plant association in the Monument. Weed control measures and vegetation rehabilitation efforts would result in improvements to overall plant diversity and native species composition.

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4.3.3.3 Visual Resources During construction, temporary visual impacts would result from the visibility of construction equipment and site work. Post-construction, the contrast created by the site improvements would be weak due to the structures (i.e. toilet, signs) that would add blocky, randomly-spaced elements with vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines. Weak vegetation contrast would be created in line and form by the delineation of the parking area because the planned shape mimics the shape of naturally occurring openings in the surrounding landscape. The vehicles that park to use the area would be visible and would create minor visual contrast, though they would be transitory.

In order to minimize the visibility of the site development, the road, parking area, and toilet would be sited on the down-sloping side of the rolling landform and behind a large sandstone outcrop. The toilet and other fixtures would be constructed of materials that blend with the natural environment minimizing the color and textural contrast they would create. By constructing the project according to the design features and standard GSENM stipulations, the change to the existing character of the landscape would be appropriate to meet the visual resource management objectives of the area. 4.3.3.4 Wildlife Under this alternative, approximately 2 acres of habitat would be converted into road or parking area. An estimated 1 acre would undergo reclamation and would be restored to suitable habitat when reclamation goals are achieved. This may take a few years to accomplish. Due to the small amount of habitat loss and the abundance of suitable habitat in the surrounding the area, there would be no measurable effects to kit fox, burrowing owl, or golden eagles. Installing toilet facilities could actually decrease disturbance to animals in the vicinity by reducing a need to find private places to take care of physical needs and by reducing trash associated with those activities. 4.4 Cumulative Impacts Analysis All alternatives lie within the same general area. Each alternative varies by no more than 200 yards from the current parking area. The cumulative impact analysis area is in the Salt Lake Meridian, Township 40 South, Range 7 East, section 1. This section of land was segregated from appropriation under the Multiple Use Act by the Utah State Director in 1970.

The cumulative impact area of analysis for Visual Resources is the view shed along Hole-in-the-Rock Road.

Past or ongoing actions that affect the same resources as the proposed action are the creation of the parking area although it is unknown when and how this parking area was created. Present actions by BLM include maintaining the parking area and Dance Floor in its present size and condition as well as resource protection for the historical values. Currently interpretive panels are present in the parking area. Livestock grazing is ongoing in the area and is expected to continue.

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The only reasonably foreseeable future actions are visits by oversized heritage groups. Heritage groups are expected to continue visiting Dance Hall Rock and are expected to continue requesting special recreation permits. Visits by oversized groups, 25 to 145 people, has the potential to create further expansion of the site.

4.4.1 Cultural Resources

Cumulative impacts under the No Action Alternative are predictable in that visitation will likely increase in the future, leading to increasing use of the existing parking area and the impacts previously noted. Users are likely to expand the parking area. The amount of trash and waste associated with increasing human use would also increase. This would have a detrimental effect on the important historic or pioneer “feel and setting” of the site. In addition, such use will also likely lead to further erasure of the remaining visible portion of the original Hole-in-the-Rock trail passing through the parking area, and loss of other associated portions of the trail due to unchecked erosion.

Cumulative impacts associated with Alternative B might be less adverse than the No Action Alternative due to the establishment of a defined parking area. However, the impacts to the “feel and setting” of Dance Hall Rock will be more noticeable by the parking lot improvements and toilet installation. With the popular novel and films depicting the Hole-in-the-Rock trek, visitors will come from a variety of backgrounds and geographical areas. Many of the visitors will be disappointed to see the parking area and toilet from the site. These visitors will likely continue to use Hole-in-the-Rock trail segments and erosion will continue to occur.

Under Alternative C, erosion to the Hole-in-the-Rock trail segment will be controlled and the access trail will be maintained as necessary to facilitate use and lessen impacts. The “feel and setting” will be improved as discussed above by moving the parking area to, and installing the toilet in, a location not highly visible from the “dance floor.”

