U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

Phoenix Field Office July 2005 Approved Amendment to the Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan and the Lower

Gila South Resource Management Plan and Decision Record

Table of Contents

Page

List of Maps ...... ii Summary...... iii Introduction...... 1 Background and Purpose...... 1 Planning Area...... 1 Issues ...... 5 Release of Draft and Final Amendments...... 5 Governor’s Consistency Review ...... 5 Section 7 Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service...... 6 Native American Consultation ...... 6 Protests and Resolutions...... 6 Document Format...... 7 Approved Decisions...... 8 Land Tenure Adjustments (Lands/Realty) ...... 8 Wildlife/Fisheries ...... 10 Recreation and Off Highway Vehicles...... 14 Minerals (Oil and Gas) ...... 25 Deferred Decisions...... 27 Wild and Free Roaming Horses and Burros...... 27 Recreation and Off-Highway Vehicles ...... 27 References...... 31 Appendices...... 32 1. Summary of MFP, RMP, and Amendment Planning Decisions ...... 33 2. Standard Land Use Plan Decision Numbering Convention ...... 55 3. Lands Identified for Disposal ...... 56 4. Goals and Criteria for Three Categories of Desert Tortoise Habitat ...... 61 5. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Classes...... 62 6. Visual Resource Management Classes...... 66 7. Glossary...... 67

i List of Maps

Page

1. Amendment Planning Area...... 3 2. Administrative Boundaries of the Amendment Planning Area...... 4 3. Land Tenure Adjustment ...... 9 4. Desert Tortoise Habitat Categories...... 11 5. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum ...... 16 6. Visual Resource Management ...... 17 7. Off-Highway and Special Recreational Vehicle Use...... 18 8. Special Recreation Management Areas ...... 19 9. Oil and Gas ...... 26

ii Summary

The Approved Amendment to the Lower Gila • Provides for desert bighorn sheep re- North Management Framework Plan and Lower establishment and augmentation, in cooperation Gila South Resource Management Plan and with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Decision Record (“amendment”) establishes on a case-by-case basis in areas where conflicts management direction pertaining to land tenure with other uses and resources do not occur, or adjustments, desert tortoise habitat management, where conflicts can be resolved. desert bighorn sheep re-establishment and augmentation, recreation management, and oil • Provides for resource-based recreation and gas development on BLM-administered opportunities ranging from recreation site public lands in Arizona. Decisions pertaining to facilities, such as campgrounds, to remote wild horse and burro management were deferred primitive areas with predominantly unconfined to subsequent planning. The amendment recreation opportunities and minimal specifies which decisions in the Lower Gila regulations; supplements and updates off- North Management Framework Plan (MFP) highway and special recreation vehicle and/or Lower Gila South Resource Management designations and management; designates Plan (RMP) are modified or replaced; planning special recreation management areas; decisions for other resources, or for resources establishes visual resource management outside of the planning area, are not affected by classes; establishes recreation opportunity the amendment. In summary, the amendment: spectrum management classes; establishes a strategy to develop, manage, and maintain • Reduces public land acreage available for camping facilities and stay limits; and disposal from approximately 62,260 acres to establishes guidance to address special uses and approximately 33,459 acres; establishes scarce opportunities. guidelines for acquiring lands with high resource values within four management • Adds an oil and gas development decision to areas; provides for land exchanges to provide for orderly exploration and reposition lands within all of the management development of oil and gas leases and identifies areas; and establishes the framework for the 375,000 acres of congressionally designated disposal of federal minerals under non-federal wilderness as closed to oil and gas leasing. surface estate, and the acquisition of non- federal mineral estate under federal surface • Defers proposed decisions concerning wild estate. horse and burro management and off-highway- vehicle route designations in Areas of Critical • Updates and standardizes desert tortoise Environmental Concern to subsequent habitat management by incorporating the goals planning. and objectives in Desert Tortoise Habitat Management on Public Lands: A Range-wide • A summary of land use decisions in effect that Plan (BLM, 1988) and Strategy for Desert result from this amendment and unchanged Tortoise Habitat Management on Public decisions of the MFP and RMP is provided in Lands in Arizona (BLM, 1990). Certain appendix 1. grazing decisions related to desert tortoise habitat management were retained and will be reconsidered in the next planning effort.

iii Introduction

Background and Purpose Plan and the Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan pertaining to Wild and Free The process to amend the Lower Gila North Roaming Horse and Burro management are Management Framework Plan (MFP) and deferred to subsequent planning, as discussed Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan below. Management actions taken within the (RMP) was begun by the Bureau of Land area affected by this amendment must comply Management’s (BLM) Lower Gila Resource with this amendment and the appropriate MFP Area in 1994 to: 1) expand the resource area’s or RMP. This approved amendment and recreation management capabilities and improve decision record were prepared according to the resource protection, and 2) implement, through requirements of the “Federal Land Policy and the land use plan, internal directives and policy Management Act” (Public Law 94-579), the changes (BLM, 2000). Heavy long-term visitor “National Environmental Policy Act” (Public use through the winter months and growth of Law 91-190), and amendments thereto. The Phoenix and surrounding communities were environmental impacts of this amendment were determined to require development of camping analyzed in Environmental Assessment No. AZ- facilities and stay limits, designation of off- 026-95-08 (BLM, 2000). highway vehicle limits in non-designated areas, identification of special recreation management Planning Area areas, and provisions for special uses. Additionally, national BLM directives and The planning area comprises the combined MFP policy changes with respect to wild horse and and RMP planning areas (map 1), together with burro management, wildlife management, and two adjacent areas of public land described oil and gas development also required below, and encompasses approximately two amendment of the MFP and RMP to keep those million acres of public lands in Maricopa, land use plans current and in conformance with Yavapai, Pima, Pinal, La Paz, and Yuma national priorities. During February 2000, the counties. An additional 1.1 million acres on the BLM Phoenix Field Office released the Final Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range was Amendment and Environmental Assessment to initially included in the planning area; however, the Lower Gila North Management Framework as described below, recent legislative action has Plan and the Lower Gila South Resource removed this area from the jurisdiction of the Management Plan (BLM, 2000). Two protests BLM. were received, as discussed below. This document, the Approved Amendment to the The communities of Buckeye, Wickenburg, Gila Lower Gila North Management Framework Bend, and Ajo form the population centers Plan and Lower Gila South Resource within the planning area. Metropolitan Phoenix Management Framework Plan and Decision and the surrounding communities are just east of Record (“amendment”) represents the the eastern boundary of the planning area. culmination of this resource management planning amendment process. Major Land Management Changes

This amendment modifies, supplements, or Two major changes relating to the planning area replaces decisions in the MFP and RMP have occurred subsequent to release of the Final pertaining to Lands/Realty, Wildlife/Fisheries, Amendment and Environmental Assessment to Recreation Management, and Minerals (Oil and the Lower Gila North Management Framework Natural Gas). Proposed decisions in the Final Plan and Lower Gila South Resource Amendment and Environmental Assessment to Management Plan. These changes impacted the Lower Gila North Management Framework

1 several of the proposed decisions of that efficient resource management. District and document and are reflected in this amendment. Resource Area offices were re-combined into seven field offices, and several areas previously On October 5, 1999, the “National Defense administered by the Lower Gila Resource Area Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000” became of the Phoenix District [which, together with the law (Public Law 106-65). This statute withdrew Phoenix Resource Area, became the Phoenix the Barry M. Goldwater Range from all forms of Field Office] were transferred to the Kingman, appropriation under the general land laws and Lake Havasu, and Yuma field offices (map 2). conveyed responsibility for management of the Responsibility for implementation of land use natural and cultural resources of the range to the decisions in the existing plans and this Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the amendment also transferred to these field Air Force. Prior to passage of this statute, offices. jurisdiction for management of the natural and cultural resources of the range rested with the A portion of the former Phoenix Resource Area BLM through the Secretary of the Interior (land included in the MFP and generally described on use planning decisions for the range were made page 3 of the Final Amendment and by the “Goldwater Amendment” to the RMP; Environmental Assessment to the Lower Gila BLM, 1990). In addition, four tracts of land North Management Framework Plan and Lower identified by the U.S. Air Force as unnecessary Gila South Resource Management Plan has been for the military purposes of the range were properly depicted within the planning area of relinquished to the public domain (map 2). this amendment (maps 1 and 2, “Weaver Decisions of this amendment proposed and Mountains Area”). Due to an administrative analyzed in the Final Amendment and oversight, this area was not depicted in earlier Environmental Assessment to the Lower Gila planning maps of the amendment. Off-highway North Management Framework Plan and Lower vehicle designations and visual resource Gila South Resource Management Plan apply to management decisions of this amendment apply the four tracts relinquished to BLM jurisdiction, to this area. but do not apply to the Barry M. Goldwater Range proper. Additionally, two areas of public land outside of the MFP and RMP planning areas are included On January 17, 2001 President William J. in this amendment. The “Muggins Mountains Clinton established the Sonoran Desert National Area” (map 2) was included in the Final Monument (SDNM) by Executive Order 7397 Amendment and Environmental Assessment to under authority of the Antiquities Act (34 Stat. the Lower Gila North Management Framework 225, 16 U.S.C. 431). The largest of the Plan and Lower Gila South Resource relinquished tracts of the Barry M. Goldwater Management Plan to provide off-highway Range discussed above, an 83,554-acre parcel vehicle and oil and gas decisions to an area of commonly known as “Area A,” was included as public land that was not included in the Yuma part of the SDNM (map 2). In addition to Resource Management Plan. Although the conformance with this amendment and the RMP, “Palo Verde Mountains—Santa Rosa Wash management actions taken within the SDNM Area” (map 2) was within the former Lower must comply with the provisions of Executive Gila Resource Area, planning decisions of the Order 7397, as well as with interim monument Phoenix Resource Management Plan and management policies promulgated by the BLM. Environmental Impact Statement. (BLM, 1989) applied to this area—this area was not included Administrative Boundary Changes in the RMP. As a part of the former Lower Gila Resource Area, public lands of the Palo Verde In 1991 and 1997, boundaries of the BLM’s Mountains—Santa Rosa Wash Area were Phoenix, Safford and Yuma District Offices included within the “Gila Bend Management were administratively changed to promote more Area” discussed below. Thus, the decisions of

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‡ i U r—ss—y—mp—2‚iver2g—nyon IU „—˜le2„op V rumming˜ird2ƒprings ƒ IV „res2el—mos HISQHRS W wuggins2wount—ins IW ‡oolsey2€e—k IH xew2‡—ter2wount—ins miles dls22HWGPHHR R this amendment properly apply to this area as 2) What quantity and quality of desert tortoise well. habitat currently exists, and do these areas require special management provisions for Finally, decisions of this amendment pertaining protection? to desert tortoise habitat categorizations, off- highway and special recreation vehicle 3) What is the objective of the desert bighorn designations, and oil and gas development apply sheep augmentation and reestablishment to other public lands outside of the former program and where does the Arizona Game and Lower Gila Resource Area but within the MFP Fish Department anticipate augmentation or and RMP planning boundaries. reestablishment activities to take place over the next 10 years? Public lands of the Three Rivers Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) that 4) What areas currently have zero population formerly were a part of the Lower Gila Resource prescriptions or herd numbers set without Area are now administered by the Kingman benefit of habitat monitoring data for wild horse Field Office. The Kingman Resource and burros, and will revised management Management Plan (BLM, 1995) established prescriptions restrict or modify certain uses of goals, objectives, and management prescriptions public lands? for the ACEC. The decisions of the Kingman Resource Management Plan are not altered by 5) Pertaining to recreation management, what this amendment off-highway-vehicle designations, special recreation area designations, recreational Management Areas settings, developed recreation facilities, and related management prescriptions are needed to BLM staff of the former Lower Gila Resource provide for both recreation demand and resource Area identified four areas of well-blocked public protection? lands in the Lower Gila North and South planning areas, each having unique resource 6) What level of oil and gas development is issues and opportunities. Named for unique anticipated over the next 10 years? features or local population centers, these are the “Santa Maria,” “Big Horn,” “Gila Bend,” and Release of Draft and Final Amendments “Ajo” management areas. A fifth management area, the “Goldwater Range,” was identified; The Draft Lower Gila Resource Area however, due to the reasons discussed above, Amendment/Environmental Assessment to the was excluded from this amendment. The Lower Gila North Management Framework isolated public lands interspersed with private or Plan and the Lower Gila South Resource state lands outside of the four management areas Management Plan was released for public form the “remaining lands” (Map 2). comment on November 14, 1994. The Final Amendment and Environmental Assessment to Issues the Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan and the Lower Gila South Resource Six planning issues were identified and resolved Management Plan was released for a 30-day by this amendment: period of review per 43 CFR 1610.5-2 on February 28, 2000. 1) Should public lands identified for disposal by existing planning be retained if found to contain Governor’s Consistency Review key resource components such as desert tortoise habitat, wildlife corridors, riparian habitat, and As per regulations at 43 CFR 1610.3-2(e), the cultural resources? Governor of Arizona was provided a 60-day period of review to identify inconsistencies between the provisions of this amendment and

5 state and local plans, policies, or programs. No planning process and has an interest which is or inconsistencies were identified. may be adversely affected by the approval or amendment of a resource management plan.” Section 7 Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Two such protests of the Final Amendment and Wildlife Service Environmental Assessment to the Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan and the The BLM complied with the “Endangered Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan Species Act” (Public Law 93-205, as amended) were received. through formal and informal Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife By mutual agreement of the BLM and both Service (BLM, 2000). Additionally, the BLM protesting parties, these protests were settled by will assess any future site-specific proposed the following changes and clarifications to actions that result from or tier from this plan proposed decisions of the Final Amendment and amendment. The assessment will determine Environmental Assessment to the Lower Gila whether the actions may affect any species listed North Management Framework Plan and the or proposed for listing, or any designated or Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan proposed critical habitat. If such species or and are incorporated in the decisions of this habitat would be affected by the action, the amendment: BLM will enter into consultation or conference with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under 1) This amendment defers to subsequent Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. resource management planning all decisions relating to the management of wild horses and Native American Consultation burros that were proposed in the Final Amendment and Environmental Assessment to Native American communities were consulted the Lower Gila North Management Framework during development of the Final Amendment Plan and the Lower Gila South Resource and Environmental Assessment to the Lower Management Plan. Gila North Management Framework Plan and the Lower Gila South Resource Management 2) This section clarifies that the proposed Plan, and will be specifically consulted during decision to formally adopt desert tortoise habitat plan implementation to identify resource management guidance contained in Desert concerns (such as access to native plants for Tortoise Habitat Management on Public Lands: traditional uses), sites of traditional cultural or A Rangewide Plan (BLM, 1988), and Strategy religious importance, or other sensitive areas. for Desert Tortoise Habitat Management on Specific consultation will occur as appropriate Public Lands in Arizona (BLM, 1990) does not for compliance with the “National Historic delete or supercede decision WL-5.1 of the MFP Preservation Act” (Public Law 89-665), the (pertaining to seasonal resting of livestock “Archaeological Resources Protection Act” grazing pastures in crucial desert tortoise (Public Law 96-95), the “Native American habitat). Graves Protection and Repatriation Act” (Public Law 101-601), and amendments thereto. BLM 3) A proposed decision to designate the Vekol Manual 8160, “Native American Coordination Valley Grassland and Coffeepot Botanical Area and Consultation,” will be used for guidance on areas of critical environmental concern as consultation. “limited to designated routes only” for off- highway and special recreation vehicles was Protests and Resolutions deferred to subsequent planning. An existing decision of the RMP, to “close the Vekol Valley The BLM resource management planning Grassland and Coffeepot Botanical areas of regulations at 43 CFR 1610.5-2 provide for an critical environmental concern to off-highway administrative review of proposed planning vehicle use,” remains in effect. decisions by “any person who participated in the

6 4) This section clarifies that wildlife habitat- related decisions of the MFP (WL-2.2, WL-2.5, WL-3.1, WL-3.3, WL-6.3, and WL-7.1), a decision of the MFP relating to protection of the Harquahala Mountains Significant Botanical Area (W-4.13), and a decision of the MFP relating to roads in the Saddle Mountain area (R- 4.1) remain unchanged by this amendment.

5) The table in Appendix 1 of this amendment lists the existing decisions of the MFP and RMP, clarifies the effect of this amendment on those decisions, and provides a comprehensive summary of land use decisions in effect that result from this amendment and unchanged decisions of the MFP and RMP.

Document Format

This document has been reformatted from the Final Amendment and Environmental Assessment to the Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan and the Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan so that each decision in the amendment may be numbered using BLM’s standard land use plan numbering convention (appendix 2). This renumbering and categorization is for tracking purposes only and has not changed the content of any decision, nor does it imply any priority in management action. Typographic errors, misquotations, grammatical errors, and similar editorial corrections have been made.

