Summary of the Analysis of the Management Situation Rock Springs Resource Management Plan Revision
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B L M U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Summary of the Analysis of the Management Situation Rock Springs Resource Management Plan Revision August 2013 PREPARING OFFICE U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management 280 Hwy 191 North Rock Springs, WY 82901 USA 307–352–0256 Mission Statement 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. Summary of the Analysis of the Management Situation Rock Springs Resource Management Plan Revision August 2013 This page intentionally left blank Summary of the Analysis of the iii Management Situation Table of Contents Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................ 1 _1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 11 _1.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 13 1.1.1. Purpose of the Analysis of the Management Situation ........................................ 13 1.1.2. General Description of the Planning Area, Geographic Scope, and Resource/Programs ............................................................................................. 14 1.1.3. Key Findings of the Analysis of the Management Situation ............................... 17 _2. Area Profile ............................................................................................................................. 19 _2.1. Resources ...................................................................................................................... 21 2.1.1. Air Resources ....................................................................................................... 21 2.1.2. Geology ................................................................................................................ 33 2.1.3. Soil Resources ...................................................................................................... 52 2.1.4. Water Resources ................................................................................................... 54 2.1.5. Vegetative Communities ...................................................................................... 62 2.1.5.1. Riparian ..................................................................................................... 64 2.1.5.2. Forestry and Woodlands ............................................................................ 67 2.1.5.3. Rangelands (Uplands) ............................................................................... 70 2.1.6. Invasive Species and Pest Management .............................................................. 72 2.1.7. Wildlife and Fisheries Habitat ............................................................................. 75 2.1.7.1. Wildlife ..................................................................................................... 75 2.1.7.2. Fisheries and Fish Habitat ......................................................................... 96 2.1.8. Special Status Species ........................................................................................ 105 2.1.8.1. Special Status Species–Wildlife .............................................................. 105 2.1.8.2. Special Status Species–Plants ................................................................. 113 2.1.9. Wild Horse and Burro ........................................................................................ 117 2.1.10. Wildland Fire Ecology and Management ........................................................ 118 2.1.11. Cultural and Heritage Resources ...................................................................... 126 2.1.12. Paleontological Resources ............................................................................... 130 2.1.13. Lands With Wilderness Characteristics ........................................................... 135 2.1.14. Visual Resources Management ........................................................................ 137 _2.2. Resource Uses ............................................................................................................. 140 2.2.1. Energy and Minerals .......................................................................................... 140 2.2.1.1. Leasable Fluid Minerals .......................................................................... 141 2.2.1.2. Leasable Solid Minerals .......................................................................... 150 2.2.1.3. Locatable Minerals .................................................................................. 162 2.2.1.4. Saleable Minerals .................................................................................... 164 2.2.2. Livestock Grazing Management ........................................................................ 166 2.2.3. Recreation and Visitor Services ......................................................................... 174 2.2.4. Comprehensive Trails and Travel Management ................................................ 179 2.2.4.1. Off–Highway Vehicles ............................................................................ 179 2.2.5. Lands and Realty ................................................................................................ 184 August 2013 Table of Contents iv Summary of the Analysis of the Management Situation 2.2.5.1. Land Use Authorizations ........................................................................ 185 2.2.5.2. Utility Corridors and Communication Sites ........................................... 185 2.2.5.3. Withdrawals and Classifications ............................................................. 186 2.2.5.4. Land Tenure Adjustments ....................................................................... 189 2.2.6. Renewable Energy ............................................................................................. 193 2.2.6.1. Wind Energy ........................................................................................... 193 2.2.6.2. Solar Energy ............................................................................................ 195 _2.3. Special Designations ................................................................................................... 196 2.3.1. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern .......................................................... 196 2.3.2. Wilderness Study Areas ..................................................................................... 197 2.3.3. Wild and Scenic Rivers ...................................................................................... 201 2.3.4. National Historic Landmarks ............................................................................. 203 2.3.5. Backcountry Byways ......................................................................................... 203 2.3.6. National Historic Trails ...................................................................................... 204 _2.4. Social and Economic ................................................................................................... 205 2.4.1. Tribal Interests ................................................................................................... 205 2.4.2. Public Safety ...................................................................................................... 206 2.4.2.1. Hazardous Materials ............................................................................... 206 2.4.2.2. Abandoned Mine Lands .......................................................................... 206 2.4.3. Social Conditions ............................................................................................... 207 2.4.3.1. Populations .............................................................................................. 208 2.4.3.2. Economic Conditions .............................................................................. 211 _3. Current Management Direction ......................................................................................... 221 _3.1. Resources .................................................................................................................... 223 3.1.1. Air Resources ..................................................................................................... 223 3.1.2. Soil Resources .................................................................................................... 225 3.1.3. Water Resources ................................................................................................. 240 3.1.4. Vegetative Communities .................................................................................... 245 3.1.4.1. Riparian ................................................................................................... 245 3.1.4.2. Forestry and Woodlands .......................................................................... 245 3.1.4.3. Rangelands (Uplands) ............................................................................. 246 3.1.5. Invasive Species and Pest Management