4.4.2 Recreation

Cumulative impacts under the No Action Alternative are likely to result in increased dissatisfaction from visitors. BLM expects visitation to the historic site to increase with time. Heritage groups visiting Dance Hall Rock are expected to continue, especially with the marketing and promotion of the Escalante Heritage Center. User conflicts are expected to continue with day users and overnight camping. Improper disposal of human effluence will continue as a toilet would not be installed on location.

Cumulative impacts under all action alternatives would be noticeable for the first 1-2 years due to the development and construction on the site. With time, construction impacts will become less noticeable and will ultimately blend in with the surroundings. Overall the action alternatives are expected to have a positive impact on the historic site. Parking areas would be defined reducing unnecessary expansion of the parking area, human effluence would be contained in an appropriate container, and enhancement of

24 the historic site values may reduce graffiti and the defacing of historic rock inscriptions. A designation of day-use only i.e. no overnight camping, would reduce user conflicts, as well as reduce resource impacts, such as the barren ground, tent spaces, fire rings, and trash.

4.4.3 Soils and Hydrology

Under Alternative A, impacts to soil resources through erosion and to hydrologic conditions through low infiltration runoff would continue unabated. Under Alternative B, temporary impacts from delineating the parking area and trail, along with installing the toilet would continue until the site is stabilized. Under C, temporary impacts from construction of the new road and parking lot, and some erosion of the old road and parking lot, would continue until the site is stabilized. Eventually, erosion and runoff under Alternatives B and C will be reduced to the point that it is negligible. There are no other past, present, or foreseeable future actions that will otherwise affect soil resources or hydrologic conditions in this area.

4.4.4 Vegetation

The cumulative impacts to vegetation from past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions include establishment of livestock grazing management facilities (corrals, fences, water developments, storage buildings, etc.), recreational facilities (trailheads, day use areas, etc.), general recreational use, and road construction and maintenance activities. The action alternatives would not contribute to a measureable increase in impacts to vegetation as restoration efforts would blend with the existing surrounding vegetation. Additionally, the Hole-in-the-Rock Road runs for more than 60 miles from north to south and the desert shrub community encompasses thousands of acres.

4.4.5 Visual Resources

The cumulative impacts to visual resources from past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions include establishment of livestock grazing management facilities (corrals, fences, water developments, storage buildings, etc.), recreational facilities (trailheads, day use areas, etc.), general recreational use, and road construction and maintenance activities. The action alternatives would not contribute to a measureable increase in impacts to visual resources as they would be constructed to blend with the landscape, be screened from view to the extent practicable, and the Dance Hall Rock location is already an attraction visited by the general public on a regular basis. Additionally, the Hole-in-the-Rock Road runs for more than 60 miles from north to south through a view shed that encompasses a landscape of 100,000s of acres. This development would be visible only when in near proximity to the site and is small in scale within this grand-scale landscape.

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4.4.5 Wildlife

Increased visitation and increased use into wildlife habitat is anticipated for the area. Roads, historic developments, and existing developments for range management activities have reduced the habitat for some wildlife species and have increased the probability of disturbance and wildlife-human interactions. Some range improvements such as water distribution and developments provide more reliable sources for wildlife species. The implementation of the project will not have any noticeable effect on species of concern due to the small amount of habitat loss and the abundance of suitable habitat for animal species available in the area.

5.0 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION 5.1 Introduction The issue identification section of Chapter 1 identifies those issues analyzed in detail in Chapter 4. The issues were identified through the public and agency involvement process described in sections 5.2 and 5.3 below.

5.2 Persons, Groups, and Agencies Consulted: List of Persons, Agencies and Organizations Consulted.

Name Purpose & Authorities for Consultation or Coordination

Glen Canyon National Neighboring federal agency that Recreation Area shares management of the Hole-in- the Rock Trail because it crosses boundaries.