7 Approved Decisions

Land Tenure Adjustments (Lands/Realty) management areas. Some of these parcels are well suited for agriculture, community Decisions of this amendment pertaining to land expansion, or management by private or state tenure adjustments apply within the boundary of entities. A few parcels within the management the former Lower Gila Resource Area (map 3). areas are being disposed-of to resolve occupancy Except as noted below, public land outside of and trespass issues. the management areas are eligible for disposal, and lands inside the management areas are LR-2. Public lands in the Gila Bend eligible for acquisition from willing sellers. For Management Area adjacent to the White Tanks decisions pertaining to land tenure adjustments County Regional Park described as T. 2 N., R. 3 outside of the former Lower Gila Resource Area W., secs. 4, 5, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17 through 22, 26 boundary please refer to the appropriate land use through 29, and 33 through 35; T. 2 N., R. 4 W., plan. sec. 1; and T. 3 N., R. 4 W., secs. 1, 11 through 14, 24, 25, and 36 will be retained in federal Disposals ownership and will only be available for disposal to local or state governmental entities All public lands identified for disposal (map 3, for recreation/park purposes. appendix 3) meet two of the three criteria identified in the Federal Land Policy and LR-3. The BLM will continue to dispose of Management Act for sale; however, Arizona federal subsurface estate under non-federal BLM preferred methods of disposal are by surface estate on a case-by-case basis. exchange or through lease or conveyance to local governments or nonprofit organizations LR-4. Exchanges to re-position lands within all under provisions of the Recreation and Public the management areas may occur if it has been Purposes Act (43 U.S.C. 869, et.seq.). All determined that it would be in the public exchanges and sales will be based on fair market interest. All disposals meet the criteria for sales value as determined by procedures consistent and exchanges set forth in sections 203 and 206 with 43 CFR 2200 and 2700. All exchanges are of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act voluntary transactions between the BLM and the as amended by the Federal Land Exchange nonfederal party, and are discretionary. As part Facilitation Act. of any sale or exchange, a Department of Interior appraiser, or an approved contract LR-5. Lands identified for disposal may be appraiser, will appraise the lands, and interests retained if significant resource values are found in the lands, to be disposed or acquired. Lands during evaluation. The policy is not to dispose comprising designated wilderness and the of lands occupied by proposed or listed SDNM are withdrawn from all forms of threatened or endangered species. If other appropriation under the public lands laws and public uses outweigh the value of a parcel as are not available for disposal. federal-owned threatened or endangered species habitat, disposal could be considered on a case- LR-1. Approximately 33,459 acres of public by-case basis. If a listed or proposed threatened lands within the planning area have been or endangered species would be affected by a identified for disposal (map 3). Appendix 3 is a land disposal action, consultation or non-inclusive listing of federal lands within the conferencing with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife disposal areas (some very small parcels of land Service will be required. Exchange for other were not listed). Most of these lands are isolated parcels of habitat would be encouraged. parcels outside the boundaries of the Compensation for loss of habitat value would be

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required where such a policy exists. Other entirety by this amendment (appendix 1). All mitigation may also be required. These other Land and Realty decisions of the MFP and determinations would be made during RMP remain in effect. preparation of the site-specific environmental assessments required for every disposal action. Wildlife/Fisheries Environmental documentation must be in compliance with the National Environmental Desert Tortoise Habitat Management Policy Act prior to the approval of any lands action. Desert tortoise habitat management will be standardized throughout the MFP and RMP LR-6. Approximately 3,043,900 acres not listed planning areas (map 4). This management will in Appendix 3 or identified for specific purposes be consistent with Desert Tortoise Habitat in this amendment will be retained in public Management on Public Lands: A Rangewide ownership unless needed for recreation or public Plan (BLM, 1988) and Strategy for Desert purposes. Such disposal proposals on lands not Tortoise Habitat Management on Public Lands identified for disposal will be considered on a in Arizona (BLM, 1990) [“strategy”]. The case-by-case basis. objectives outlined in the strategy are tailored to BLM Arizona’s needs; each statewide objective Acquisitions is listed below with the Phoenix Field Office management actions to accomplish the Lands to be acquired will normally have high objective. public and natural resource values that will complement existing and proposed management Objective 1. “Develop increased awareness of programs and will consolidate ownership tortoise resources on the public lands.” patterns to improve management efficiency (map 3). WL-1. Phoenix Field Office personnel will participate, when asked and when appropriate, in LR-7. All nonfederal lands with high resource public events such as fairs and open houses with values within the boundaries of the management information and displays showing the areas may be considered for acquisition. management of public lands including desert Acquisitions will occur primarily through the tortoise habitat. land exchange process in accordance with 43 CFR 2200 and the Federal Land Exchange WL-2. The Phoenix Field Office will develop a Facilitation Act. Acquisition by donation and public brochure on desert tortoise. purchase using Land and Water Conservation Funds will also be considered when willing Objective 2. “Complete and maintain a parties or available funds exist. All acquisitions continuing inventory and monitoring program will be negotiated with willing landowners only for tortoise populations and habitats to assist in and must be in the public interest. There are making management decisions, including habitat approximately 288,800 acres of nonfederal land categorization, on public lands. The BLM’s within the four management areas. desert tortoise inventory and monitoring handbook will contain the standards for LR-8. The BLM will continue to acquire inventory and monitoring in Arizona.” nonfederal subsurface estate under federal surface estate on a case-by-case basis. WL-3. The MFP and RMP planning areas have been inventoried for desert tortoise habitat and Affect on Decisions of the MFP and RMP habitat categories have been established (map 4, appendix 4). These boundaries may be slightly Within the boundaries of the former Lower Gila altered as new and better information becomes Resource Area, decisions of the MFP and RMP available on population distributions and pertaining to land tenure are replaced in their dynamics.

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WL-4. Three one-square-mile study plots in the WL-9. The Phoenix Field Office will forward Maricopa, Harcuvar, and Harquahala mountains tortoise-related research proposals received to will be read every five years to monitor desert the Desert Tortoise Management Oversight tortoise populations and habitat. Group.

WF-5. Records of environmental assessments Objective 7. “Manage the public lands on a that contain stipulations pertaining to the desert continuing basis to protect the scientific, tortoise will be maintained for the express ecological, and environmental quality of tortoise purpose of tracking compliance and habitats consistent with the goals and objectives effectiveness of the stipulations. of the Rangewide Plan. This implies management, within BLM’s capability, of an Objective 3. “Develop and maintain a adequate number of healthy and vigorous monitoring program specifically for land-use tortoise populations of sufficient size and activities that adversely affect tortoise habitats resilience to withstand the most severe for use in analyzing and responding to the environmental disturbances, and with cumulative impacts of land-use decisions on appropriate sex and age ratios and recruitment tortoise habitats.” rates to maintain viable populations in perpetuity.” WF-6. An annual summary of the environmental assessments of actions in desert tortoise habitats WL-10. Specific and quantifiable desert tortoise will be provided to the Arizona State Office. management objectives for categorized habitat will be included at the interdisciplinary planning Objective 4. “Comply fully with the Endangered level. Species Act of 1973, as amended, as it relates to tortoise population and habitat management on WL-11. Environmental decision documents for public lands.” all actions occurring in desert tortoise habitat will address and include mitigation measures WL-7. The Phoenix Field Office will comply sufficient to offset, to the extent possible, any with Section 2 of the Endangered Species Act loss of tortoise habitat quantity or quality in and BLM policy for managing habitat of category I, II, and III habitats. candidate species to ensure that the Sonoran population of the desert tortoise does not Objective 8. “When the need is identified become threatened or endangered through BLM through the BLM planning system, acquire actions. and/or consolidate, under BLM administration, management units with high tortoise habitat Objective 5. “Coordinate and cooperate with values. When public land tortoise habitat values other Federal and State agencies and other will be affected by the issuance of a lease, publics concerning tortoise populations and permit, right-of-way, or other land use habitat management.” authorization, mitigate to minimize loss of those values.” WL-8. The Phoenix Field Office will continue to work with, share information, and support to the WL-12. New land uses will be granted in extent possible the interests and work of other category I, II, and III tortoise habitats only if no agencies and public entities concerning tortoise reasonable alternative exists. If no alternative populations and habitat management. exists, mitigation, including compensation, will be evaluated to meet the no net loss goal. Objective 6. “Conduct research and studies sufficient to develop and document the Objective 9. “Ensure that off-highway-vehicle knowledge and techniques needed to ensure the (OHV) use in desert tortoise habitats is viability of tortoise populations and habitats in consistent with the category goals, objectives, perpetuity.”

12

and management actions of the Rangewide Plan objectives, and management actions of the and the Strategy.” Rangewide Plan and the Strategy.”

WL-13. Competitive off-highway-vehicle race WL-18. New wildlife improvements will be courses are prohibited in category I desert allowed in category I and II desert tortoise tortoise habitat. habitats only if there is no conflict with desert tortoise habitat populations or habitat. WL-14. Competitive off-highway-vehicle race courses will not be located in category II desert Objective 13. “Cooperate as necessary with the tortoise habitat unless no reasonable alternative Arizona Game and Fish Department and Animal site exists. If no reasonable alternative site and Plant Health Inspection Service-Animal exists, impacts will be fully mitigated. Damage Control to control predators that are taking desert tortoises. This will be considered WL-15. Competitive off-highway-vehicle race only where predation is interfering with courses will be evaluated in category III desert attaining the goals and objectives of the tortoise habitat and impacts will be mitigated. Rangewide Plan or the Strategy.”

Objective 10. “Ensure that livestock use is WL-19. Information on predation of desert consistent with the category goals, objectives, tortoises will be collected as opportunities arise. and management actions of the Rangewide Plan and the Strategy. This may include limiting, WL-20. BLM actions in desert tortoise habitats precluding, or deferring livestock use as will be evaluated to assure that they do not documented in activity plans or other site- encourage the proliferation or range expansion specific plans.” of predator populations.

WL-16. Categorized desert tortoise habitat will Objective 14. “Manage the BLM’s energy and be reviewed in relation to ongoing livestock use minerals program in a manner consistent with on public lands in the MFP and RMP planning the goals and objectives of the Rangewide Plan areas; forage needs of desert tortoise and and the Strategy.” ecological site potential will be considered in determining and prioritizing the resolution of WL-21. The Phoenix Field Office will use the conflicts. BLM’s discretionary authorities relating to leasable and salable minerals to meet the desert WL-17. In category I and II desert tortoise tortoise habitat category goals and objectives. habitat, only those range improvements for livestock that do not conflict with desert tortoise WL-22. Boulder sale permits will be restricted habitat or populations will be allowed. to areas that will result in no net loss of tortoise habitat. Objective 11. “Manage wild horses and burros in a manner consistent with the category goals, Desert Bighorn Sheep Augmentation and objectives, and management actions of the Re-establishment Rangewide Plan and the Strategy. This may include limiting or precluding wild horse and/or BLM Manual 1745, “Introduction, Transplants, burro use.” Augmentations and Reestablishment of Fish, Wildlife, and Plants” (updated March 26, 1992) Decisions regarding the management of wild describes the process under which these actions horses and burros are deferred to subsequent can take place. The manual section indicates planning. that decisions for making introductions, transplants, or reestablishments should be made Objective 12. “Manage other wildlife on the as part of the land use planning process. public lands consistent with the goals, Decisions should clearly identify desired

13

population targets or objectives and anticipated special and extensive recreation management distribution of the proposed species. The areas; development, management, and manual also requires public participation with all maintenance of camping and camping facilities potentially affected parties prior to the decision. and stay limits; and development and Historically, desert bighorn sheep occurred on management of recreation facilities for special all of the mountain ranges in the planning units. uses and scarce opportunities. Desert bighorn sheep populations in some of these mountain ranges are depressed and sheep Primitive areas with low visitation and may be extirpated in a few ranges. intensively used areas with high visitation are intermingled and dispersed throughout the WL-23. The Arizona Game and Fish management areas. This pattern will be Department, in cooperation with the Phoenix maintained when considering recreation Field Office, may use re-establishment and developments. Lands which are remote or augmentation to assist desert bighorn sheep primitive will be managed to retain their present populations in reaching their natural potential. conditions. The undeveloped nature of these lands will be protected as an extremely valuable WL-24. Re-establishment and augmentation of and scarce resource. Road maintenance and desert bighorn sheep populations will be done in recreation developments such as signing, areas where conflicts with other uses and brochures, and information sheets may be resources do not occur, or where conflicts can be provided to promote resource protection through resolved. public education and interpretation.

WL-25. Final decisions on re-establishment and Conversely, recreation facilities and activities augmentation proposals will be considered on a requiring a high degree of regulation, or with a case-by-case basis within the appropriate level high potential for resource impacts, will be of National Environmental Policy Act focused on accessible, easily maintained lands documentation that addresses conflicts and near communities and well away from remote, meets the requirement for public participation. pristine, or primitive lands. These facilities and activity areas will be promoted with information Affect on Decisions of the MFP and RMP fact sheets, brochures or signs to ensure that users can easily locate the most appropriate area Decisions of the MFP and RMP pertaining to for their desired use. Recreational developments Wildlife/Fisheries remain in effect, and are and facilities will be designed to lessen or avoid supplemented by this amendment (appendix 1). economic competition; therefore, the Phoenix Field Office will primarily provide services and Recreation and Off-Highway Vehicles facilities unavailable elsewhere or services and facilities required for visitor safety or resource General protection.

The public lands managed by the Phoenix Field RR-1. Management of recreation opportunities Office are receiving increasing visitor use and and developments will be evaluated using two recreation conflicts. To provide the desired inventory and management tools called the recreational opportunities, protect the natural Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (map 5, resources which draw the public to public lands, appendix 5) and Visual Resource Management and retain the flexibility needed to respond to (map 6, appendix 6). emerging recreational technologies, the Phoenix Field Office will address recreation management RR-2. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum by focusing on four recreation components— classifications will be reviewed, refined, and off-highway and special recreation vehicle adopted during interdisciplinary planning. designation and management; designation of

14

RR-3. Existing visual resource inventory classes RR-10. Single- or multiple-use off-highway and of the RMP will be adopted as management special recreation vehicle areas, routes, and classes. management strategies will be designated and developed through interdisciplinary plans. RR-4. All MFP visual resource management Planning shall address limits of acceptable classes will be brought forward. change indicators and standards, conflicts, issues, and solutions to vehicle management RR-5. Visual resource management classes will problems. be reviewed and refined during future interdisciplinary planning. RR-11. Roads and trails used as race courses will be evaluated for no action, closure, RR-6. Scenic corridors and potential rehabilitation, or upgrading and authorization as backcountry byways will receive priority race courses. evaluation of visual resources to determine appropriate future classifications. RR-12. Site-specific inventories will be conducted to delineate existing roads and RR-7. All wildernesses including the Harcuvar vehicle routes as requested by the authorized Mountains, Rawhide Mountains, Eagletail officer. Mountains, and New Water Mountains within the Yuma and Lake Havasu field office areas are RR-13. Approved hiking and equestrian trails designated Class 1 Visual Resource are closed to unauthorized motorized use. Management areas (map 6). RR-14. Road or area closures will be enacted RR-8. All unclassified lands of the MFP and where off-highway or special recreation vehicle RMP planning areas are established as Visual use is determined to be inconsistent with Resource Management Class III areas, subject to established Recreation Opportunity Spectrum review and refinement during future classifications (map 5) and/or such use is interdisciplinary planning (map 6). causing harm to natural or cultural resources.

Off-Highway and Special Recreation Vehicle RR-15. Cross-country vehicle travel will be Designation and Management permitted only when specifically authorized to complete a task which requires such use, and The Phoenix Field Office recognizes two types only in areas where such use will not cause of backcountry vehicles—off-highway vehicles unnecessary or undue resource impacts. and special recreation vehicles (see Glossary). Off-highway vehicle designations established by RR-16. Off-highway vehicle designations for this amendment are depicted by map 7. relinquished portions of the Barry M. Goldwater Range are retained—a permit is required for RR-9. All public lands described in the MFP entry to these lands and motorized travel is and RMP are designated as "limited," except limited to designated and/or established routes. wilderness (which is closed to motor vehicles), and relinquished portions of the Barry M. RR-17. Wilderness is closed to mechanized use. Goldwater Range (which remain restricted to The provisions of existing wilderness entry by permit only). Off-highway and special management plans and wildlife operations and recreation vehicles are limited to existing and/or maintenance plans pertaining to motorized and designated roads and vehicle routes. No mechanized administrative uses in wilderness unauthorized cross-country vehicle travel is will remain in effect. permitted. Creation of unauthorized new trails and widening or extending existing trails is not RR-18. Brochures, maps, and information permitted. This includes lands transferred to the sheets featuring off-highway and special Kingman, Lake Havasu and Yuma field offices.

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recreation vehicle information will be developed Vulture Mountains Special Recreation and disseminated to the public. Management Area

Designation of Special Recreation Management RR-22. The Vulture Mountains Special Areas Recreation Management Area, to include lands surrounding Vulture Peak, the Vulture Mine, The BLM differentiates recreation management and the Vulture Mountains, is established to areas into two classifications—“special” and emphasize diverse recreational opportunities “extensive.” Special recreation management including trails, natural and historic areas are sub-units of the management areas. interpretation, camping, and off-highway and Delineation of special recreation management special recreation vehicle use areas. areas is based on similar or inter-dependent recreation values, similar or inter-related RR-23. Facilities and maintenance to protect recreation uses, or administrative efficiency. resource values and improve visitor safety and Special recreation management areas are defined recreational opportunities are authorized. in Recreation Opportunity Spectrum terms (see appendix 5). RR-24. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand for hiking, equestrian, and Extensive recreation management areas are mountain biking opportunities will be typically the remaining lands not identified as developed. special recreation management areas and constitute the bulk of public lands. The RR-25. Signing, regulations, and brochures will extensive recreation management areas provide be provided as needed. locales where recreationists have freedom of choice and minimal regulatory constraints. Gila Trail Special Recreation Management Area

RR-19. Four special recreation management RR-26. The Gila Trail Special Recreation areas are established (Ajo, Gila Trail, Saddle Management Area, to include lands surrounding Mountain, and Vulture Mountains) and one is the Gila Trail, the Butterfield Overland Stage revised (Sentinel Plain) (map 8). Route, the Anza National Historic Trail, the Southern Overland Trail, the Mormon Battalion RR-20. Interdisciplinary planning, including Trail, the Oatman Massacre Site, the Painted public involvement, will be completed for all Rock Mountains, and associated cultural and special recreation management areas to establish recreational features, is established. boundaries, type and level of facility development, resolve and mitigate impacts to RR-27. Facilities and maintenance to protect other resources, evaluate and refine existing resource values and improve visitor safety and Recreation Opportunity Spectrum and Visual recreational opportunities are authorized in areas Resource Management classes, improve classified as rural, roaded-natural, or semi- recreational opportunities, and reduce conflicts primitive motorized. among public land users. RR-28. Single-use and multiple-use trails to RR-21. A "designated routes only" off-highway meet the demand for hiking, equestrian, and and special recreation vehicle classification will mountain biking opportunities will be be enacted on a management area, or on a site- developed. specific basis, when needed for resource protection or to ensure consistency with RR-29. Surface-disturbing activities within one- Recreation Opportunity Spectrum quarter mile of historic and prehistoric trail classifications. segments will be mitigated.

20

RR-30. All off-highway vehicle routes will be RR-40. Signing, regulations, and brochures will inventoried and designated. be provided as needed.

RR-31. Signing, regulations, and brochures will Sentinel Plain Lava Flow Special Recreation be provided as needed. Management Area

Saddle Mountain Special Recreation RR-41. The Sentinel Plain Lava Flow Special Management Area Recreation Management Areas is restricted to entry by permit only. Existing boundaries may RR-32. The Saddle Mountain Special be adjusted through interdisciplinary planning to Recreation Management Area, to include the respond to changing land uses. public lands containing Saddle Mountain and the Palo Verde Hills, is established to emphasize RR-42. Existing prescriptions authorized by the provision of geologic, cultural, and wildlife Goldwater Amendment (BLM, 1990) will be interpretive sites; protection of the area's scenic brought forward without change. landscapes and vistas; and promotion of recreational opportunities. RR-43. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values and improve recreational RR-33. Facilities and maintenance to protect opportunities and visitor safety are authorized. resource values and improve visitor safety and recreational opportunities are authorized for the RR-44. Single-use and multiple-use trails to northern and northeastern portions of the area. meet the demand for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will be evaluated. RR-34. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand for hiking, equestrian, and RR-45. Signing, regulations, and brochures will mountain biking opportunities will be be provided as needed. developed. Extensive Recreation Management Area RR-35. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided as needed. RR-46. Project level planning for the extensive recreation management area will be conducted RR-36. The southern and western portions of on a case-by-case basis. the area will be maintained as remote and mostly undeveloped. RR-47. Primitive facilities are authorized where needed for resource protection, visitor safety, Ajo Special Recreation Management Area improvement of the recreation experience, or increasing recreational opportunities. RR-37. The Ajo Special Recreation Management Area, to include the entire Ajo RR-48. Camping locations, camping stay limits, Management Area, is established. off-highway and special recreation vehicle use, and utilization of the existing natural resources RR-38. Facilities and maintenance to protect will be established. resource values and improve visitor safety and recreational opportunities are authorized. RR-49. Long- and short-term camping areas, commercial or competitive off-highway and RR-39. Single-use and multiple-use trails to special recreation vehicle use areas, scenic meet the demand for hiking, equestrian, and turnouts, cultural interpretive sites, hiking, mountain biking opportunities will be equestrian or mountain bike trails, road and developed. portal signage, and road maintenance will be evaluated.