Grand Staircase–Escalante Monument Advisory Committee NM, Monument Advisory Committee

Ben Pickles, Jenny Lund, The Church of Jesus Christ of Rick Turley, and Michael Latter-day Saints, Church Landon Historians

Utah State Historic Section 106 of the National Preservation Officer (SHPO) Historic Preservation Act

Lamont Crabtree Hole-in-Rock Foundation

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Name Purpose & Authorities for Consultation or Coordination

Garr Elison Crossroads Chapter President, Oregon-California Trail Association

Rosemary Sucec Chief of Cultural Resources, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, NPS

Jerry Roundy Escalante Heritage Center

5.3 Summary of Public Participation On January 7, 2013, GSENM mailed a scoping letter to 63 organizations and individuals BLM identified as having interest in this project. BLM received seven comments letters. The project was posted to Environmental Notice Bulletin Board on January 15, 2013. Consultation with Traditionally Associated Communities Most of the organized groups concerned with Dance Hall Rock and the Hole-in-the- Rock trail are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The BLM consulted with the History Department of the Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, as well as the Hole-in-the-Rock Foundation, the Oregon Trail Association, and the National Park Service.

On April 15, 2013, BLM and NPS hosted the LDS Church on a tour of historical sites along Hole-in-the-Rock trail. The trail is not designated as a traditional cultural property; however, the LDS Church identifies the trail as culturally important to Mormon heritage. Based on this tour, BLM received two follow-up comment letters from the LDS Church and Glen Canyon NRA outlining in greater detail the importance of the cultural significance when considering the proposed project. Consultation with American Indian Tribes The BLM consulted with several tribal communities for information on areas of contemporary cultural importance that may be affected by this project. A formal letter initiating consultation and requesting information was sent to the following tribes:

Hopi Tribe Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah Kaibab Paiute Tribe Pueblo of Zuni Navajo Nation Ute Indian Tribe

Two comment letters were received: one from the Hopi tribe and one from the Kaibab Paiute Tribe.

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5.4 List of Preparers The following BLM employees participated in the preparation of this EA. Name Title Responsible for the Following Section(s) of this Document Allysia Angus Land Use Planner Visual Resource Management Jabe Beal Outdoor Recreation Recreation, Project Lead Planner Katherine Farrell Planning and NEPA review and compliance Environmental Coordinator Amber Hughes Botanist Vegetation Kevin Miller Science Program Soils and Hydrology Administrator Terry Tolbert Wildlife Biologist Wildlife Gordo Wood Landscape Site design plans Architect, Utah BLM State Office Matt Zweifel Archeologist Cultural Resources

6.0 REFERENCES, GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS 6.1 References Cited Escalante Heritage Center. http://escalanteheritagecenter.org/.

Bureau of Land Management. Guidelines For A Quality Built Environment. 2010. Available at: http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/wo/Planning_and_Renewable_Resources/r ecreation_images/national_programs/VRM.Par.62809.File.dat/GQBE_WEB.pdf.

Bureau of Land Management. Recreation Management Information System. 2012. Web- based system.

Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines; Outdoor Developed Areas. Washington, DC. 2013. http://www.access-board.gov/guidelines-and-standards/recreation-facilities/outdoor- developed-areas/final-guidelines-for-outdoor-developed-areas.

6.2 Glossary of Terms (Traditional) Cultural Properties - The physical locations and associated material remains, such as archaeological and historical sites, that have been found to be capable of contributing important scientific, historic, or management information, or that possess identified social, cultural, educational, or public importance. Cultural Properties may include definite locations (sites or places) of traditional cultural or religious importance

28 to specified social and/or cultural groups. Cultural properties are tangible places and things which can be identified, ranked, and managed. Some examples might include a prehistoric hunting camp or historic bridge. http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/planning/rmpcontents/chapt8_cult ural.html.

National Register of Historic Places - The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation. The National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources. http://www.nps.gov/nr/.

6.3 List of Acronyms BLM – Bureau of Land Management

EA – Environmental Assessment

GSENM – Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

KOP – Key Observation Point

LDS – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

MMP – Monument Management Plan (GSENM)

NGO – Non-Governmental Organization

NPS – National Park Service

NRA – National Recreation Area

RMIS – Recreation Management Information System

SHPO – State Historic Preservation Office

SRP – Special Recreation Permit

TCP – Traditional Cultural Properties

VRM – Visual Resource Management

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APPENDICES APPENDIX A: Interdisciplinary Team Checklist

Project Title: Dance Hall Rock Parking Area Development NEPA Log Number: DOI-BLM-UT-0300-2013-003-EA Project Leader: Jabe Beal

DETERMINATION OF STAFF: (Choose one of the following abbreviated options for the left column) NP = not present in the area impacted by the proposed or alternative actions NI = present, but not affected to a degree that detailed analysis is required PI = present with potential for relevant impact that need to be analyzed in detail in the EA NC = (DNAs only) actions and impacts not changed from those disclosed in the existing NEPA documents cited in Section D of the DNA form. The Rationale column may include NI and NP discussions. RESOURCES AND ISSUES CONSIDERED (INCLUDES SUPPLEMENTAL AUTHORITIES APPENDIX 1 H- 1790-1)

Determi- Resource Rationale for Determination* Signature Date nation

Project activities including the improvement of the existing parking area and access, installing a pit toilet, and trail work Air Quality NI would result in minimal surface disturbance of approximately /s/ J. Norman 12/14/12 (Norman) 1 acre. Any particulates generated would be quickly dispersed and non-measurable. Areas of Critical No Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs) are NP Environmental Concern /s/ J. Beal 1/10/13 designated in the Monument Management Plan. (Beal/Gale) Biological The proposed project will not impact the health of the NI Soil Crusts /s/ R. Brinkerhoff 1/14/13 biological soil crust in or near project site. (Brinkerhoff) BLM Natural Areas No Natural Areas are designated in the Monument NP /s/ J. Beal 01/10/13 (Beal) Management Plan. Cultural Resources Cultural resource inventory completed, no sites found in the PI /s/ M. Zweifel 2/20/2013 (Zweifel) proposed project APE. Project activities including the improvement of the existing parking area and access, installing a pit toilet, and trail work Greenhouse Gas would result in minimal surface disturbance of approximately NI Emissions /s/ J. Norman 12/14/12 1 acre. The work would be completed with the use of (Norman) mechanized equipment. The emissions generated would be minimal and non-measurable. According to the EPA Region VIII, State of Utah, Environmental Justice Map, the region has been categorized as a minority population area of 0-10% and a poverty Environmental Justice NP population area of 0-10%. No minority or economically /s/ K. Farrell 01/09/14 (Farrell) disadvantaged communities or populations are present which could be affected by the proposed action or alternatives. (http://epamap14.epa.gov/ejmap/entry.html, 01/09/14).

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Determi- Resource Rationale for Determination* Signature Date nation

Farmlands (Prime or No Prime or Unique Farmlands exist within the Monument. NP Unique) (see http://www.ut.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/nri/ /s/ K. Farrell 01/09/14 (Farrell) 1997resultscropland.) Fish and Wildlife Excluding USFW The proposed project has the potential to affect sensitive PI /s/T. Tolbert 12/5/2012 Designated Species species listed in Kane county. (Tolbert, McQuivey) The proposed development area will not occupy a floodplain. Floodplains NP Based on a site visit and GIS map review, there is no /s/ J. Norman 12/14/12 (Norman) floodplain present. Fuels/Fire Management The proposed action would not increase the amount of fuels NI /s/ A. Bate 1/14/2013 (Bate) available within the area of the project. No surface or subsurface mineral/energy resources have valid Geology / Mineral existing claims at the site of the proposed action. Proposed Resources/Energy NI action would not be sufficient in scope to affect any future /s/ Alan Titus 1/22/2013 Production production should these areas be opened again for (Titus) development. Project development will be based on an engineered design /s/ J. Norman 12/14/12 managing site water and drainage. BMPs such as rip rap will

be used to protect local drainages from parking lot runoff.