21

RR-50. A "designated routes only" off-highway RR-56. Long-term visitor areas (LTVAs) will and special vehicle classification will be be defined on the ground with fences or signs. established on a site-specific basis when needed Each LTVA will include designated roads, for resource protection or to maintain designated campsites, and amenities to support consistency with Recreation Opportunity long-term camping occupancy. Spectrum classifications. RR-57. The following resource factors will be Development, Management, and Maintenance of considered for implementation and development Camping and Camping Facilities and Stay of LTVAs: Limits • Permitted only in rural or roaded natural RR-51. The existing 14-day camping stay limit Recreation Opportunity Spectrum and all associated policy will be maintained classes. throughout the planning area unless otherwise • Location on rocky or resilient soils. designated by the authorized officer or through • Well-maintained ingress and egress project planning. Areas may be closed for routes. resource protection, rehabilitation, or to reduce • Location within 30 miles of local conflicts with other uses. community. • Location outside of category I or II RR-52. Camping facilities and length-of-stay desert tortoise habitat. limits may be established as prescribed below • Mitigation if located in Category III for dispersed camping, long-term visitor areas, desert tortoise habitat. extended camping areas, and short-term • Location with no cultural resource camping areas (see Glossary). conflicts.

• Location outside of burro herd Dispersed Camping—All Public Land Areas management areas.

• Location of developments in a manner RR-53. Camping will be permitted on all public that "is not likely to adversely affect" lands unless otherwise designated, closed, or threatened or endangered species and restricted for resource protection. their habitats.

RR-54. Self-contained or vehicle-based • Location outside of riparian areas. camping will be permitted within 50 feet of the • Location outside of areas of critical centerline of designated or existing routes. environmental concern and wild and Cross-country travel to campsites is not scenic river areas. permitted. RR-58. The following operating rules will be RR-55. Trailhead facilities will be closed to considered for LTVA development and use: overnight camping upon written approval of the field manager. • Long-term camping will be restricted to the term of the permit. Long-Term Visitor Areas • Long-term camping will be restricted to designated sites. A long-term visitor area is a parcel established • Services may be provided by contract or to provide winter visitors with long-term local vendor, but the costs of services camping opportunities. A permit allows use (firewood, sanitation, trash, water, etc.) from September 15 to April 15 for self- will be the responsibility of each contained recreational vehicles with minimum occupant. 10-gallon waste water tank. Supplementary • Users will be required to comply with rules exist and Golden Access/Golden Age all other LTVA regulations. passes are not accepted.

22

• LTVA users must comply with all local, • Location outside of Category I desert state, and federal laws. tortoise habitat. • LTVA supplementary rules may be • Mitigation if located in category II or III enacted as needed. desert tortoise habitat. • Location with no cultural resource RR-59. Other regulations and conditions for conflicts. LTVA use will be identified as required during • Location outside of burro herd interdisciplinary project planning. If, during the management areas. planning process, the interdisciplinary project • Location in a manner that "is not likely planning team determines that modifications to adversely affect" threatened or need to be made to the guidelines listed above endangered species and their habitats. those modifications may be made without the • Location outside of riparian areas. need for a planning amendment. Other • Location outside of areas of critical regulations and conditions identified during environmental concern and wild and ongoing operation of LTVAs will require public scenic river areas. notification. RR-63. The following operating rules will be Extended Camping Areas considered for extended camping area development and use: Extended camping areas are similar to long-term visitor areas, but are not integrated into the long- • Camping restricted to designated sites. term visitor area system and have a variable stay • Services may be provided by contract or limit of greater than 14 days. Extended camping local vendor, but the costs of services areas have a specific and delineated boundary (firewood, sanitation, trash, water, etc.) determined by the available resource. will be the responsibility of each

occupant. RR-60. Extended camping areas will be defined • Extended camping area visitors must on the ground with fences or signs. Each such comply with all local, state, and federal area will include designated roads, designated laws. campsites, and amenities to support extended • Extended camping area supplementary camping occupancy. rules may be enacted as needed.

RR-61. Interdisciplinary planning will evaluate RR-64. Other regulations and conditions for and authorize up to six extended camping areas extended camping area use will be identified as where historic use patterns equate to this type of required during interdisciplinary project use, and potential new areas are identified that planning. If, during the planning process, the would be suitable for extended camping. interdisciplinary project planning team

determines that modifications need to be made RR-62. The following resource factors will be to the guidelines listed above those considered for implementation and development modifications may be made without the need for of extended camping areas: a planning amendment. Other regulations and

conditions identified during ongoing operation • Location only in rural, roaded natural, or of extended camping areas will require public semi-primitive motorized Recreation notification. Opportunity Spectrum classes.

• Topographic or vegetative screening. Short-Term Camping Areas • Suitable ingress and egress routes. • Location on rocky or resilient soils. Short-term camping areas support resource • Location within 30 miles of local protection measures in high use areas, promote community. equitable use for visitors, or serve as overflow

23

camping adjacent to high use areas. Other (firewood, sanitation, trash, water, etc.) resource issues may require short-term camping will be the responsibility of each areas to be closed during certain times or occupant. seasons; thus, the term of use or the time of use • Camping area users must comply with (season) may be limited based on the resource(s) all local, state and federal laws. to be protected. Such factors are evaluated on a • Specific supplementary rules may be case-by-case basis. enacted as needed.

RR-65. Short-term camping areas will be RR-69. Other regulations and conditions for designated only where such use promotes short-term camping area use will be identified as resource protection and where all conflicts can required during interdisciplinary project be mitigated. Short-term camping areas will be planning. If, during the planning process, the defined on the ground with fences or signs. interdisciplinary project planning team determines that modifications need to be made RR-66. Interdisciplinary planning will evaluate to the guidelines listed above those short-term camping areas where historic use modifications may be made without the need for patterns equate to this type of use, and potential a planning amendment. Other regulations and new areas are identified that would be suitable conditions identified during ongoing operation for short-term camping. of short-term camping areas will require public notification. RR-67. The following resource factors will be considered for implementation and development Special Uses and Scarce Opportunities of short-term camping areas: Aside from camping and off-highway and • Primitive ingress and egress routes. special recreation vehicle use, activities that • Location on rocky or resilient soils. require a scarce resource or that pose a serious • Mitigation if located in category I, II or threat to public safety were identified by the III desert tortoise habitat. public scoping meetings as activities that could • Location with no cultural resource benefit from increased management. Such conflicts. resource-dependent opportunities include areas • Location outside of burro herd for recreational gold panning, rockhounding, management areas. Location of hang gliding launches, free climbing, aid developments in a manner that "is not climbing, watchable wildlife viewing, cultural likely to adversely affect" threatened or interpretation, mountain biking, equestrian uses, endangered species and their habitats. hiking trails, ultralight aircraft, and shooting. • Location outside of wildernesses. • Location outside of areas of critical RR-70. Interdisciplinary planning will evaluate environmental concern and wild and and authorize development of special use areas scenic river areas. within the management areas.

RR-68. The following operating rules will be Affect on Decisions of the MFP and RMP considered for short-term camping area development and use: Decisions of the MFP and RMP pertaining to Recreation and Off-Highway Vehicles are • Camping will be restricted to the terms retained or replaced, and supplemented, by this and conditions of that campground. amendment as indicated in appendix 1. Generally, all existing decisions pertaining to • Camping will be restricted to designated site-specific recreation developments were sites. retained; all existing decisions pertaining to • Services may be provided by contract or Visual Resource Management were replaced; local vendor, but the costs of services and all existing decisions pertaining to Off-

24

Highway Vehicle travel were replaced, except for an OHV designation for ACEC’s (see “Deferred Decisions) and decisions relating to access permitting requirements for relinquished lands of the Barry M. Goldwater Range, which were retained.

Minerals (Oil and Gas Development)

Within the planning area, a few areas of public land are considered potentially valuable for oil and gas exploration because of accumulations of sediments more than 1,000 feet in depth (Map 9). Due to the lack of economic development of oil or gas wells in the planning area; however, few lease applications are expected.

MI-1. All lands in the planning area not closed to oil and gas leasing will remain open for such purposes. Approximately 375,000 acres of federal minerals in wilderness are closed to oil and gas leasing. The approximately 1.6 million acres of federal minerals remaining in the planning area are open to oil and gas leasing. Conditions of approval and special stipulations will be developed and incorporated as part of any operational permit after site-specific environmental analyses are completed and documented per the National Environmental Policy Act. Stipulations will mitigate impacts to special status species, cultural areas, and other resources affected by leasing-related activities.

Affect on Decisions of the MFP and RMP

Neither the MFP nor the RMP directly addressed oil and gas development; thus, requests for oil and gas exploration or development leases would be handled on a case-by-case basis and require a plan amendment for each request. The decision of this amendment supercedes any general mineral management decisions that could be applied to oil and gas in the MFP and RMP, and oil and gas leases may be considered without additional plan amendments. The decisions of the MFP and RMP remain in effect for all other minerals-related actions.

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Deferred Decisions

Proposed decisions listed below from the Final HB-4. Livestock range improvements and Amendment and Environmental Assessment to habitat development projects within wild burro the Lower Gila North Management Framework herd management areas will be evaluated on a Plan and the Lower Gila South Resource case-by-case basis and modified/constructed, as Management Plan were not approved by this appropriate, so as not to significantly affect wild amendment, as per the protest settlement burro populations. agreements discussed on pages 6-7. Decisions of the MFP and RMP pertaining to these topics HB-5. The BLM will collaborate with the U.S. remain in effect (see Table 1 and Appendix 1). Air Force, Tohono O’odham Nation, and Bureau These deferred, proposed decisions will be of Indian Affairs to maintain the boundary fence considered in subsequent resource management between the Tohono O’odham reservation and planning by the BLM. the Barry M. Goldwater Range.

Wild and Free Roaming Horses and Burros Affect on Decisions of the MFP and RMP

HB-1. The Harquahala, Little Harquahala, and All wild horse and burro management decisions Painted Rocks herd areas will be established as of the MFP and RMP remain in effect (Table 1, herd management areas, pending a Appendix 1). manageability determination and research and analysis of resource use to determine the number Recreation and Off-Highway Vehicles of burros that can be maintained in a thriving natural ecological balance with the environment RR-71. Off-highway and special recreation on public lands in each herd area. vehicle use of the Vekol Valley Grassland and Coffeepot Botanical Area ACEC’s will be HB-2. Herd management plans will be designated as “limited to designated routes developed for all herd management areas, only.” including Alamo. Affect on Decisions of the MFP and RMP HB-3. That portion of the wild burro population that exceeds a thriving natural ecological The Vekol Valley Grassland and Coffeepot balance will be humanely captured and removed Botanical Area ACEC’s remain closed to off- from the public lands, as established by highway vehicle use, as specified in the RMP interdisciplinary habitat monitoring. (Table 1, Appendix 1).

27 Table 1. Proposed decisions of the Final Amendment and Environmental Assessment to the Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan and the Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan that are deferred to subsequent planning, and existing decisions of the MFP and RMP that are retained by this amendment per the protest settlement agreements discussed on pages 6-7.

Deferred Proposed Decisions Retained Decisions

Wild Horse and Burro Management Wild Horse and Burro Management

HB-1. The Harquahala, Little Harquahala, and Painted Rocks herd areas will be established as Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan herd management areas, pending a manageability determination and research and analysis of resource use to determine the number of burros that can be maintained in a thriving natural LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.1. Maintain a viable, color-diverse burro population of 200 animals in the ecological balance with the environment on public lands in each herd area. Alamo HMA; however, burro numbers in the remaining herd areas should be reduced to 0 by 1986. HB-2. Herd management plans will be developed for all herd management areas, including Alamo. LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.2. Maintain free access for wild burros to livestock-watering facilities in the Alamo Herd Area. HB-3. That portion of the wild burro population that exceeds a thriving natural ecological balance will be humanely captured and removed from the public lands, as established by interdisciplinary LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.3. Maintain access to Alamo Lake for the wild burro herd in the Alamo habitat monitoring. HMA.

HB-4. Livestock range improvements and habitat development projects within wild burro herd LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.4. Designate a wild-burro viewing route within the Alamo HMA and sign management areas will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and modified/constructed, as with on-the-ground interpretative [sic] signs. Also, post signs which provide a telephone number appropriate, so as not to significantly affect wild burro populations. that citizens may call to report violations of the Wild Horse and Burro Act.

HB-5. The BLM will collaborate with the U.S. Air Force, Tohono O’odham Nation, and Bureau LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.5. Limit or modify construction of new structures within Herd Management of Indian Affairs to maintain the boundary fence between the Tohono O’odham reservation and Areas which would restrict burro movement. the Barry M. Goldwater Range. Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan

After the filing of the final RMP/EIS, BLM will prepare a burro capture plan in consultation with appropriate government agencies and interest groups. All burros would be removed from the Painted Rock Reservoir area. Details for the burro capture program would be outlined in a herd management area plan (HMAP).

Recreation and Off-Highway Vehicles Recreation and Off-Highway Vehicles

RR-71. Off-highway and special recreation vehicle use of the Vekol Valley Grassland and Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan Coffeepot Botanical Area ACEC’s will be designated as “limited to designated routes only.” LGN-MFP-3-R-4.1. No new land will be acquired in this area [former Saddle Mountain Wilderness Study Area]. If Saddle Mountain is rejected as a wilderness area, no new roads will be allowed but it will be designated as a recreation and rock-hound area.

Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan

The Vekol Valley Grassland and Coffee Pot Botanical Area ACECs will be closed to recreational

28

ORV use in accordance with 43 CFR, Part 8340, Subpart 8342.

Wildlife/Fisheries Wildlife/Fisheries

None. Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan

LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.2. Reduce competition for cover, water, and space between big game, livestock, and burros by reducing livestock aggregations and removing all burros at waters in the Big Horn, Granite Wash, and Harquahala Mountains by FY-87.

LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.5. Protect big horn sheep lambing areas and a 2-mile buffer zone (20,000 acres) in the Harquahala Mountains and Little Harquahala Mountains from habitat and behavioral disturbances created by: a) land disposal; b) excess fencing; c) structure building; d) land clearing and wood cutting; e) mining activity between December 15 and April 15 (within the framework of the 3809 regulations); f) ORV use on other than existing roads and trails in the Little Harquahala Mountains; g) road building; h) intense recreational use and development; i) burro use; j) rights- of-way; k) utilization of key browse in excess of 40 percent.

LGN-MFP-3-WL-3.1. By FY-87, exclude livestock and burros at the following dirt tanks (75 acres) to enhance waterfowl and long-eared owl nesting opportunities: a) SHF #95-Lone Mountain Tank; b) SHF #132-Mitchell Tank; c) SHF #150-Unnamed; and d) SHF #158- Unnamed.

LGN-MFP-3-WL-3.3. Protect significant cliffs and a 2-mile zone of influence (18,000 acres), in the Big Horn Mountains and the Vulture Mountains area, from the following activities: a) land disposal; b) excess fencing; c) building of structures; d) land clearing or removal of downed wood or woodcutting; e) reduce or modify mining activities to the extent possible under 3802 and 3809 mining regulations; f) road building; g) intense recreational use or development; g) no burro overuse; i) [sic] rights-of-way. Especially protect these areas from disturbing human activities between February 1 and May 1 each year. Protection zones for golden eagle nests will not exceed ¼ mile radius unless special need for a larger protection zone is identified. These zones will be identified on a case-by-case basis.

LGN-MFP-WL-5.1. As Allotment Management Plans are written for allotments containing crucial desert tortoise habitat, the recommendation to rest tortoise habitat from livestock use between February and July will be incorporated into the grazing systems. Implementation of intensive management on allotments will occur as per WL-2.6. (A list of allotments containing tortoise habitat is presented in Table 3-8, Page 53, LGN EIS). Allotments which do not receive intensive management will be monitored as to livestock use. Adjustments in use will be made by changing seasons of use or number of livestock. Fencing out entire tortoise populations may be done, but only after contact with interested user groups.

LGN-MFP-3-WL-6.3. Monitor livestock (sheep and cattle) use on Ohaco Allotment, especially between February 1 to June 30, in crucial desert tortoise areas on the allotment. Adjust use (either season of use and/or number of sheep) based upon results of range monitoring program.

LGN-MFP-3-WL-7.1. Designation of the Harquahala Mountains as a Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) (approximately 5,000 acres) is not necessary. An allotment

29 Management Plan will be developed that will protect this area from overgrazing. All other users or developments incompatible with the protection of this area will be restricted to the extent possible under existing regulations. (see WL-7.2).

Soil, Water, Air (Watershed) Soil, Water, Air (Watershed)

None. Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan

LGN-MFP-3-W-4.13. An allotment management plan will be developed that will protect this area [the major chaparral basin and areas below it to the east in the Harquahala Mountains] from overgrazing. All other uses or developments incompatible with the protection of this area will be restricted to the extent possible under existing regulations.

30

References

Bureau of Land Management. 1988. Desert Tortoise Habitat Management on the Public Lands: A Rangewide Plan. Washington, D.C.

-----. 1988. Final Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement for the Lower Gila South RMP/EIS Area. Phoenix District.

-----. 1989. Phoenix Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. Phoenix District.

-----. 1990. Strategy for Desert Tortoise Habitat Management on Public Lands in Arizona. Arizona State Office.

-----. 1990. Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan (Goldwater Amendment). Phoenix District Office.

-----. 1995. Kingman Resource Area Resource Management Plan. Phoenix District Office.

-----. 2000. Final Amendment and Environmental Assessment to the Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan and the Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan. Phoenix Field Office.

31

APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Summary of MFP, RMP, and Amendment Planning Decisions. Appendix 2. Standard Land Use Plan Decision Numbering Convention. Appendix 3. Lands Identified for Disposal Appendix 4. Goals and Criteria for Three Categories of Desert Tortoise Habitat. Appendix 5. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Classes. Appendix 6. Visual Resource Management Classes. Appendix 7. Glossary.

32 Appendix 1. Summary of MFP, RMP, and Amendment Planning Decisions.1

Decisions from the Lower Gila North Management Approved decisions from the Amendment to the Lower Gila Summary list of approved land use plan decisions pertaining Framework Plan and Lower Gila South Resource North Management Framework Plan and Lower Gila South to Lands/Realty (Land Tenure), Wildlife/Fisheries, Wild Management Plan pertaining to Lands/Realty (Land Resource Management Plan and Decision Record. Horse and Burro Management, Recreation Management, Tenure), Wildlife/Fisheries, Wild Horse and Burro and Minerals (Oil and Natural Gas) for the Lower Gila Management, Recreation Management, and Minerals (Oil North and Lower Gila South planning areas. and Natural Gas).