Additional review 04/14/14: An additional review was done to assess whether adding Alternative C (to develop a new parking lot) changed anything from the earlier review of NI (PI after Alternative B (to develop the existing parking lot). The additional Hydrologic Conditions hydrologic conditions in the area to be affected by Alternative review for (Norman) C are similar to those that would have been affected by Alt. C) Alternative B. Alternative C will result in the disturbance of approximately 2 acres of land. Planned post-construction reclamation (revegetation) of the newly disturbed areas will minimize low infiltration and high runoff to the point that it is expected to have negligible impact on the soil resources of

the area. Reclamation of the old road and parking area will

eliminate existing low infiltration/high runoff problems from /s/ khmiller 4/14/14 those areas. Invasive Species/Noxious Currently the Dance Hall Rock project site is free of noxious NP Weeds (EO 13112) weeds. To mitigate any weed problems machinery will be /s/R. Brinkerhoff 1/14/13 (Brinkerhoff) weed washed prior to arriving on site. Proposed action would have no permanent effects to Lands or Lands/Access NI Access to Lands. There are no reservations or withdrawals in /s/H. Wolfe 12/3/2012 (Wolfe) the project area. Livestock Grazing The proposed action will be in an already disturbed area and NI /s/J. Bybee 1/15/2013 (S. Stewart, Bybee) will not affect livestock grazing. No prehistoric sites are found in the project area, and no Native American access or other restrictions will apply. This project will be NP Religious Concerns /s/ M. Zweifel 2/20/2013 included in the annual GSENM Native American (Zweifel) consultations, but no comments are anticipated.

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Determi- Resource Rationale for Determination* Signature Date nation

Dance Hall Rock area is underlain by Jurassic age eolianites Paleontology and sabkha deposits with low potential for significant fossils. NI /s/ Alan Titus 1/16/2013 (Titus) No localities have been documented within the area of the Proposed Action. Rangeland Health The project area is already disturbed and will not affect NI Standards /s/J. Bybee 1/15/2013 rangeland health standards. (S. Stewart, Bybee) Dance Hall Rock is a historical destination location in the monument and receives 3000 – 5000 visitors annually with infrequent group events up to 145 people. Parking area Recreation improvements and installation of a toilet is not expected to PI /s/ J. Beal 1/10/13 (Beal/Gale) increased recreation visits. The improvements will provide for greater resource protection and improved health and safety for visitors. Quantity vs. Quality (rec Experience)? Has a beneficial recreation experience, The proposed action is not likely to provide any noticeable impact to area economics, as construction activities would be short-term in nature and the work would be performed by Socio-Economics BLM and small-scale contracted work from companies in the NI /s/ K. Farrell 01/09/14 (Farrell) region. The improvements are expected to facilitate both recreational and heritage use from international and local visitors, thus providing no appreciable impact to local custom and culture. Project activities including the improvement of the existing /s/ J. Norman 12/14/12 parking area and access, installing a pit toilet, and trail work

would result in minimal surface disturbance of approximately

1 acre. The majority of the disturbance is in areas previously

disturbed. This area is minimal in relation to the overall size

of the Monument.

Additional review 02/26/14: An additional review was done

to assess whether adding Alternative C (to develop a new NI (PI after parking lot) changed anything from the earlier review of additional Soils Alternative B (to develop the existing parking lot). The soil review for (Norman/Miller) resources in the area to be affected by Alternative C are Alt. C) similar to those that would have been affected by Alternative

B (same texture, similar erosion factors, erodibility).