Lands/Realty (Land Tenure) Lands/Realty (Land Tenure) Lands/Realty (Land Tenure)

Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan LR-1. Approximately 33,459 acres of public lands within the LR-1. Approximately 33,459 acres of public lands within the planning area are identified for disposal (map 3, appendix 3). planning area are identified for disposal (map 3, appendix 3). LGN-MFP-3-L-4.1. Specified lands identified for disposal will be made available with certain priorities: 1) State selections; 2) LR-2. Public lands in the Gila Bend Management Area adjacent LR-2. Public lands in the Gila Bend Management Area adjacent public purposes; 3) exchanges to improve management by all to the White Tanks County Regional Park, described as T. 2 N., to the White Tanks County Regional Park, described as T. 2 N., landowners and support local community growth and R. 3 W., sections 4,5,8,9,14,15,17 through 22, 26 through 29, R. 3 W., sections 4,5,8,9,14,15,17 through 22, 26 through 29, development; 4) public sales. An Environmental Assessment and 33 through 35; T. 2 N., R. 4 W., section 1; and T. 3 N., R. 4 and 33 through 35; T. 2 N., R. 4 W., section 1; and T. 3 N., R. 4 will be written along with all clearance requirements and public W., sections 1,11 through 14, 24,25, and 36 will be retained in W., sections 1,11 through 14, 24,25, and 36 will be retained in input before the final decision is made to dispose of the listed federal ownership and will only be available for disposal to local federal ownership and will only be available for disposal to local lands. Public lands not identified in this list are considered or state governmental entities for recreation/park purposes. or state governmental entities for recreation/park purposes. suitable for retention and use under multiple-use management.* LR-3 The BLM will continue to dispose of federal subsurface LR-3. The BLM will continue to dispose of federal subsurface Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan estate under non-federal surface estate on a case-by-case basis. estate under non-federal surface estate on a case-by-case basis.

Approximately 73,123 acres of public land within the planning LR-4. Exchanges to re-position lands within all the management LR-4. Exchanges to re-position lands within all the management unit will be available for either state or private exchanges, or areas may occur if it has been determined that it would be in the areas may occur if it has been determined that it would be in the transferred under special legislation or public sale. These lands public interest. public interest. are identified in Appendix 3 of the final RMP/EIS. Most of these lands are isolated parcels that are difficult and LR-5. Lands identified for disposal may be retained if LR-5. Lands identified for disposal may be retained if uneconomical to manage. Some parcels are well-suited for significant resource values are found during evaluation. The significant resource values are found during evaluation. The community expansion, agricultural development and policy is not to dispose of lands occupied by proposed or listed policy is not to dispose of lands occupied by proposed or listed management by the Arizona State Land Department.* threatened or endangered species. If other public uses outweigh threatened or endangered species. If other public uses outweigh the value of a parcel as federal-owned threatened or endangered the value of a parcel as federal-owned threatened or endangered Approximately 36,845 acres of non-public lands are identified species habitat, disposal could be considered on a case-by-case species habitat, disposal could be considered on a case-by-case for acquisition. Acquisition of these lands would benefit basis. If a listed or proposed threatened or endangered species basis. If a listed or proposed threatened or endangered species wildlife, botanical, wilderness and multiple use values. These would be affected by a land disposal action, consultation or would be affected by a land disposal action, consultation or lands are identified in Appendices 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the final conferencing with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be conferencing with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be RMP/EIS.* required. Exchange for other parcels of habitat will be required. Exchange for other parcels of habitat will be encouraged. Compensation for loss of habitat value would be encouraged. Compensation for loss of habitat value would be Approximately 112,160 acres of state and private mineral estate required where such a policy exists. Other mitigation may also required where such a policy exists. Other mitigation may also underlying public lands are proposed to be acquired and be required. These determinations would be made during be required. These determinations would be made during approximately 23,645 acres of federal mineral estate underlying preparation of the site-specific environmental assessments preparation of the site-specific environmental assessments state or private are proposed for disposal. The majority of the required for every disposal action. Environmental required for every disposal action. Environmental mineral estates will be acquired or disposed of through documentation must be in compliance with the National documentation must be in compliance with the National exchanges. These lands are identified in Appendix 9 and 10 of Environmental Policy Act prior to the approval of any lands Environmental Policy Act prior to the approval of any lands the final RMP/EIS. Acquisition and disposal action will be action. action.

33 analyzed on a case-by-case basis to determine the suitability of LR-6. Approximately 3,043,900 acres not listed in appendix 3 or LR- 6. Approximately 3,043,900 acres not listed in appendix 3 the action.* identified for specific purposes in this amendment will be or identified for specific purposes in this amendment will be retained in public ownership unless needed for recreation or retained in public ownership unless needed for recreation or public purposes. Such disposal proposals on lands not identified public purposes. Such disposal proposals on lands not identified for disposal will be considered on a case-by-case basis. for disposal will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

LR-7. All nonfederal lands with high resource values within the LR-7. All nonfederal lands with high resource values within the boundaries of the management areas may be considered for boundaries of the management areas may be considered for acquisition. Acquisitions will occur primarily through the land acquisition. Acquisitions will occur primarily through the land exchange process in accordance with 43 CFR 2200 and the exchange process in accordance with 43 CFR 2200 and the Federal Land Exchange Facilitation Act. Acquisition by Federal Land Exchange Facilitation Act. Acquisition by donation and purchase using Land and Water Conservation donation and purchase using Land and Water Conservation Funds will also be considered when willing parties or available Funds will also be considered when willing parties or available funds exist. All acquisitions will be negotiated with willing funds exist. All acquisitions will be negotiated with willing landowners only and must be in the public interest. There are landowners only and must be in the public interest. There are approximately 288,800 acres of nonfederal land within the four approximately 288,800 acres of nonfederal land within the four management areas. management areas.

LR-8. The BLM will continue to acquire nonfederal subsurface LR-8. The BLM will continue to acquire nonfederal subsurface estate under federal surface estate on a case-by-case basis. estate under federal surface estate on a case-by-case basis.

Wildlife/Fisheries Wildlife/Fisheries Wildlife/Fisheries

Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan WL-1. Phoenix Field Office personnel will participate, when LGN-MFP-3-WL-1.1. Provide wildlife safe access and year- asked and when appropriate, in public events such as fairs and round water at 150 livestock waters on public lands by 1987 and LGN-MFP-3-WL-1.1. Provide wildlife safe access and year- open houses with information and displays showing the cooperate with allottees to develop similar considerations on round water at 150 livestock waters on public lands by 1987 and management of public lands including desert tortoise habitat. private lands. cooperate with allottees to develop similar considerations on private lands. WL-2. The Phoenix Field Office will develop a public brochure LGN-MFP-3-WL-1.2. Develop small and upland game waters in on desert tortoise. 11 areas by FY-87. LGN-MFP-3-WL-1.2. Develop small and upland game waters in 11 areas by FY-87. WL-3. The MFP and RMP planning areas have been inventoried LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.1. Cooperate with Arizona Game and Fish for desert tortoise habitat and habitat categories have been Department to develop big game water catchments on public LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.1. Cooperate with Arizona Game and Fish established (map 4, appendix 4). These boundaries may be land at sites designated in the Lower Gila North Habitat Department to develop big game water catchments on public slightly altered as new and better information becomes available Management Plan. Construction of the facilities will depend on land at sites designated in the Lower Gila North Habitat on population distributions and dynamics. availability of funding. Management Plan. Construction of the facilities will depend on availability of funding. WL-4. Three one-square-mile study plots in the Maricopa, LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.2. Reduce competition for cover, water, and Harcuvar, and Harquahala mountains will be read every five space between big game, livestock, and burros by reducing LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.2. Reduce competition for cover, water, and years to monitor desert tortoise populations and habitat. livestock aggregations and removing all burros at waters in the space between big game, livestock, and burros by reducing Big Horn, Granite Wash, and Harquahala Mountains by FY-87. livestock aggregations and removing all burros at waters in the WF-5. Records of environmental assessments that contain Big Horn, Granite Wash, and Harquahala Mountains by FY-87. stipulations pertaining to the desert tortoise will be maintained LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.3. Allocate additional forage to big game for the express purpose of tracking compliance and effectiveness species as forage production increases so that carrying capacities LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.3. Allocate additional forage to big game of the stipulations. can be increased to those listed in this objective and decrease species as forage production increases so that carrying capacities browse utilization by 10 percent in the following allotments: can be increased to those listed in this objective and decrease WF-6. An annual summary of the environmental assessments of Auza, Brown, Santa Maria Community, Loma Linda, Palmarita, browse utilization by 10 percent in the following allotments: actions in desert tortoise habitats will be provided to the Arizona Lambertson, Carco, and Ridgeway-Kong. Auza, Brown, Santa Maria Community, Loma Linda, Palmarita, State Office. LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.4. Avoid subdividing big horn sheep Lambertson, Carco, and Ridgeway-Kong. WL-7. The Phoenix Field Office will comply with Section 2 of lambing areas with fencing and monitor livestock use of these

34 LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.4. Avoid subdividing big horn sheep the Endangered Species Act and BLM policy for managing key areas. Negotiate with range user to alleviate competition lambing areas with fencing and monitor livestock use of these habitat of candidate species to ensure that the Sonoran where documented. This will be done by change in season of key areas. Negotiate with range user to alleviate competition population of the desert tortoise does not become threatened or use or by instituting a grazing system to rest lambing areas where documented. This will be done by change in season of endangered through BLM actions. during critical lambing season (January through May). use or by instituting a grazing system to rest lambing areas during critical lambing season (January through May). WL-8. The Phoenix Field Office will continue to work with, LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.5. Protect big horn sheep lambing areas and share information, and support to the extent possible the a 2-mile buffer zone (20,000 acres) in the Harquahala Mountains LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.5. Protect big horn sheep lambing areas and interests and work of other agencies and public entities and Little Harquahala Mountains from habitat and behavioral a 2-mile buffer zone (20,000 acres) in the Harquahala Mountains concerning tortoise populations and habitat management. disturbances created by: a) land disposal; b) excess fencing; c) and Little Harquahala Mountains from habitat and behavioral structure building; d) land clearing and wood cutting; e) mining disturbances created by: a) land disposal; b) excess fencing; c) WL-9. The Phoenix Field Office will forward tortoise-related activity between December 15 and April 15 (within the structure building; d) land clearing and wood cutting; e) mining research proposals received to the Desert Tortoise Management framework of the 3809 regulations); f) ORV use on other than activity between December 15 and April 15 (within the Oversight Group. existing roads and trails in the Little Harquahala Mountains; g) framework of the 3809 regulations); f) ORV use on other than road building; h) intense recreational use and development; i) existing roads and trails in the Little Harquahala Mountains; g) WL-10. Specific and quantifiable desert tortoise management burro use; j) rights-of-way; k) utilization of key browse in road building; h) intense recreational use and development; i) objectives for categorized habitat will be included at the excess of 40 percent. burro use; j) rights-of-way; k) utilization of key browse in interdisciplinary planning level. excess of 40 percent. LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.6. Livestock use on Palmerita, Primrose, WL-11. Environmental decision documents for all actions Alamo, and Santa Maria allotments will be managed as per WL- LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.6. Livestock use on Palmerita, Primrose, occurring in desert tortoise habitat will address and include 4.2 Decision. Priorities for implementation of intensive Alamo, and Santa Maria allotments will be managed as per WL- mitigation measures sufficient to offset, to the extent possible, management of livestock (Allotment Management Plans) will be 4.2 Decision. Priorities for implementation of intensive any loss of tortoise habitat quantity or quality in category I, II, as per range R-1.1 Decision. management of livestock (Allotment Management Plans) will be and III habitats. as per range R-1.1 Decision. LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.7. Cooperate with the Arizona Game and WL-12. New land uses will be granted in category I, II, and III Fish Department to allow reintroduction of big horn sheep into LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.7. Cooperate with the Arizona Game and tortoise habitats only if no reasonable alternative exists. If no the Black and Weaver Mountains and allocate forage to the big Fish Department to allow reintroduction of big horn sheep into alternative exists, mitigation, including compensation, will be horn’s reasonable population level 1 year before reintroduction. the Black and Weaver Mountains and allocate forage to the big evaluated to meet the no net loss goal. horn’s reasonable population level 1 year before reintroduction. LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.8. Decrease cattle densities in big horn WL-13. Competitive off-highway-vehicle race courses are habitat to relieve competition between big horn sheep and LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.8. Decrease cattle densities in big horn prohibited in category I desert tortoise habitat. livestock for space, water, and browse. Graze domestic sheep as habitat to relieve competition between big horn sheep and far from big horn habitat as possible to decrease big horn disease livestock for space, water, and browse. Graze domestic sheep as WL-14. Competitive off-highway-vehicle race courses will not vectors. Management will begin by 1990. Implementation of far from big horn habitat as possible to decrease big horn disease be located in category II desert tortoise habitat unless no this recommendation will be met through range management in vectors. Management will begin by 1990. Implementation of reasonable alternative site exists. If no reasonable alternative the following allotments: Agula (intensive), Ohaco and Calhoun this recommendation will be met through range management in site exists, impacts will be fully mitigated. (nonintensive). Implementation of this recommendation will be the following allotments: Agula (intensive), Ohaco and Calhoun met through habitat management plans for the remaining (nonintensive). Implementation of this recommendation will be WL-15. Competitive off-highway-vehicle race courses will be allotments or as a result of planning for Lower Gila South met through habitat management plans for the remaining evaluated in category III desert tortoise habitat and impacts will (Crowder Cattle Company-portion lying within LGN; K-Lazy- allotments or as a result of planning for Lower Gila South be mitigated. B-portions lying within LGN, Carter-Herrera, Muse-portion (Crowder Cattle Company-portion lying within LGN; K-Lazy- lying within LGN, Clem-portion lying within LGN, and B-portions lying within LGN, Carter-Herrera, Muse-portion WL-16. Categorized desert tortoise habitat will be reviewed in Orosco). Domestic sheep will graze as far from big horn habitat lying within LGN, Clem-portion lying within LGN, and relation to ongoing livestock use on public lands in the MFP and as practicable. Orosco). Domestic sheep will graze as far from big horn habitat RMP planning areas; forage needs of desert tortoise and as practicable. ecological site potential will be considered in determining and LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.9. Use the very important browse species as prioritizing the resolution of conflicts. “key species” in developing objectives and in monitoring LGN-MFP-3-WL-2.9. Use the very important browse species as grazing allotments’ activity plans (those species receiving “key species” in developing objectives and in monitoring WL-17. In category I and II desert tortoise habitat, only those importance factors greater than 7.0 in Ough and Miller 1980: 65- grazing allotments’ activity plans (those species receiving range improvements for livestock that do not conflict with desert 133. Key browse species will include one or more of the importance factors greater than 7.0 in Ough and Miller 1980: 65- tortoise habitat or populations will be allowed. following: Cercoparpus montanus, Atriplex canescens,

35 133. Key browse species will include one or more of the WL-18. New wildlife improvements will be allowed in category Ceanothus greffii, Ephedra fasciculata, Populus fremonti, following: Cercoparpus montanus, Atriplex canescens, I and II desert tortoise habitats only if there is no conflict with Simmondsia chinensis, Brickellia coulteri, Calliandra eriophylla, Ceanothus greffii, Ephedra fasciculata, Populus fremonti, desert tortoise habitat populations or habitat. Eriogonum sp., Krameria gravii, Janusia gracilis. Simmondsia chinensis, Brickellia coulteri, Calliandra eriophylla, Eriogonum sp., Krameria gravii, Janusia gracilis. WL-19. Information on predation of desert tortoises will be LGN-MFP-3-WL-3.1. By FY-87, exclude livestock and burros collected as opportunities arise. at the following dirt tanks (75 acres) to enhance waterfowl and LGN-MFP-3-WL-3.1. By FY-87, exclude livestock and burros long-eared owl nesting opportunities: a) SHF #95-Lone at the following dirt tanks (75 acres) to enhance waterfowl and WL-20. BLM actions in desert tortoise habitats will be evaluated Mountain Tank; b) SHF #132-Mitchell Tank; c) SHF #150- long-eared owl nesting opportunities: a) SHF #95-Lone to assure that they do not encourage the proliferation or range Unnamed; and d) SHF #158-Unnamed. Mountain Tank; b) SHF #132-Mitchell Tank; c) SHF #150- expansion of predator populations. Unnamed; and d) SHF #158-Unnamed. LGN-MFP-3-WL-3.2. Prior to spring development, evaluate for WL-21. The Phoenix Field Office will use the BLM’s clearance any planned spring development to avoid elimination LGN-MFP-3-WL-3.2. Prior to spring development, evaluate for discretionary authorities relating to leasable and salable minerals of endemic snails. clearance any planned spring development to avoid elimination to meet the desert tortoise habitat category goals and objectives. of endemic snails. LGN-MFP-3-WL-3.3. Protect significant cliffs and a 2-mile WL-22. Boulder sale permits will be restricted to areas that will zone of influence (18,000 acres), in the Big Horn Mountains and LGN-MFP-3-WL-3.3. Protect significant cliffs and a 2-mile result in no net loss of tortoise habitat. the Vulture Mountains area, from the following activities: a) zone of influence (18,000 acres), in the Big Horn Mountains and land disposal; b) excess fencing; c) building of structures; d) the Vulture Mountains area, from the following activities: a) WL-23. The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in land clearing or removal of downed wood or woodcutting; e) land disposal; b) excess fencing; c) building of structures; d) cooperation with the Phoenix Field Office, may use re- reduce or modify mining activities to the extent possible under land clearing or removal of downed wood or woodcutting; e) establishment and augmentation to assist desert bighorn sheep 3802 and 3809 mining regulations; f) road building; g) intense reduce or modify mining activities to the extent possible under populations in reaching their natural potential. recreational use or development; g) no burro overuse; i) [sic] 3802 and 3809 mining regulations; f) road building; g) intense rights-of-way. Especially protect these areas from disturbing recreational use or development; g) no burro overuse; i) [sic] WL-24. Re-establishment and augmentation of desert bighorn human activities between February 1 and May 1 each year. rights-of-way. Especially protect these areas from disturbing sheep populations will be done in areas where conflicts with Protection zones for golden eagle nests will not exceed ¼ mile human activities between February 1 and May 1 each year. other uses and resources do not occur, or where conflicts can be radius unless special need for a larger protection zone is Protection zones for golden eagle nests will not exceed ¼ mile resolved. identified. These zones will be identified on a case-by-case radius unless special need for a larger protection zone is basis. identified. These zones will be identified on a case-by-case WL-25. Final decisions on re-establishment and augmentation basis. proposals will be considered on a case-by-case basis within the LGN-MFP-3-WL-3.4. Establish cottonwood and willow appropriate level of National Environmental Policy Act regeneration around significant springs through supplemental LGN-MFP-3-WL-3.4. Establish cottonwood and willow documentation that addresses conflicts and meets the planting and protection from livestock utilization by FY-85. regeneration around significant springs through supplemental requirement for public participation. Significant springs include: Cottonwood Springs, Grapevine planting and protection from livestock utilization by FY-85. Springs, Hackberry Springs, Peeples Canyon Springs, Weaver Significant springs include: Cottonwood Springs, Grapevine Mountain Springs. Springs, Hackberry Springs, Peeples Canyon Springs, Weaver Mountain Springs. LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.1. Establish broadleaf tree reproduction and perpetuation via supplemental planting of seedlings in existing LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.1. Establish broadleaf tree reproduction and and potentially suitable riparian habitat by FY-87 perpetuation via supplemental planting of seedlings in existing (approximately 2,500 acres). and potentially suitable riparian habitat by FY-87 (approximately 2,500 acres). LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.2. On the Primrose and Alamo Lake ephemeral allotments, utilization of cottonwood seedlings will LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.2. On the Primrose and Alamo Lake be monitored through the season of use to determine when cattle ephemeral allotments, utilization of cottonwood seedlings will begin to concentrate their use in the riparian areas. Adjustments be monitored through the season of use to determine when cattle in season of use and stocking rate will then be made to decrease begin to concentrate their use in the riparian areas. Adjustments pressure on the riparian area. This process will occur the next in season of use and stocking rate will then be made to decrease time application for ephemeral forage is made on either pressure on the riparian area. This process will occur the next allotment. time application for ephemeral forage is made on either Currently, Santa Maria and Palmerita perennial allotments are

36 allotment. lightly used. Riparian vegetation is apparently recovering along the Santa Maria River in these allotments. When application for Currently, Santa Maria and Palmerita perennial allotments are use occurs, Allotment Management Plans will be negotiated lightly used. Riparian vegetation is apparently recovering along with the range user to rest the river areas from livestock overuse. the Santa Maria River in these allotments. When application for use occurs, Allotment Management Plans will be negotiated Other allotments, not managed intensively but possessing small with the range user to rest the river areas from livestock overuse. tracts of riparian habitat, will be monitored and managed through Habitat Management Plans. (See Table 3-8, page 53, Other allotments, not managed intensively but possessing small LGN EIS, for these allotments). tracts of riparian habitat, will be monitored and managed through Habitat Management Plans. (See Table 3-8, page 53, LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.3. Draw up a Habitat Management Plan LGN EIS, for these allotments). (which includes public lands along Bill Williams and Santa Maria river floodplains, Grapevine Springs, and Peeples LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.3. Draw up a Habitat Management Plan Canyon) to protect and restore riparian habitat. Insure that the (which includes public lands along Bill Williams and Santa following land actions occur so as to be compatible with this Maria river floodplains, Grapevine Springs, and Peeples goal: a) Mineral development; b) ORV (on existing roads and Canyon) to protect and restore riparian habitat. Insure that the trails only); c) Road building; d) Woodcutting; e) Rights-of- following land actions occur so as to be compatible with this way; f) Building of structures; g) Livestock and feral burro goal: a) Mineral development; b) ORV (on existing roads and grazing; h) Land disposal (including Asset Management); and i) trails only); c) Road building; d) Woodcutting; e) Rights-of- Habitat planning decisions. way; f) Building of structures; g) Livestock and feral burro grazing; h) Land disposal (including Asset Management); and i) LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.4. Cooperate with Arizona Game and Fish Habitat planning decisions. to acquire water rights to maintain or enhance spring habitats and riparian habitats in the planning unit. Specific sites will be LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.4. Cooperate with Arizona Game and Fish determined in the Habitat Management Plan to achieve the goals to acquire water rights to maintain or enhance spring habitats stated in the plan. and riparian habitats in the planning unit. Specific sites will be determined in the Habitat Management Plan to achieve the goals LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.5. Cooperate with Arizona Game and Fish stated in the plan. Department, Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the event that these agencies agree on a proposal for LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.5. Cooperate with Arizona Game and Fish reintroduction of native fish species into a 6 mile stretch of the Department, Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife canyon below Alamo Dam and along a 4 mile stretch of the Bill Service in the event that these agencies agree on a proposal for Williams River from the western most edge of the planning unit. reintroduction of native fish species into a 6 mile stretch of the canyon below Alamo Dam and along a 4 mile stretch of the Bill LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.6. Cooperate with Arizona Game and Fish Williams River from the western most edge of the planning unit. Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow access to aquatic habitat in Grapevine Springs and Peeples Canyon, and LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.6. Cooperate with Arizona Game and Fish to acquire water rights necessary to maintain existing aquatic Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to allow access habitat by FY-85 (1,100 acres). to aquatic habitat in Grapevine Springs and Peeples Canyon, and to acquire water rights necessary to maintain existing aquatic LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.7. Monitor selected aquatic habitat in habitat by FY-85 (1,100 acres). cooperation with Arizona Game and Fish Department, State Health Services, and Environmental Protection Agency where LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.7. Monitor selected aquatic habitat in water pollution is a problem to insure that water quality meets cooperation with Arizona Game and Fish Department, State appropriate federal and state standards. Improve conditions that Health Services, and Environmental Protection Agency where do not meet these standards. water pollution is a problem to insure that water quality meets appropriate federal and state standards. Improve conditions that LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.8. Draft a Habitat Management Plan for do not meet these standards. public land along Bill Williams and Santa Maria Rivers, Grapevine Springs, and Peeples Canyon. The plan will address

37 LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.8. Draft a Habitat Management Plan for all activities mentioned in the original recommendation. public land along Bill Williams and Santa Maria Rivers, Grazing by domestic livestock and feral burros will also be Grapevine Springs, and Peeples Canyon. The plan will address addressed. (see WL-4.3 and LGN/Wildlife – HMP Decision) all activities mentioned in the original recommendation. Grazing by domestic livestock and feral burros will also be LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.9. Develop a fire management program for addressed. (see WL-4.3 and LGN/Wildlife – HMP Decision) all cottonwood-willow riparian, mixed broadleaf riparian, and mesquite-salt cedar woodland. LGN-MFP-3-WL-4.9. Develop a fire management program for all cottonwood-willow riparian, mixed broadleaf riparian, and LGN-MFP-WL-5.1. As Allotment Management Plans are mesquite-salt cedar woodland. written for allotments containing crucial desert tortoise habitat, the recommendation to rest tortoise habitat from livestock use LGN-MFP-WL-5.1. As Allotment Management Plans are between February and July will be incorporated into the grazing written for allotments containing crucial desert tortoise habitat, systems. Implementation of intensive management on the recommendation to rest tortoise habitat from livestock use allotments will occur as per WL-2.6. (A list of allotments between February and July will be incorporated into the grazing containing tortoise habitat is presented in Table 3-8, Page 53, systems. Implementation of intensive management on LGN EIS). Allotments which do not receive intensive allotments will occur as per WL-2.6. (A list of allotments management will be monitored as to livestock use. Adjustments containing tortoise habitat is presented in Table 3-8, Page 53, in use will be made by changing seasons of use or number of LGN EIS). Allotments which do not receive intensive livestock. Fencing out entire tortoise populations may be done, management will be monitored as to livestock use. Adjustments but only after contact with interested user groups. in use will be made by changing seasons of use or number of livestock. Fencing out entire tortoise populations may be done, LGN-MFP-3-WL-5.2. Within distribution of desert and Arizona but only after contact with interested user groups. night lizards (10,000 acres) and Sonoran Mountain king-snake (1,200 acres), utilize 43 CFR 3809 (Surface Mining LGN-MFP-3-WL-5.2. Within distribution of desert and Arizona Regulations) to minimize habitat disturbance during new road night lizards (10,000 acres) and Sonoran Mountain king-snake construction. Specify closing new roads as a provision in new (1,200 acres), utilize 43 CFR 3809 (Surface Mining mining plans of operation, when and where necessary, to prevent Regulations) to minimize habitat disturbance during new road recreation disturbance to night lizard and king-snake habitat. construction. Specify closing new roads as a provision in new Limit wood collection in the Weaver Mountains, particularly mining plans of operation, when and where necessary, to prevent along Antelope, Weaver, Arrastra, Cottonwood, and Yarnell recreation disturbance to night lizard and king-snake habitat. Creeks. Protect Yucca and beargrass (Nolina sp.) from Limit wood collection in the Weaver Mountains, particularly destruction to the extent possible under the Surface Mining along Antelope, Weaver, Arrastra, Cottonwood, and Yarnell Regulations, 43 CFR, 3809 and the Arizona Native Plant Law Creeks. Protect Yucca and beargrass (Nolina sp.) from (Arizona Revised Statutes, Chapter 7, Article 1, Section 3-901). destruction to the extent possible under the Surface Mining Regulations, 43 CFR, 3809 and the Arizona Native Plant Law LGN-MFP-3-WL-6.1. Monitor the effects of livestock grazing (Arizona Revised Statutes, Chapter 7, Article 1, Section 3-901). on different range sites in open chaparral and cottonwood willow SHSs. Exclosures of varying sizes will be constructed. LGN-MFP-3-WL-6.1. Monitor the effects of livestock grazing Size will depend on area needed for the purpose. on different range sites in open chaparral and cottonwood willow SHSs. Exclosures of varying sizes will be constructed. LGN-MFP-3-WL-6.2. Maintain existing range condition where Size will depend on area needed for the purpose. possible, around significant cliffs on allotments not under intensive management. To the extent possible place water LGN-MFP-3-WL-6.2. Maintain existing range condition where developments in the recommended zones on Pipeline, Calhoun, possible, around significant cliffs on allotments not under Aguila, Ohaco and Santa Maria Allotment. intensive management. To the extent possible place water developments in the recommended zones on Pipeline, Calhoun, LGN-MFP-3-WL-6.3. Monitor livestock (sheep and cattle) use Aguila, Ohaco and Santa Maria Allotment. on Ohaco Allotment, especially between February 1 to June 30, LGN-MFP-3-WL-6.3. Monitor livestock (sheep and cattle) use in crucial desert tortoise areas on the allotment. Adjust use on Ohaco Allotment, especially between February 1 to June 30, (either season of use and/or number of sheep) based upon results

38 in crucial desert tortoise areas on the allotment. Adjust use of range monitoring program. (either season of use and/or number of sheep) based upon results of range monitoring program. LGN-MFP-3-WL-6.4. Develop a Fire Management Plan for Lower Gila North which incorporates protection for sensitive LGN-MFP-3-WL-6.4. Develop a Fire Management Plan for riparian habitats and Lower Sonoran habitats, establishes a Lower Gila North which incorporates protection for sensitive mechanism for rehabilitation of riparian habitats, and establishes riparian habitats and Lower Sonoran habitats, establishes a cover “level” strips in open and closed chaparral habitats. (see mechanism for rehabilitation of riparian habitats, and establishes WL-7.4). cover “level” strips in open and closed chaparral habitats. (see WL-7.4). LGN-MFP-3-WL-7.1. Designation of the Harquahala Mountains as a Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) LGN-MFP-3-WL-7.1. Designation of the Harquahala Mountains (approximately 5,000 acres) is not necessary. An allotment as a Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Management Plan will be developed that will protect this area (approximately 5,000 acres) is not necessary. An allotment from overgrazing. All other users or developments incompatible Management Plan will be developed that will protect this area with the protection of this area will be restricted to the extent from overgrazing. All other users or developments incompatible possible under existing regulations. (see WL-7.2). with the protection of this area will be restricted to the extent possible under existing regulations. (see WL-7.2). LGN-MFP-3-WL-7.2. Minimize detrimental impacts of mineral exploration and development to habitat in the 2,000 acre basin LGN-MFP-3-WL-7.2. Minimize detrimental impacts of mineral east and north of Harquahala Peak. Utilize surface protection exploration and development to habitat in the 2,000 acre basin measures in 43 CFR 3802 and 43 CFR 3809. Require plan of east and north of Harquahala Peak. Utilize surface protection operation for all claims 5 acres and over. Require performance measures in 43 CFR 3802 and 43 CFR 3809. Require plan of bonds from all owners/operators to prevent unnecessary and operation for all claims 5 acres and over. Require performance undue degradation. Leaching operations will be reviewed for bonds from all owners/operators to prevent unnecessary and environmental and human safety by the State Mine Inspector undue degradation. Leaching operations will be reviewed for prior to commencement or upon suspension of the operation as environmental and human safety by the State Mine Inspector per ARS 27-303. prior to commencement or upon suspension of the operation as per ARS 27-303. LGN-MFP-3-WL-7.3. Control intensity and season of use by livestock on the Harcuvar and Harquahala mountains open LGN-MFP-3-WL-7.3. Control intensity and season of use by chaparral SHSs (8,500 acres). livestock on the Harcuvar and Harquahala mountains open chaparral SHSs (8,500 acres). LGN-MFP-WL-7.4. Develop a controlled (prescribed) burn plan to improve open chaparral habitat in the Harcuvar Mountains LGN-MFP-WL-7.4. Develop a controlled (prescribed) burn plan and, if not visually impacting, the Harquahala Mountains by to improve open chaparral habitat in the Harcuvar Mountains 1984 (8,500 acres). and, if not visually impacting, the Harquahala Mountains by 1984 (8,500 acres). LGN-MFP-3-WL-8.1. The storage area above the upper Centennial Dike will be deepened. Negotiations will be LGN-MFP-3-WL-8.1. The storage area above the upper undertaken with water users upstream to procure unneeded Centennial Dike will be deepened. Negotiations will be waste water. This water will be channeled into the storage area undertaken with water users upstream to procure unneeded to maintain a stable water level. waste water. This water will be channeled into the storage area to maintain a stable water level. LGN-MFP-3-WL-8.2. Plant cottonwood poles above the upper Centennial Dike and other dikes along Centennial Wash where a LGN-MFP-3-WL-8.2. Plant cottonwood poles above the upper sufficeing water supply is present. Monitor the growth and/or Centennial Dike and other dikes along Centennial Wash where a mortality of the trees. sufficeing water supply is present. Monitor the growth and/or mortality of the trees. LGN-MFP-3-WL-8.3. Negotiate an Allotment Management Plan with the range user of Babcock Allotment. Explore

39 LGN-MFP-3-WL-8.3. Negotiate an Allotment Management possibility of including the dikes, spreader system and Plan with the range user of Babcock Allotment. Explore associated riparian scrub habitat in a single pasture. possibility of including the dikes, spreader system and associated riparian scrub habitat in a single pasture. LGN-MFP-3-WL-8.4. Negotiate with the State Land Department to facilitate exchange of Section 26, T. 7 N., R. 11 LGN-MFP-3-WL-8.4. Negotiate with the State Land W., provided that the riparian habitat can be feasibly maintained. Department to facilitate exchange of Section 26, T. 7 N., R. 11 W., provided that the riparian habitat can be feasibly maintained. LGN-MFP-3-WL-8.5. Cooperate with Arizona Game and Fish, State Health Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency LGN-MFP-3-WL-8.5. Cooperate with Arizona Game and Fish, in monitoring water quality on public land in the Centennial State Health Services, and the Environmental Protection Agency Dikes area. in monitoring water quality on public land in the Centennial Dikes area. BLM will continue to place wildlife escape ramps in water troughs and construct or maintain new wildlife waters in Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan coordination with state and other federal agencies.

BLM will continue to place wildlife escape ramps in water New livestock waters to be located within two miles from troughs and construct or maintain new wildlife waters in crucial tortoise habitat and/or crucial desert bighorn sheep coordination with state and other federal agencies. habitat will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis to determine potential impacts. Significant impacts will be mitigated with New livestock waters to be located within two miles from appropriate stipulations on site selection. crucial tortoise habitat and/or crucial desert bighorn sheep habitat will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis to determine Before installing facilities, BLM will conduct a site evaluation potential impacts. Significant impacts will be mitigated with for state-protected animals and will develop mitigation to protect appropriate stipulations on site selection. these species and their habitats. Such mitigation might include project relocation, redesign, or abandonment. Before installing facilities, BLM will conduct a site evaluation for state-protected animals and will develop mitigation to protect BLM will initiate formal Section 7 consultation with the U.S. these species and their habitats. Such mitigation might include Fish and Wildlife Service on all actions that may affect federal project relocation, redesign, or abandonment. listed threatened and endangered species or it’s critical habitat as required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended. BLM will initiate formal Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on all actions that may affect federal During construction of rangeland developments, vehicles will listed threatened and endangered species or it’s critical habitat as use existing roads and trails wherever possible for access to required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended. sites. Where feasible or where no roads exist, vehicles will travel cross-country to avoid the need for road building. Where During construction of rangeland developments, vehicles will new roads must be built, roadbeds will be no wider than needed use existing roads and trails wherever possible for access to for reliable access; BLM specifications will also be used to sites. Where feasible or where no roads exist, vehicles will reduce erosion and gulling. travel cross-country to avoid the need for road building. Where new roads must be built, roadbeds will be no wider than needed During construction of all rangeland developments, surface for reliable access; BLM specifications will also be used to resources will be disturbed as little as possible. After reduce erosion and gulling. construction, disturbed surfaces will be restored to a natural condition as far as is practicable. During construction of all rangeland developments, surface resources will be disturbed as little as possible. After Fences proposed in big game habitat will be designed to reduce construction, disturbed surfaces will be restored to a natural adverse impacts to big game movement. Specifications in BLM condition as far as is practicable. Manual 1737 and in local BLM directives will be used. BLM Fences proposed in big game habitat will be designed to reduce will consult with the Arizona Game and Fish Department on the adverse impacts to big game movement. Specifications in BLM design and location of new fences.

40 Manual 1737 and in local BLM directives will be used. BLM will consult with the Arizona Game and Fish Department on the Where existing fences in big game habitat do not meet BLM design and location of new fences. specifications, they will be modified according to BLM Manual 1737 when they are scheduled for replacement or major Where existing fences in big game habitat do not meet BLM maintenance. specifications, they will be modified according to BLM Manual 1737 when they are scheduled for replacement or major As a general practice, new roads will not be bladed for use in maintenance. fence construction. Vehicles will travel overland, or fences will be built by hand. As a general practice, new roads will not be bladed for use in fence construction. Vehicles will travel overland, or fences will All livestock waters will provide safe, usable water for wildlife. be built by hand. As funding and opportunities permit, existing facilities will be modified for safe wildlife use. The following standards apply to All livestock waters will provide safe, usable water for wildlife. design and modification of livestock waters. As funding and opportunities permit, existing facilities will be modified for safe wildlife use. The following standards apply to • The above-ground height of livestock troughs and tanks design and modification of livestock waters. will not exceed 20 inches. BLM will install wildlife escape ladders in each facility and provide ramps for • The above-ground height of livestock troughs and tanks small bird and mammal access. Storage tanks will have will not exceed 20 inches. BLM will install wildlife either a metal or floating vinyl cover to reduce escape ladders in each facility and provide ramps for evaporation and prevent wildlife from drowning. small bird and mammal access. Storage tanks will have • Ground-level wildlife water developments will be either a metal or floating vinyl cover to reduce established on livestock waters where feasible. An evaporation and prevent wildlife from drowning. exclosure of three to seven acres containing the water • Ground-level wildlife water developments will be source, storage, and related riparian habitat will be built established on livestock waters where feasible. An to exclude livestock. Where terrain permits, livestock exclosure of three to seven acres containing the water water will be provided at least 0.25 miles outside of the source, storage, and related riparian habitat will be built fenced exclosure. to exclude livestock. Where terrain permits, livestock • Developed spring storage and adjacent riparian habitat water will be provided at least 0.25 miles outside of the will be fenced to exclude livestock. fenced exclosure. • Where practical, water troughs and tanks will be kept full • Developed spring storage and adjacent riparian habitat year-round to provide a continuous water supply for will be fenced to exclude livestock. wildlife. • Where practical, water troughs and tanks will be kept full year-round to provide a continuous water supply for Domestic sheep grazing will not be allowed on allotments wildlife. containing bighorn sheep habitats to avoid transmittal of diseases. Domestic sheep grazing will not be allowed on allotments containing bighorn sheep habitats to avoid transmittal of BLM will initiate a cooperative Habitat Management Plan with diseases. Arizona Game and Fish Department to address critical wildlife habitat needs in the Lower Gila South Planning Area. BLM will initiate a cooperative Habitat Management Plan with Arizona Game and Fish Department to address critical wildlife A management plan for the Fred J. Weiler Green Belt will be habitat needs in the Lower Gila South Planning Area. developed in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the BLM. A management plan for the Fred J. Weiler Green Belt will be developed in cooperation with the Arizona Game and Fish Establish wildlife inventories and monitoring for game and non- Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the BLM. game species [Goldwater]. Establish wildlife inventories and monitoring for game and non- game species [Goldwater].2 Support continued Sonoran pronghorn monitoring and recovery

41 Support continued Sonoran pronghorn monitoring and recovery efforts, including specific recovery efforts stipulated in the EMP efforts, including specific recovery efforts stipulated in the EMP [Goldwater]. [Goldwater]. Avoid new surface disturbing activities within six miles of Avoid new surface disturbing activities within six miles of permanent water sources within Sonoran pronghorn antelope permanent water sources within Sonoran pronghorn antelope range [Goldwater]. range [Goldwater]. Remove trespass livestock [Goldwater]. Remove trespass livestock [Goldwater]. WL-1. Phoenix Field Office personnel will participate, when Inventory, categorize and manage desert tortoise habitat on the asked and when appropriate, in public events such as fairs and BGR consistent with Desert Tortoise Habitat Management on open houses with information and displays showing the the Public Lands: A Rangewide Plan (BLM 1988) [Goldwater].* management of public lands including desert tortoise habitat.