Alternative C will result in the disturbance of approximately

two acres of land. Planned post-construction reclamation

(revegetation) of the newly disturbed areas will minimize

erosion to the point that it is expected to have negligible

impact on the soil resources of the area. Reclamation of the

old road and parking area will eliminate existing erosion /s/ khmiller 02/26/14 problems from those areas. Threatened, Endangered or Candidate Plant The project area does not contain habitat for any of the listed NP /s/ A. Hughes 1/8/2013 Species and/or special status plant species. (Hughes)

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Determi- Resource Rationale for Determination* Signature Date nation

Threatened, Endangered or Candidate Animal The project area does not meet the habitat criteria for NI /s/ T. Tolbert 12/5/2012 Species threatened, endangered, or candidate species for this area. (Tolbert, McQuivey) Wastes There are no hazardous wastes associated with the proposed NP (hazardous or solid) /s/ B Pierson 12/18/12 development. (Pierson) The nearest water body subject to water quality standards is Water Resources/Quality greater than 1 mile distance. There will be no sediment or NI (drinking/surface/ground) /s/ J. Norman 12/14/12 contaminants generated from this project that will impair the (Norman) water quality of area water bodies. Wetlands/Riparian Zones There are no wetland or riparian zones in or around the NP /s/ A. Hughes 1/8/2013 (Anderson) project site. The WSR eligible segments are greater than 1 mile distant. Wild and Scenic Rivers There will be no impact to the inventoried values or NP /s/ L Gale 1/15/13 (Beal/Gale) diminishment of suitability of the Escalante River or its tributaries. Dance Hall Rock Historic Site is not located within or Wilderness/WSA NP adjacent to any WSA. Project poses no threat to WSA’s on /s/ L Gale 1/15/13 (Beal/Gale) the Monument. Woodland / Forestry There are no woodland/forestry plant species located within NP /s/ A. Bate 1/14/2013 (Bate) the project site. Vegetation Excluding USFWS Designated The proposed project includes disturbance of 2 acres of PI /s/ A Hughes 1/8/2013 Species vegetation to build the new parking lot in Alternative C. (Brinkerhoff) Visual Resources Project is located in a VRM Class II area. Contrast rating PI /s/ AAngus 12/10/2012 (Angus) needed to determine if project meets VRM objectives. Wild Horses and Burros There are no active WHMAs within the boundaries of the NP /s/ J. Bybee 1/16/2013 (S. Stewart, Bybee) GSENM. Lands with Wilderness Dance Hall Rock Historic Site is not directly located on any NP Characteristics LWC lands. Project would pose no impact to adjacent LWC /s/ L Gale 1/15/13 (Beal/Gale) lands.

FINAL REVIEW:

Reviewer Title Signature Date Comments

Environmental Coordinator

Authorized Officer

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APPENDIX B: Key Observation Points

KOP#1

ALT C KOP#3

ALT B

KOP#2

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APPENDIX C: Vegetation Types of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Adapted from Utah Gap Classification By Walter Fertig, GSENM Vegetation Lead 5 December 2002

Aspen Deciduous forest dominated by Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides). Often associated with Pseudotsuga menziesii, Pinus ponderosa, Symphoricarpos oreophilus, & Amelanchier alnifolia. Equivalent to UT Gap type Aspen.

Barren Rock Outcrop Sand, rock, salt flats, playas, and lava fields largely devoid of vegetation. Equivalent to UT Gap type Barren.

Blackbrush Shrubland dominated by Blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima). Associated species include Grayia spinosa, Ephedra viridis, Atriplex confertifolia, and Gutierrezia sarothrae. Equivalent to UT Gap Type Blackbrush.

Desert Shrub Shrublands dominated by Shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), Mat atriplex (A. corrugata), Fourwing saltbush (A. canescens), Winterfat (Ceratoides lanata), Mormon tea (Ephedra viridis), Horsebrush (Tetradymia canescens), Rubber rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), and Broom snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae). Associated species include Sarcobatus vermiculatus, Artemisia tridentata, & Coleogyne ramosissima. Includes UT Gap types Salt Desert Scrub and Greasewood.