WL-2. The Phoenix Field Office will develop a public brochure on desert tortoise.

WL-3. The MFP and RMP planning areas have been inventoried for desert tortoise habitat and habitat categories have been established (map 4, appendix 4). These boundaries may be slightly altered as new and better information becomes available on population distributions and dynamics.

WL-4. Three one-square-mile study plots in the Maricopa, Harcuvar, and Harquahala mountains will be read every five years to monitor desert tortoise populations and habitat.

WF-5. Records of environmental assessments that contain stipulations pertaining to the desert tortoise will be maintained for the express purpose of tracking compliance and effectiveness of the stipulations.

WF-6. An annual summary of the environmental assessments of actions in desert tortoise habitats will be provided to the Arizona State Office.

WL-7. The Phoenix Field Office will comply with Section 2 of the Endangered Species Act and BLM policy for managing habitat of candidate species to ensure that the Sonoran population of the desert tortoise does not become threatened or endangered through BLM actions.

WL-8. The Phoenix Field Office will continue to work with, share information, and support to the extent possible the interests and work of other agencies and public entities concerning tortoise populations and habitat management.

WL-9. The Phoenix Field Office will forward tortoise-related research proposals received to the Desert Tortoise Management Oversight Group.

42 WL-10. Specific and quantifiable desert tortoise management objectives for categorized habitat will be included at the interdisciplinary planning level.

WL-11. Environmental decision documents for all actions occurring in desert tortoise habitat will address and include mitigation measures sufficient to offset, to the extent possible, any loss of tortoise habitat quantity or quality in category I, II, and III habitats.

WL-12. New land uses will be granted in category I, II, and III tortoise habitats only if no reasonable alternative exists. If no alternative exists, mitigation, including compensation, will be evaluated to meet the no net loss goal.

WL-13. Competitive off-highway-vehicle race courses are prohibited in category I desert tortoise habitat.

WL-14. Competitive off-highway-vehicle race courses will not be located in category II desert tortoise habitat unless no reasonable alternative site exists. If no reasonable alternative site exists, impacts will be fully mitigated.

WL-15. Competitive off-highway-vehicle race courses will be evaluated in category III desert tortoise habitat and impacts will be mitigated.

WL-16. Categorized desert tortoise habitat will be reviewed in relation to ongoing livestock use on public lands in the MFP and RMP planning areas; forage needs of desert tortoise and ecological site potential will be considered in determining and prioritizing the resolution of conflicts.

WL-17. In category I and II desert tortoise habitat, only those range improvements for livestock that do not conflict with desert tortoise habitat or populations will be allowed.

WL-18. New wildlife improvements will be allowed in category I and II desert tortoise habitats only if there is no conflict with desert tortoise habitat populations or habitat.

WL-19. Information on predation of desert tortoises will be collected as opportunities arise.

WL-20. BLM actions in desert tortoise habitats will be evaluated to assure that they do not encourage the proliferation or range expansion of predator populations.

WL-21. The Phoenix Field Office will use the BLM’s discretionary authorities relating to leasable and salable minerals

43 to meet the desert tortoise habitat category goals and objectives.

WL-22. Boulder sale permits will be restricted to areas that will result in no net loss of tortoise habitat.

WL-23. The Arizona Game and Fish Department, in cooperation with the Phoenix Field Office, may use re- establishment and augmentation to assist desert bighorn sheep populations in reaching their natural potential.

WL-24. Re-establishment and augmentation of desert bighorn sheep populations will be done in areas where conflicts with other uses and resources do not occur, or where conflicts can be resolved.

WL-25. Final decisions on re-establishment and augmentation proposals will be considered on a case-by-case basis within the appropriate level of National Environmental Policy Act documentation that addresses conflicts and meets the requirement for public participation.

Wild Horse and Burro Management Wild Horse and Burro Management Wild Horse and Burro Management

Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan None. No decisions pertaining to the management of wild LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.1. Maintain a viable, color-diverse burro horses and burros were approved. population of 200 animals in the Alamo HMA; however, burro LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.1. Maintain a viable, color-diverse burro numbers in the remaining herd areas should be reduced to 0 by population of 200 animals in the Alamo HMA; however, burro 1986. numbers in the remaining herd areas should be reduced to 0 by 1986. LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.2. Maintain free access for wild burros to livestock-watering facilities in the Alamo Herd Area. LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.2. Maintain free access for wild burros to livestock-watering facilities in the Alamo Herd Area. LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.3. Maintain access to Alamo Lake for the wild burro herd in the Alamo HMA. LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.3. Maintain access to Alamo Lake for the wild burro herd in the Alamo HMA. LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.4. Designate a wild-burro viewing route within the Alamo HMA and sign with on-the-ground LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.4. Designate a wild-burro viewing route interpretative [sic] signs. Also, post signs which provide a within the Alamo HMA and sign with on-the-ground telephone number that citizens may call to report violations of interpretative [sic] signs. Also, post signs which provide a the Wild Horse and Burro Act. telephone number that citizens may call to report violations of the Wild Horse and Burro Act. LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.5. Limit or modify construction of new structures within Herd Management Areas which would restrict LGN-MFP-3-RM-3.5. Limit or modify construction of new burro movement. structures within Herd Management Areas which would restrict burro movement. After the filing of the final RMP/EIS, BLM will prepare a burro capture plan in consultation with appropriate government Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan agencies and interest groups. All burros would be removed from the Painted Rock Reservoir area. Details for the burro capture After the filing of the final RMP/EIS, BLM will prepare a burro program would be outlined in a herd management area plan

44 capture plan in consultation with appropriate government (HMAP). agencies and interest groups. All burros would be removed from the Painted Rock Reservoir area. Details for the burro capture program would be outlined in a herd management area plan (HMAP).

Recreation Management Recreation Management Recreation Management

Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan RR-1. Management of recreation opportunities and LGN-MFP-3-R-1.1. a) Designate Vulture Mine Road from developments will be evaluated using two inventory and Highway 60 south to the Vulture Mine as a scenic drive by 1984 LGN-MFP-3-R-1.1. a) Designate Vulture Mine Road from management tools called the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum and establish a scenic corridor ½ mile on either side of the road; Highway 60 south to the Vulture Mine as a scenic drive by 1984 (map 5, appendix 5) and Visual Resource Management (map 6, b) Interpret, through signing, the existing scenic, geologic and and establish a scenic corridor ½ mile on either side of the road; appendix 6). botanic values in T.6 N., R. 5 W., sec. 6. b) Interpret, through signing, the existing scenic, geologic and botanic values in T.6 N., R. 5 W., sec. 6. RR-2. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classifications will be LGN-MFP-3-R-1.4. a) Manage public lands in T. 10 N., R. 4 reviewed, refined, and adopted during interdisciplinary planning. W., sec. 26 G&SRBM for their scenic values; b) Interpret the LGN-MFP-3-R-1.4. a) Manage public lands in T. 10 N., R. 4 history, geology, and hazards to human safety of the area near W., sec. 26 G&SRBM for their scenic values; b) Interpret the RR-3. Existing visual resource inventory classes of the RMP the privately owned Placerita Mining Camp. This decision has history, geology, and hazards to human safety of the area near will be adopted as management classes. been modified by deleting interpretive signs but still manage for the privately owned Placerita Mining Camp. This decision has protection. been modified by deleting interpretive signs but still manage for RR-4. All MFP visual resource management classes will be protection. brought forward. LGN-MFP-3-R-2.1. a) Establish a hiking and horseback riding trail system near Wickenburg. The width and exact routing of LGN-MFP-3-R-2.1. a) Establish a hiking and horseback riding RR-5. Visual resource management classes will be reviewed the trail will be determined through a process of close trail system near Wickenburg. The width and exact routing of and refined during future interdisciplinary planning. consultation with the concerned public. Identify the trail by the trail will be determined through a process of close standard trail markers and install hazard warnings where needed; consultation with the concerned public. Identify the trail by RR-6. Scenic corridors and potential backcountry byways will b) Work with the Desert Caballeros of Wickenburg to establish a standard trail markers and install hazard warnings where needed; receive priority evaluation of visual resources to determine trail system between Wickenburg and Wagoner to ensure b) Work with the Desert Caballeros of Wickenburg to establish a appropriate future classifications. continuous management on public lands. trail system between Wickenburg and Wagoner to ensure continuous management on public lands. RR-7. All wildernesses including the Harcuvar Mountains, LGN-MFP-3-R-3.1. Continue to protect and interpret the Rawhide Mountains, Eagletail Mountains, and New Water Harquahala Peak observatory site. LGN-MFP-3-R-3.1. Continue to protect and interpret the Mountains within the Yuma and Lake Havasu field office areas Harquahala Peak observatory site. are designated Class 1 Visual Resource Management areas (map LGN-MFP-3-R-4.1. No new land will be acquired in this area 6). [former Saddle Mountain Wilderness Study Area]. If Saddle LGN-MFP-3-R-4.1. No new land will be acquired in this area Mountain is rejected as a wilderness area, no new roads will be [former Saddle Mountain Wilderness Study Area]. If Saddle RR-8. All unclassified lands of the MFP and RMP planning allowed but it will be designated as a recreation and rock-hound Mountain is rejected as a wilderness area, no new roads will be areas are established as Visual Resource Management Class III area. allowed but it will be designated as a recreation and rock-hound areas, subject to review and refinement during future area. interdisciplinary planning (map 6). LGN-MFP-3-R-5.3. Designate Peeples Canyon and Grapevine Springs closed to off-road vehicle use. LGN-MFP-3-R-5.3. Designate Peeples Canyon and Grapevine RR-9. All public lands described in the MFP and RMP are Springs closed to off-road vehicle use. designated as "limited," except wilderness—which is closed to The Vekol Valley Grassland and Coffee Pot Botanical Area motor vehicles, and relinquished portions of the Barry M. ACECs will be closed to recreational ORV use in accordance LGN-MFP-3-R-6.1. a) Develop a recreation brochure for the Goldwater Range—which remain restricted to entry by permit with 43 CFR, Part 8340, Subpart 8342. LGN Planning Area; b) Increase public contact through use of only. Off-highway and special recreation vehicles are limited to suggestion boxes at interpretive sites.* existing and/or designated roads and vehicle routes. No Enforce all BGR public access permit requirements developed unauthorized cross-country vehicle travel is permitted. Creation by BLM, USAF, and USMC [Goldwater]. LGN-MFP-3-R-10.1. a) Recognize areas proposed as Class II of unauthorized new trails and widening or extending existing Develop a computerized and uniform permitting system visual management being an area where contrast may be seen trails is not permitted. This includes lands transferred to the [Goldwater].

45 but should not attract attention. Manage visual resources using Kingman, Lake Havasu and Yuma field offices. Develop an action plan or related agreement stipulating inter- existing utility corridors (refer to Lands for existing corridors); agency law enforcement obligations, search and rescue b) Recognize areas proposed as Class II[I] visual resource RR-10. Single- or multiple-use off-highway and special responsibilities, radio communications and other matters of management areas as being an area that contrast may be evident recreation vehicle areas, routes, and management strategies will mutual concern among affected BGR agencies and law and begin to attract attention. Manage visual resources using be designated and developed through interdisciplinary plans. enforcement jurisdictions [Goldwater]. existing utility corridors (refer to Lands for existing corridors); Planning shall address limits of acceptable change indicators and c) Recognize areas proposed as Class IV visual resource standards, conflicts, issues, and solutions to vehicle management Prohibit woodcutting and wood collection for commercial or management areas as being an area that a contrast may attract problems. domestic use and issue no wood cutting permits for BGR lands attention and be a dominant feature in the landscape. Manage [Goldwater]. visual resources by using existing utility corridors (refer to RR-11. Roads and trails used as race courses will be evaluated Lands for existing corridors). Refer to Scenic for no action, closure, rehabilitation, or upgrading and Prohibit woodcutting and collection of dead and down wood in Recommendations in Recreation Objective 1.* authorization as race courses. ACEC’s [Goldwater].

Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan RR-12. Site-specific inventories will be conducted to delineate Adopt appropriate USAF Rules of Conduct and USAF Range existing roads and vehicle routes as requested by the authorized Clearance Noncompliance Policies for the BGR [Goldwater]. The plan limits ORV use to existing and/or designated roads, officer. trails, and vehicle routes. ORV closures may be made on areas RR-1. Management of recreation opportunities and where ORV use is determined to be causing irreparable harm to RR-13. Approved hiking and equestrian trails are closed to developments will be evaluated using two inventory and the existing resources. This applies to all public lands in the unauthorized motorized use. management tools called the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum LGS planning area except for those specific areas identified for (map 5, appendix 5) and Visual Resource Management (map 6, closure. Cross-country vehicle travel will be permitted only RR-14. Road or area closures will be enacted where off- appendix 6). when a specific authorized task requires such use and only in highway or special recreation vehicle use is determined to be areas where such use would not cause unnecessary or undue inconsistent with established Recreation Opportunity Spectrum RR-2. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classifications will be resource damage. Random off-road travel which results in the classifications (map 5) and/or such use is causing harm to reviewed, refined, and adopted during interdisciplinary planning. creation of new trails or the widening or extension of existing natural or cultural resources. trails is not permitted.* RR-3. Existing visual resource inventory classes of the RMP RR-15. Cross-country vehicle travel will be permitted only will be adopted as management classes. Wilderness study area lands not designated as wilderness by when specifically authorized to complete a task which requires Congress will be managed as limited ORV use areas as such use, and only in areas where such use will not cause RR-4. All MFP visual resource management classes will be described above.* unnecessary or undue resource impacts. brought forward.

Site specific designation (limited, closed, open) will be made as RR-16. Off-highway vehicle designations for relinquished RR-5. Visual resource management classes will be reviewed circumstances warrant. This will be done through the planning portions of the Barry M. Goldwater Range are retained—a and refined during future interdisciplinary planning. process, with full public participation.* permit is required for entry to these lands and motorized travel is limited to designated and/or established routes. RR-6. Scenic corridors and potential backcountry byways will The Vekol Valley Grassland and Coffee Pot Botanical Area receive priority evaluation of visual resources to determine ACECs will be closed to recreational ORV use in accordance RR-17. Wilderness is closed to mechanized use. The provisions appropriate future classifications. with 43 CFR, Part 8340, Subpart 8342. of existing wilderness management plans and wildlife operations and maintenance plans pertaining to motorized and mechanized RR-7. All wildernesses including the Harcuvar Mountains, Visual resources will continue to be evaluated as a part of administrative uses in wilderness will remain in effect. Rawhide Mountains, Eagletail Mountains, and New Water activity and project planning. These evaluations will consider Mountains within the Yuma and Lake Havasu field office areas the significance of a proposed project and the visual sensitivity RR-18. Brochures, maps, and information sheets featuring off- are designated Class 1 Visual Resource Management areas (map of the affected area. Stipulations will be attached as appropriate highway and special recreation vehicle information will be 6). to assure compatibility of projects with management objectives developed and disseminated to the public. for visual resources. On BLM lands where classes have not RR-8. All unclassified lands of the MFP and RMP planning been established, the lands will be managed as VRM Class III. RR-19. Four special recreation management areas are areas are established as Visual Resource Management Class III All wilderness study areas will be managed as VRM Class II, established (Ajo, Gila Trail, Saddle Mountain, and Vulture areas, subject to review and refinement during future and designated wilderness areas as VRM Class I.* Mountains) and one is revised (Sentinel Plain) (map 8). interdisciplinary planning (map 6).

Establish visual resource management classes for the BRG RR-20. Interdisciplinary planning, including public RR-9. All public lands described in the MFP and RMP are

46 [Goldwater].* involvement, will be completed for all special recreation designated as "limited," except wilderness—which is closed to management areas to establish boundaries, type and level of motor vehicles, and relinquished portions of the Barry M. Enforce all BGR public access permit requirements developed facility development, resolve and mitigate impacts to other Goldwater Range—which remain restricted to entry by permit by BLM, USAF, and USMC [Goldwater]. resources, evaluate and refine existing Recreation Opportunity only. Off-highway and special recreation vehicles are limited to Spectrum and Visual Resource Management classes, improve existing and/or designated roads and vehicle routes. No Develop a computerized and uniform permitting system recreational opportunities, and reduce conflicts among public unauthorized cross-country vehicle travel is permitted. Creation [Goldwater]. land users. of unauthorized new trails and widening or extending existing trails is not permitted. This includes lands transferred to the Prepare and issue visitor use maps and related materials for the RR-21. A "designated routes only" off-highway and special Kingman, Lake Havasu and Yuma field offices. BGR [Goldwater].* recreation vehicle classification will be enacted on a management area, or on a site-specific basis, when needed for RR-10. Single- or multiple-use off-highway and special Establish in coordination with the USAF, USMC, USFWS, and resource protection or to ensure consistency with Recreation recreation vehicle areas, routes, and management strategies will the AGFD a BGR environmental education program Opportunity Spectrum classifications. be designated and developed through interdisciplinary plans. [Goldwater].* Planning shall address limits of acceptable change indicators and RR-22. The Vulture Mountains Special Recreation standards, conflicts, issues, and solutions to vehicle management Implement a BGR signing program [Goldwater].* Management Area, to include lands surrounding Vulture Peak, problems. the Vulture Mine, and the Vulture Mountains, is established to Develop an action plan or related agreement stipulating inter- emphasize diverse recreational opportunities including trails, RR-11. Roads and trails used as race courses will be evaluated agency law enforcement obligations, search and rescue natural and historic interpretation, camping, and off-highway for no action, closure, rehabilitation, or upgrading and responsibilities, radio communications and other matters of and special recreation vehicle use areas. authorization as race courses. mutual concern among affected BGR agencies and law enforcement jurisdictions [Goldwater]. RR-23. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values RR-12. Site-specific inventories will be conducted to delineate and improve visitor safety and recreational opportunities are existing roads and vehicle routes as requested by the authorized Prepare recreation plans or appropriate management authorized. officer. prescriptions for the Sentinel Plain Lava Flow Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), Crater Range SRMA, RR-24. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand RR-13. Approved hiking and equestrian trails are closed to Mohawk and Sand Dunes ACEC, Camino del Diablo for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will be unauthorized motorized use. Backcountry Byway, the Yuma Desert and Sand Dunes Habitat developed. Management Area, and the Gran Desierto Dunes ACEC RR-14. Road or area closures will be enacted where off- [Goldwater].* RR-25. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided as highway or special recreation vehicle use is determined to be needed. inconsistent with established Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Identify and survey sites suitable for installation of primitive or classifications (map 5) and/or such use is causing harm to minimally developed campground facilities [Goldwater].* RR-26. The Gila Trail Special Recreation Management Area, to natural or cultural resources. include lands surrounding the Gila Trail, the Butterfield Permit vehicle-based camping on all BGR lands within 50 feet Overland Stage Route, the Anza National Historic Trail, the RR-15. Cross-country vehicle travel will be permitted only of roads except where otherwise posted or restricted for public Southern Overland Trail, the Mormon Battalion Trail, the when specifically authorized to complete a task which requires safety or resource protection purposes [Goldwater].* Oatman Massacre Site, the Painted Rock Mountains, and such use, and only in areas where such use will not cause associated cultural and recreational features, is established. unnecessary or undue resource impacts. Permit primitive camping on BGR lands unless otherwise posted, and prohibit camping within one-quarter mile of water RR-27. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values RR-16. Off-highway vehicle designations for relinquished sources [Goldwater].* and improve visitor safety and recreational opportunities are portions of the Barry M. Goldwater Range are retained—a authorized in areas classified as rural, roaded-natural, or semi- permit is required for entry to these lands and motorized travel is Prohibit woodcutting and wood collection for commercial or primitive motorized. limited to designated and/or established routes. domestic use and issue no wood cutting permits for BGR lands [Goldwater]. RR-28. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand RR-17. Wilderness is closed to mechanized use. The provisions for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will be of existing wilderness management plans and wildlife operations Prohibit woodcutting and collection of dead and down wood in developed. and maintenance plans pertaining to motorized and mechanized ACEC’s [Goldwater]. RR-29. Surface-disturbing activities within one-quarter mile of administrative uses in wilderness will remain in effect. Implement a maximum 14-day length-of-stay limit for historic and prehistoric trail segments will be mitigated. recreational camping within any 23-day period on BGR lands RR-30. All off-highway vehicle routes will be inventoried and RR-18. Brochures, maps, and information sheets featuring off-

47 [Goldwater].* designated. highway and special recreation vehicle information will be developed and disseminated to the public. Adopt appropriate USAF Rules of Conduct and USAF Range RR-31. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided as Clearance Noncompliance Policies for the BGR [Goldwater]. needed. RR-19. Four special recreation management areas are established (Ajo, Gila Trail, Saddle Mountain, and Vulture RR-32. The Saddle Mountain Special Recreation Management Mountains) and one is revised (Sentinel Plain) (map 8). Area, to include the public lands containing Saddle Mountain and the Palo Verde Hills, is established to emphasize provision RR-20. Interdisciplinary planning, including public of geologic, cultural, and wildlife interpretive sites; protection of involvement, will be completed for all special recreation the area's scenic landscapes and vistas; and promotion of management areas to establish boundaries, type and level of recreational opportunities. facility development, resolve and mitigate impacts to other resources, evaluate and refine existing Recreation Opportunity RR-33. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values Spectrum and Visual Resource Management classes, improve and improve visitor safety and recreational opportunities are recreational opportunities, and reduce conflicts among public authorized for the northern and northeastern portions of the area. land users.

RR-34. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand RR-21. A "designated routes only" off-highway and special for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will be recreation vehicle classification will be enacted on a developed. management area, or on a site-specific basis, when needed for resource protection or to ensure consistency with Recreation RR-35. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided as Opportunity Spectrum classifications. needed. RR-22. The Vulture Mountains Special Recreation RR-36. The southern and western portions of the area will be Management Area, to include lands surrounding Vulture Peak, maintained as remote and mostly undeveloped. the Vulture Mine, and the Vulture Mountains, is established to emphasize diverse recreational opportunities including trails, RR-37. The Ajo Special Recreation Management Area, to natural and historic interpretation, camping, and off-highway include the entire Ajo Management Area, is established. and special recreation vehicle use areas.

RR-38. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values RR-23. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values and improve visitor safety and recreational opportunities are and improve visitor safety and recreational opportunities are authorized. authorized.

RR-39. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand RR-24. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will be for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will developed. be developed.

RR-40. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided as RR-25. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided needed. as needed.

RR-41. The Sentinel Plain Lava Flow Special Recreation RR-26. The Gila Trail Special Recreation Management Area, to Management Areas is restricted to entry by permit only. include lands surrounding the Gila Trail, the Butterfield Existing boundaries may be adjusted through interdisciplinary Overland Stage Route, the Anza National Historic Trail, the planning to respond to changing land uses. Southern Overland Trail, the Mormon Battalion Trail, the Oatman Massacre Site, the Painted Rock Mountains, and RR-42. Existing prescriptions authorized by the Goldwater associated cultural and recreational features, is established. Amendment (BLM, 1990) will be brought forward without change. RR-27. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values and improve visitor safety and recreational opportunities are RR-43. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values authorized in areas classified as rural, roaded-natural, or semi-

48 and improve recreational opportunities and visitor safety are primitive motorized. authorized. RR-28. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand RR-44. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will be be developed. evaluated. RR-29. Surface-disturbing activities within one-quarter mile RR-45. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided as of historic and prehistoric trail segments will be mitigated. needed. RR-30. All off-highway vehicle routes will be inventoried RR-46. Project level planning for the extensive recreation and designated. management area will be conducted on a case-by-case basis. RR-31. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided RR-47. Primitive facilities are authorized where needed for as needed. resource protection, visitor safety, improvement of the recreation experience, or increasing recreational opportunities. RR-32. The Saddle Mountain Special Recreation Management Area, to include the public lands containing Saddle Mountain RR-48. Camping locations, camping stay limits, off-highway and the Palo Verde Hills, is established to emphasize provision and special recreation vehicle use, and utilization of the existing of geologic, cultural, and wildlife interpretive sites; protection of natural resources will be established. the area's scenic landscapes and vistas; and promotion of recreational opportunities. RR-49. Long- and short-term camping areas, commercial or competitive off-highway and special recreation vehicle use RR-33. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values areas, scenic turnouts, cultural interpretive sites, hiking, and improve visitor safety and recreational opportunities are equestrian or mountain bike trails, road and portal signage, and authorized for the northern and northeastern portions of the road maintenance will be evaluated. area.

RR-50. A "designated routes only" off-highway and special RR-34. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand vehicle classification will be established on a site-specific basis for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will when needed for resource protection or to maintain consistency be developed. with Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classifications. RR-35. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided RR-51. The existing 14-day camping stay limit and all as needed. associated policy will be maintained throughout the planning area unless otherwise designated by the authorized officer or RR-36. The southern and western portions of the area will be through project planning. Areas may be closed for resource maintained as remote and mostly undeveloped. protection, rehabilitation, or to reduce conflicts with other uses. RR-37. The Ajo Special Recreation Management Area, to RR-52. Camping facilities and length-of-stay limits may be include the entire Ajo Management Area, is established. established as prescribed below for dispersed camping, long- term visitor areas, extended camping areas, and short-term RR-38. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values camping areas (see Glossary). and improve visitor safety and recreational opportunities are authorized. RR-53. Camping will be permitted on all public lands unless otherwise designated, closed, or restricted for resource RR-39. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand protection. for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will be developed. RR-54. Self-contained or vehicle-based camping will be permitted within 50 feet of the centerline of designated or RR-40. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided existing routes. Cross-country travel to campsites is not as needed.

49 permitted. RR-41. The Sentinel Plain Lava Flow Special Recreation Management Areas is restricted to entry by permit only. RR-55. Trailhead facilities will be closed to overnight camping Existing boundaries may be adjusted through interdisciplinary upon written approval of the field manager. planning to respond to changing land uses.

RR-56. Long-term visitor areas (LTVAs) will be defined on the RR-42. Existing prescriptions authorized by the Goldwater ground with fences or signs. Each LTVA will include Amendment (BLM, 1990) will be brought forward without designated roads, designated campsites, and amenities to support change. long-term camping occupancy. RR-43. Facilities and maintenance to protect resource values RR-57. The following resource factors will be considered for and improve recreational opportunities and visitor safety are implementation and development of LTVAs: authorized.

• Permitted only in rural or roaded natural Recreation RR-44. Single-use and multiple-use trails to meet the demand Opportunity Spectrum classes. for hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking opportunities will • Location on rocky or resilient soils. be evaluated. • Well-maintained ingress and egress routes. • Location within 30 miles of local community. RR-45. Signing, regulations, and brochures will be provided • Location outside of category I or II desert tortoise as needed. habitat. • Mitigation if located in Category III desert tortoise RR-46. Project level planning for the extensive recreation habitat. management area will be conducted on a case-by-case basis. • Location with no cultural resource conflicts. RR-47. Primitive facilities are authorized where needed for • Location outside of burro herd management areas. resource protection, visitor safety, improvement of the • Location of developments in a manner that "is not recreation experience, or increasing recreational opportunities. likely to adversely affect" threatened or endangered

species and their habitats. RR-48. Camping locations, camping stay limits, off-highway • Location outside of riparian areas. and special recreation vehicle use, and utilization of the • Location outside of areas of critical environmental existing natural resources will be established. concern and wild and scenic river areas. RR-49. Long- and short-term camping areas, commercial or RR-58. The following operating rules will be considered for competitive off-highway and special recreation vehicle use LTVA development and use: areas, scenic turnouts, cultural interpretive sites, hiking, equestrian or mountain bike trails, road and portal signage, • Long-term camping will be restricted to the term of and road maintenance will be evaluated. the permit. • Long-term camping will be restricted to designated RR-50. A "designated routes only" off-highway and special sites. vehicle classification will be established on a site-specific • Services may be provided by contract or local basis when needed for resource protection or to maintain vendor, but the costs of services (firewood, consistency with Recreation Opportunity Spectrum sanitation, trash, water, etc.) will be the responsibility classifications. of each occupant. • Users will be required to comply with all other RR-51. The existing 14-day camping stay limit and all LTVA regulations. associated policy will be maintained throughout the planning • LTVA users must comply with all local, state, and area unless otherwise designated by the authorized officer or federal laws. through project planning. Areas may be closed for resource • LTVA supplementary rules may be enacted as protection, rehabilitation, or to reduce conflicts with other uses. needed. RR-52. Camping facilities and length-of-stay limits may be

50 RR-59. Other regulations and conditions for LTVA use will be established as prescribed below for dispersed camping, long- identified as required during interdisciplinary project planning. term visitor areas, extended camping areas, and short-term If, during the planning process, the interdisciplinary project camping areas (see Glossary). planning team determines that modifications need to be made to the guidelines listed above those modifications may be made RR-53. Camping will be permitted on all public lands unless without the need for a planning amendment. Other regulations otherwise designated, closed, or restricted for resource and conditions identified during ongoing operation of LTVAs protection. will require public notification. RR-54. Self-contained or vehicle-based camping will be RR-60. Extended camping areas will be defined on the ground permitted within 50 feet of the centerline of designated or with fences or signs. Each such area will include designated existing routes. Cross-country travel to campsites is not roads, designated campsites, and amenities to support extended permitted. camping occupancy. RR-55. Trailhead facilities will be closed to overnight camping RR-61. Interdisciplinary planning will evaluate and authorize upon written approval of the field manager. up to six extended camping areas where historic use patterns equate to this type of use, and potential new areas are identified RR-56. Long-term visitor areas (LTVAs) will be defined on the that would be suitable for extended camping. ground with fences or signs. Each LTVA will include designated roads, designated campsites, and amenities to support RR-62. The following resource factors will be considered for long-term camping occupancy. implementation and development of extended camping areas: RR-57. The following resource factors will be considered for • Location only in rural, roaded natural, or semi- implementation and development of LTVAs: primitive motorized Recreation Opportunity Spectrum classes. • Permitted only in rural or roaded natural Recreation • Topographic or vegetative screening. Opportunity Spectrum classes. • Suitable ingress and egress routes. • Location on rocky or resilient soils. • Location on rocky or resilient soils. • Well-maintained ingress and egress routes. • Location within 30 miles of local community. • Location within 30 miles of local community. • Location outside of Category I desert tortoise habitat. • Location outside of category I or II desert tortoise

• Mitigation if located in category II or III desert habitat.

tortoise habitat. • Mitigation if located in Category III desert tortoise

• Location with no cultural resource conflicts. habitat.

• Location outside of burro herd management areas. • Location with no cultural resource conflicts.

• Location outside of burro herd management areas. • Location in a manner that "is not likely to adversely • Location of developments in a manner that "is not affect" threatened or endangered species and their likely to adversely affect" threatened or endangered habitats. species and their habitats. • Location outside of riparian areas. • Location outside of areas of critical environmental • Location outside of riparian areas. concern and wild and scenic river areas. • Location outside of areas of critical environmental concern and wild and scenic river areas. RR-63. The following operating rules will be considered for extended camping area development and use: RR-58. The following operating rules will be considered for LTVA development and use: • Camping restricted to designated sites. • Services may be provided by contract or local • Long-term camping will be restricted to the term of vendor, but the costs of services (firewood, the permit. sanitation, trash, water, etc.) will be the responsibility • Long-term camping will be restricted to designated of each occupant. sites.

51 • Extended camping area visitors must comply with all • Services may be provided by contract or local local, state, and federal laws. vendor, but the costs of services (firewood, • Extended camping area supplementary rules may be sanitation, trash, water, etc.) will be the responsibility enacted as needed. of each occupant. • Users will be required to comply with all other RR-64. Other regulations and conditions for extended camping LTVA regulations. area use will be identified as required during interdisciplinary • LTVA users must comply with all local, state, and project planning. If, during the planning process, the federal laws. interdisciplinary project planning team determines that • LTVA supplementary rules may be enacted as modifications need to be made to the guidelines listed above needed. those modifications may be made without the need for a planning amendment. Other regulations and conditions RR-59. Other regulations and conditions for LTVA use will be identified during ongoing operation of extended camping areas identified as required during interdisciplinary project planning. will require public notification. If, during the planning process, the interdisciplinary project planning team determines that modifications need to be made to RR-65. Short-term camping areas will be designated only where the guidelines listed above those modifications may be made such use promotes resource protection and where all conflicts without the need for a planning amendment. Other regulations can be mitigated. Short-term camping areas will be defined on and conditions identified during ongoing operation of LTVAs the ground with fences or signs. will require public notification.

RR-66. Interdisciplinary planning will evaluate short-term RR-60. Extended camping areas will be defined on the ground camping areas where historic use patterns equate to this type of with fences or signs. Each such area will include designated use, and potential new areas are identified that would be suitable roads, designated campsites, and amenities to support extended for short-term camping. camping occupancy.

RR-67. The following resource factors will be considered for RR-61. Interdisciplinary planning will evaluate and authorize implementation and development of short-term camping areas: up to six extended camping areas where historic use patterns equate to this type of use, and potential new areas are identified • Primitive ingress and egress routes. that would be suitable for extended camping. • Location on rocky or resilient soils. • Mitigation if located in category I, II or III desert RR-62. The following resource factors will be considered for tortoise habitat. implementation and development of extended camping areas: • Location with no cultural resource conflicts. • Location outside of burro herd management areas. • Location only in rural, roaded natural, or semi-

• Location of developments in a manner that "is not primitive motorized Recreation Opportunity

likely to adversely affect" threatened or endangered Spectrum classes.

species and their habitats. • Topographic or vegetative screening.

• Location outside of wildernesses. • Suitable ingress and egress routes.

• Location on rocky or resilient soils. • Location outside of areas of critical environmental • Location within 30 miles of local community. concern and wild and scenic river areas. • Location outside of Category I desert tortoise habitat. RR-68. The following operating rules will be considered for • Mitigation if located in category II or III desert short-term camping area development and use: tortoise habitat. • Location with no cultural resource conflicts. • Camping will be restricted to the terms and • Location outside of burro herd management areas. conditions of that campground. • Location in a manner that "is not likely to adversely • Camping will be restricted to designated sites. affect" threatened or endangered species and their • Services may be provided by contract or local habitats. vendor, but the costs of services (firewood, • Location outside of riparian areas.

52 sanitation, trash, water, etc.) will be the responsibility • Location outside of areas of critical environmental of each occupant. concern and wild and scenic river areas. • Camping area users must comply with all local, state and federal laws. RR-63. The following operating rules will be considered for • Specific supplementary rules may be enacted as extended camping area development and use: needed. • Camping restricted to designated sites. RR-69. Other regulations and conditions for short-term camping • Services may be provided by contract or local area use will be identified as required during interdisciplinary vendor, but the costs of services (firewood, project planning. If, during the planning process, the sanitation, trash, water, etc.) will be the responsibility interdisciplinary project planning team determines that of each occupant. modifications need to be made to the guidelines listed above • Extended camping area visitors must comply with all those modifications may be made without the need for a local, state, and federal laws. planning amendment. Other regulations and conditions • Extended camping area supplementary rules may be identified during ongoing operation of short-term camping areas enacted as needed. will require public notification. RR-64. Other regulations and conditions for extended camping RR-70. Interdisciplinary planning will evaluate and authorize area use will be identified as required during interdisciplinary development of special use areas within the management areas. project planning. If, during the planning process, the interdisciplinary project planning team determines that modifications need to be made to the guidelines listed above those modifications may be made without the need for a planning amendment. Other regulations and conditions identified during ongoing operation of extended camping areas will require public notification.

RR-65. Short-term camping areas will be designated only where such use promotes resource protection and where all conflicts can be mitigated. Short-term camping areas will be defined on the ground with fences or signs.

RR-66. Interdisciplinary planning will evaluate short-term camping areas where historic use patterns equate to this type of use, and potential new areas are identified that would be suitable for short-term camping.

RR-67. The following resource factors will be considered for implementation and development of short-term camping areas:

• Primitive ingress and egress routes.

• Location on rocky or resilient soils.

• Mitigation if located in category I, II or III desert

tortoise habitat.

• Location with no cultural resource conflicts.

• Location outside of burro herd management areas.

• Location of developments in a manner that "is not

likely to adversely affect" threatened or endangered

species and their habitats.

• Location outside of wildernesses.

53 • Location outside of areas of critical environmental concern and wild and scenic river areas.

RR-68. The following operating rules will be considered for short-term camping area development and use:

• Camping will be restricted to the terms and conditions of that campground. • Camping will be restricted to designated sites. • Services may be provided by contract or local vendor, but the costs of services (firewood, sanitation, trash, water, etc.) will be the responsibility of each occupant. • Camping area users must comply with all local, state and federal laws. • Specific supplementary rules may be enacted as needed.