Oak Woodland Deciduous shrubland dominated by Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii) or Shrub live oak (Q. turbinella). Associated species include Artemisia tridentata, Juniperus osteosperma, Pinus edulis, and P. ponderosa. Equivalent to UT Gap type Oak.

Grassland & Meadow Perennial and annual grasslands or dry herbaceous meadows with low to no shrub cover. Primary grass species include Indian ricegrass (Stipa hymenoides), Bluebunch wheatgrass (Elymus spicatus), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), Needle-and-Thread (Stipa comata), Sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), Galleta (Hilaria jamesii), Purple three-awn (Aristida purpurea), and Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). Primary forb species include Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Larkspur (Delphinium sp.), Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), and Golden aster (Heterotheca sp.). Associated shrub species (if present) include Artemisia tridentata, Atriplex canescens, A. confertifolia, and Juniperus osteosperma. Includes UT Gap types Grassland, Dry Meadow, and Desert Grassland.

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Hanging Garden Wet seeps or springs in alcoves of cliffs dominated by Aquilegia sp., Muhlenbergia asperifolia, Panicum obtusatum, Epipactis gigantea, & Adiantum capillus-veneris.

Mountain Shrub Deciduous shrubland dominated by Alder leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus), Cliffrose (Purshia mexicana), Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), Utah serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis), Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), Snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus), and Manzanita (Arctostaphylos patula). Associated species include Artemisia tridentata, Quercus gambelii, & Populus tremuloides. Includes UT Gap types Mountain Mahogany and Mountain Shrub.

Pinyon-Juniper Low to medium elevation conifer forests dominated by Pinyon pine (Pinus edulis) and Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma). Associated shrubs include Cercocarpus intricatus, Artemisia tridentata, Coleogyne ramosissima, and Quercus gambelii. Includes UT Gap types Juniper, Pinyon, and Pinyon-Juniper.

Ponderosa Pine/Douglas-fir Medium to high elevation conifer forests dominated by Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas-fir (Pseudostuga menziesii). Includes UT Gap types Spruce- Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Mountain Fir, Spruce-Fir/Mountain Shrub, Mountain Fir/Mountain Shrub, and Ponderosa Pine/Mountain Shrub.

Riparian Streamsides, washes, or saturated floodplains dominated by trees, shrubs, forbs, or graminoids. Dominant trees and shrubs include Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Coyote willow (Salix exigua), Whiplash willow (S. lucida var. caudata), Yellow willow (S. lutea), Water birch (Betula occidentalis), Box-elder (Acer negundo), Salt-cedar (Tamarix chinensis & T. ramosissima), and Squawbush (Rhus aromatica). Dominant herbaceous and graminoid species include sedges (Carex spp.), Arctic rush (Juncus balticus), Common reed (Phragmites australis), reedgrass (Calamagrostis spp.), willow-herb (Epilobium spp.), and clover (Trifolium spp.). Includes UT Gap types Mountain Riparian, Lowland Riparian, and Wet Meadow.

Sagebrush Grassland Shrubland dominated by Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), Black sagebrush (A. nova), or Silver sagebrush (A. cana) or a mix of sagebrush and perennial grasses including Indian ricegrass (Stipa hymenoides), Bluebunch wheatgrass (Elymus spicatus), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), Needle- and-Thread (Stipa comata), Sand dropseed (Sporobolus cryptandrus), Galleta (Hilaria jamesii), and Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis). Associated species include Juniperus osteosperma, Pinus edulis, Chrysothamnus nauseosus, C. viscidiflorus, Gutierrezia sarothrae, Purshia tridentata, Atriplex canescens, & Ceratoides lanata. Includes UT Gap types Sagebrush and Sagebrush/Perennial Grass.

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Urban & Agriculture High density residential areas, commercial lands, row crops, irrigated pasture and hay fields, and dry farm croplands. Includes UT Gap types Agriculture and Urban.

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