RR-69. Other regulations and conditions for short-term camping area use will be identified as required during interdisciplinary project planning. If, during the planning process, the interdisciplinary project planning team determines that modifications need to be made to the guidelines listed above those modifications may be made without the need for a planning amendment. Other regulations and conditions identified during ongoing operation of short-term camping areas will require public notification.

RR-70. Interdisciplinary planning will evaluate and authorize development of special use areas within the management areas.

Minerals (Oil and Natural Gas) Minerals (Oil and Natural Gas) Minerals (Oil and Natural Gas)

Lower Gila North Management Framework Plan MI-1. All lands in the planning area not closed to oil and gas MI-1. All lands in the planning area not closed to oil and gas leasing will remain open for such purposes. Approximately leasing will remain open for such purposes. Approximately No decisions relating to the management of oil and natural gas. 375,000 acres of federal minerals in wilderness are closed to oil 375,000 acres of federal minerals in wilderness are closed to oil and gas leasing. The approximately 1.6 million acres of federal and gas leasing. The approximately 1.6 million acres of federal Lower Gila South Resource Management Plan minerals remaining in the planning area are open to oil and gas minerals remaining in the planning area are open to oil and gas leasing. Conditions of approval and special stipulations will be leasing. Conditions of approval and special stipulations will be No decisions relating to the management of oil and natural gas. developed and incorporated as part of any operational permit developed and incorporated as part of any operational permit after site-specific environmental analyses are completed and after site-specific environmental analyses are completed and documented per the National Environmental Policy Act. documented per the National Environmental Policy Act. Stipulations will mitigate impacts to special status species, Stipulations will mitigate impacts to special status species, cultural areas, and other resources affected by leasing-related cultural areas, and other resources affected by leasing-related activities. activities.

1Decisions of the MFP and RMP that were replaced by the Amendment are denoted with an asterisk (*). 2[Goldwater] denotes decisions of the Goldwater Amendment to the RMP (BLM, 1990).

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Appendix 2. Standard Land Use Plan Decision Numbering Convention.

Standard Resource Categories: Abbreviation:

Administrative Actions ...... AA

Administrative Management (Administrative Sites, Agreements, etc.)...... AM

Cultural Resource Management...... CL

Fire Management ...... FM

Grazing Management...... GM

Hazardous Materials Management...... HM

Lands/Realty ...... LR

Minerals ...... MI

Paleontological Resources ...... PL

Recreation & Off-Highway Vehicles...... RR

Riparian...... RP

Soil, Water, Air (Watershed) ...... WS

Special Management Areas...... SM

Special Status Species...... TE

Term and Condition from a Biological Opinion...... TC

Transportation/Access...... TA

Vegetation Management & Forest and Woodland Management...... VM

Visual Resources Management...... VR

Wild and Scenic Rivers...... WR

Wilderness ...... WD

Wild and Free Roaming Horses and Burros ...... HB

Wildlife/Fisheries...... WF

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Appendix 3. Lands Identified for Disposal.

Parcels will be considered on a case-by-case basis. This list is not inclusive—some small parcels may not be listed.

Township/Range Section Subdivision Acres

T. 1 N., R. 3 W. 3 S½SE¼SW¼; 20.00 7 W½NE¼, E½NW¼. 160.00

T. 1 N., R. 4 W. 1 lots 1 through 4, incl., S½N½; 320.64 11 SE¼SW¼, SE¼; 200.00 12 all; 640.00 13 NE¼NE¼, E½NW¼NE¼, SW¼NW¼NE¼, N½N½SE¼NW¼, NE¼NW¼; 120.00 14 N½NE¼. 80.00

T. 6 N., R. 4 W. 11 SW¼SW¼; 40.00 14 SE¼NE¼, SE¼SE¼; 80.00 23 NW¼NE¼. 40.00

T. 1 N., R. 5 W. 27 SE¼SW¼. 40.00

T. 2 N., R. 5 W. 36 N½NE¼SW¼, SW¼NE¼SW¼, W½SW¼, W½SE¼SW¼. 130.00

T. 3 N., R. 5 W. 22 all; 640.00 23 S½; 320.00 25 all; 640.00 26 W½; 320.00 27 all; 640.00 34 W½; 320.00 35 W½. 320.00

T. 1 N., R. 6 W. 1 E½SW¼, W½SE¼; 160.00 17 SE¼; 160.00 20 N½NE¼. 80.00

T. 4 N., R. 6 W. 25 NW¼NW¼. 40.00

T. 7 N., R. 6 W. 17 S½NW¼SW¼, N½SW¼SW¼; 40.00 18 SE¼NE¼SE¼, NE¼SE¼SE¼; 20.00 27 N½, SW¼, N½SE¼, SW¼SE¼; 600.00 34 N½NW¼. 80.00

T. 2 N., R. 7 W. 17 W½NW¼; 80.00

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Township/Range Section Subdivision Acres

31 lots 1 and 2, NE¼, E½NW¼, lot 3 (portion north of Buckeye-Salome road), NE¼SW¼ (portion north of Buckeye-Salome road), N½SE¼ (portion north of Buckeye-Salome road). 317.89

T. 7 N., R. 7 W. 16 all; 640.00 33 NW¼. 160.00

T. 8 N., R. 7 W. 10 S½SE¼; 80.00 11 S½SW¼, SW¼SE¼; 120.00 14 NW¼NE¼, NW¼, N½SW¼; 280.00 15 NE¼, E½SE¼. 240.00

T. 2 N., R. 8 W. 7 lots 3 and 4, lot 2 (portion south of Interstate 10); 300.00 9 E½W½ (portion south of Interstate 10), SE¼ (portion south of Interstate 10); 2.50 34 all. 640.00

T. 2 N., R. 9 W. 8 all. 640.00

T. 3 N., R. 9 W. 31lots 1 and 2, E½NW¼; 240.00 32 SW¼SE¼, S½SE¼SE¼ (portion southwest of Buckeye-Salome road). 60.00

T. 2 N., R. 10 W. 2 lots 1 through 4, incl., S½N½, S½; 639.84 11 all. 640.00

T. 3 N., R. 10 W. 8 SW¼SW¼, S½SE¼SW¼; 60.00 25 SW¼NW¼ (portion southwest of Buckeye-Salome road). 40.00

T. 2 N., R. 11 W. 1 lots 1 through 4, incl., S½N½, SE¼. 480.00

T. 3 N., R. 11 W. 2 lots 1 through 4, S½N½, S½. 640.33

T. 3 N., R. 12 W. 16 all; 640.00 27 NW¼; 160.00 36 all. 640.00

T. 2 S., R. 1 W. 25 NW¼, SW¼; 320.00 26 N½, SE¼; 480.00

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Township/Range Section Subdivision Acres

27 E½; 320.00 34 NE¼; 160.00 35 all. 640.00

T. 3 S., R. 1 W. 1 lots 3 and 4, S½NW¼; 160.00 3 SE¼; 160.00 4 SE¼; 160.00 6 lots 1 through 7, incl., S½NE¼, SE¼NW¼, E½SW¼, NE¼SE¼. 509.96

T. 1 S., R. 2 W. 30 lot 1; 39.87 31 lots 3 and 4, E½SW¼; 159.92 32 SW¼SW¼, SE¼; 200.00 36 E½E½, NE¼NE¼NW¼NE¼, SW¼NE¼, W½SE¼. 282.50

T. 2 S., R. 2 W. 5 lots 1 and 2, SE¼NE¼; 117.29 6 N½SE¼; 80.00 18 lots 1 and 2, E½NW¼; 153.47 28 NW¼NE¼NE¼, N½SW¼NE¼NE¼, S½NE¼SW¼NE¼, N½SE¼SW¼NE¼, S½SW¼SW¼NE¼, N½NE¼NE¼NW¼, NW¼NE¼NW¼, SE¼SE¼NW¼, W½W½SW¼, SW¼NE¼SW¼, NW¼SE¼SW¼, S½SE¼SW¼, N½NE¼SE¼, SW¼NE¼SE¼, S½NE¼NW¼SE¼, S½SE¼NW¼SE¼, S½NE¼SW¼SE¼, SE¼SW¼SE¼, S½SW¼SW¼SE¼; 195.00 33 NW¼NE¼NE¼, W½NE¼, W½SE¼NE¼, S½NE¼SE¼NE¼, SE¼SE¼NE¼, N½NE¼NW¼, SE¼NE¼NW¼, SW¼NW¼NW¼, E½SE¼NW¼. 175.00

T. 3 S., R. 2 W. 1 SW¼SW¼. 40.00

T. 1 S., R. 3 W. 25 N½NE¼, W½SW¼NE¼, W½E½SW¼NE¼, W½W½SE¼, W½E½W½SE¼. 170.00

T. 2 S., R. 4 W. 36 all. 640.00

T. 3 S., R. 4 W. 2 SW¼, S½NW¼; 240.00 14 S½N½NW¼, S½N½N½NW¼; 60.00 27 NE¼. 160.00

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Township/Range Section Subdivision Acres

T. 4 S., R. 4 W. 3 SE¼; 160.00 10 E½; 320.00 22 E½W½; 160.00 27 E½W½. 160.00

T. 5 S., R. 4 W. 27 SE¼SE¼. 40.00

T. 6 S., R. 4 W. 19 lots 3 and 4, E½, E½SW¼; 473.39 31 lots 1 and 2, NE¼, E½NW¼. 313.81

T. 12 S., R. 5 W. 19 E½NE¼, SW¼NE¼, E½SW¼, SE¼; 360.00 30 E½, E½W½. 480.00

T. 13 S., R. 5 W. 25 SW¼SE¼; 40.00 25 E½NE¼NW¼NW¼; 5.00 25 E½SW¼SE¼NW¼, NW¼NE¼NE¼SW¼, N½NW¼NE¼SW¼, SE¼NE¼NW¼SW¼, N½S½NW¼NE¼SW¼; 17.50 25 SE¼SE¼NW¼SW¼; 2.50 35 E½SE¼ (portion east of Highway 85). 30.00

T. 1 S., R. 6 W. 4 SW¼NW¼, W½SE¼NW¼, SE¼SE¼NW¼; 70.00 5 lot 3, SE¼NW¼. 81.86

T. 12 S., R. 6 W. 10 E¼NE¼NE¼, W½SE¼NE¼, NE¼SE¼NE¼, S½SE¼SE¼NE¼, W½NW¼NW¼, SE¼NW¼NW¼, E½NE¼SW¼NW¼, NE¼NW¼SW¼; 100.00 11 N½, SW¼, E½SE¼; 560.00 12 NW¼; 160.00 22 M.S. 3895 in the SW¼; 21.00 27 lots 3 and 4, M.S. 4316 in the SW¼ and unsurveyed lot in the W½; 2.00 33 SE¼SW¼NE¼, NE¼SW¼SE¼; 20.00 35 lots 6 and 9. 40.84

T. 1 S., R. 7 W. 1 S½; 320.00 11 NE¼, SW¼, N½SE¼; 400.00 12 N½. 320.00

T. 6 S., R. 7 W. 15 SW¼; 160.00 23 NW¼SW¼, S½SW¼; 120.00 32 W½SW¼, SE¼SW¼, SE¼. 280.00

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Township/Range Section Subdivision Acres

T. 1 S., R. 9 W. 14NE¼, S½NW¼; 240.00 16 E½SE¼. 80.00

T. 4 S., R. 1 E. 31 E½; 320.00 34 E½; 320.00 35 W½. 320.00

T. 5 S., R. 1 E. 2 lots 1 through 4, incl., S½N½, S½; 640.16 3 lots 1 through 4, incl., S½N½, S½; 639.92 9 W½; 320.00 10 all; 640.00 11 W½; 320.00 13 SE¼SW¼, NE¼SE¼, S½SE¼. 160.00

T. 6 S., R. 2 E. 25 lots 7, 8, 17 through 24, incl., S½NW¼, SW¼; 637.56 27 S½S½SW¼. 40.00

T. 6 S., R. 3 E. 33 NW¼, S½. 480.00

T. 7 S., R. 3 E. 3 lots 1 through 4, incl., S½; 435.20 4 lots 1 through 4, incl., S½; 434.20 5 S½S½. 160.00

T. 5 S., R. 4 E. 13 NW¼. 160.00

T. 7 S., R. 4 E. 10 S½NE¼, SE¼; 240.00 15 NE¼SW¼; 40.00 21 W½SW¼; 80.00 27 all; 640.00 28 W½; 320.00 34 all; 640.00 35 W½. 320.00

Total 33,459.15

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Appendix 4. Goals and Criteria for Three Categories of Desert Tortoise Habitat.1

Category I Category II Category III Category Maintain stable, viable populations Maintain stable, Limit tortoise habitat and goals and protect existing tortoise habitat viable population declines to the values; increase populations where populations and extent possible by possible halt further mitigating impacts declines in tortoise habitat values

Criterion 1 Habitat area essential to Habitat area may Habitat area not essential maintenance of large viable be essential to to maintenance of viable populations maintenance of populations viable populations

Criterion 2 Conflicts resolvable Most conflicts Most conflicts not resolvable resolvable

Criterion 3 Medium to high density or low Medium to high Low to medium density density contiguous with medium or density or low not contiguous with high density density medium or high density contiguous with medium or high density

Criterion 4 Increasing, stable or decreasing Stable or Stable or decreasing population decreasing population population

1Criteria are ranked by importance to the categorization process with criterion 1 being the most important.

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Appendix 5. Recreation Opportunity Spectrum Classes.

The following chart describes each of the six Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) classes in terms of experience opportunities, setting opportunities, and activity opportunities. The descriptions provide an overview of the opportunities included in each class. The overview statements do not describe each class in detail, but rather provide a point of departure from which the planner or manager can develop more precise prescriptions for each class based on specific situations encountered in field operations. The listing of activity opportunities is provided for illustrative purposes and is not an all-inclusive list of activity opportunities on public lands.

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class descriptions

Opportunity Experience opportunity Setting opportunity Activity opportunity class

Primitive Opportunity for isolation Area is characterized by Camping, hiking, climbing, from the sights and essentially unmodified natural enjoying scenery or natural sounds of people, to feel environment of fairly large features, nature study, a part of the natural size. Concentration of users photography, spelunking, environment, to have a if very low and evidence of hunting (big game, small high degree of challenge other users is minimal. The game, upland birds, and risk and to use area is managed to be waterfowl), ski touring and outdoor skills. essentially free from evidence snowshoeing, swimming, of man-induced restrictions diving (skin and scuba), and controls. Only facilities fishing, canoeing, sailing essential for resource and river running protection are provided. (nonmotorized craft). Spacing of groups is informal and dispersed to minimize contacts among groups. Motorized use within the area is not permitted.

Semi- Some opportunity for Area is characterized by a Camping, hiking, climbing, primitive isolation from the sights predominantly unmodified enjoying scenery or natural (non- and sounds of people, natural environment of features, nature study, motorized) but not as important as moderate to large size. photography, spelunking, for primitive Concentration of users is low, hunting (big game, small opportunities. but there is often evidence of game, upland birds, Opportunity to have high other area users. On-site waterfowl), ski touring and degree of interaction controls and restrictions may snowshoeing, swimming, with the natural be present, but are subtle. diving (skin and scuba), environment, to have Facilities are provided for the fishing, canoeing, sailing moderate challenge and protection of resource values and risk and to use outdoor and the skills. 62

Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class descriptions (continued)

Opportunity Experience opportunity Setting opportunity Activity opportunity class

safety of users only. Spacing river running of groups may be formalized (nonmotorized craft). to disperse use and limit

contacts among groups.

Motorized use is not permitted.

Semi- Some opportunity for Area is characterized by a Same as above, plus primitive isolation from the sights and predominantly unmodified off-highway vehicle use (motorized) sounds of people, but not as natural environment of (four-wheel-drive, dune important as for primitive moderate to large size. buggy, dirt bike, opportunities. Opportunity Concentration of users is snowmobile, power to have high degree of low, but there is often boating). interaction with the natural evidence of other area users. environment, to have On-site controls and moderate challenge and risk restrictions may be present, and to use outdoor skills. but are subtle. Facilities are Explicit opportunity to use provided for the protection of motorized equipment while resource values and the in the area. safety of users only. Spacing of groups may be formalized to disperse use and limit contacts among groups. Motorized use is permitted.

Roaded About equal opportunities Area is characterized by a All activities listed natural for affiliation with other user generally natural previously plus groups and for isolation environment with moderate picnicking, rock from sights and sounds of evidence of humans. collecting, wood humans. Opportunity to Resource modification and gathering, auto touring, have a high degree of utilization practices are downhill skiing, interaction with the natural evident, but harmonize with snowplay, ice skating, environment. Challenge and the natural environment. waterskiing and other risk opportunities are not Concentration of users is low water sports, hang very important except in to moderate with facilities gliding, interpretive use, specific challenging sometimes provided for rustic resorts and activities. Practice of group activity. On-site organized camps. outdoor skills may be controls and restrictions offer important. Opportunities for a sense of security. Rustic both facilities

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Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS) class descriptions (continued)

Opportunity Experience opportunity Setting opportunity Activity class opportunity

motorized and nonmotorized are provided for user recreation are present. convenience as well as for safety and resource protection. Conventional motorized use is

provided for in construction

standards and design of facilities. Opportunities to experience Rural affiliation with individuals and Area is characterized by All activities groups are prevalent as is the substantially modified natural listed previously convenience of sites and environment. Resource plus competitive opportunities. These factors are modification and utilization games, spectator generally more important than practices are obvious. Sights sports, bicycling, the natural setting. and sounds of humans are jogging, outdoor Opportunities for wildland readily evident and the concerts and challenges, risk taking and concentration of users is often modern resorts. testing of outdoor skills are moderate to high. A unimportant, except in those considerable number of activities involving challenge facilities are designed for use by and risk. a large number of people. Facilities are often provided for specific activities. Developed sites, roads and trails are designed for moderate to high use. Moderate densities are provided far away from developed sties. Facilities for intensive motorized use are available.

Modern Opportunities to experience Area is characterized by a highly All activities urban affiliation with individuals and modified environment, although listed previously groups are prevalent as is the the background may have plus competitive convenience of sites and natural elements. Vegetation is games, spectator opportunities. Experiencing the often exotic and manicured. sports, bicycling, natural environment and the use Soil may be protected by jogging, outdoor of outdoor skills are largely surfacing. Sights and sounds of concerts and unimportant. humans on-site are predominant. modern resorts. Large numbers of users can be expected. Modern facilities are provided for the use and convenience of large numbers of people. Controls and 64

restrictions are obvious and numerous. Facilities for high- intensity motor vehicle use and parking are present with forms of mass transit often available.

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Appendix 6. Visual Resource Management Classes.

Class Objective Class I The objective of this class is to preserve the existing character of the landscape. This class provides for natural ecological changes; however, it does not preclude very limited management activity. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be very low and must not attract attention.

Class II The objective of this class 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 of form, line, color, and texture found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Class III The objective of this class is to partially retain the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape should be moderate. Management activities may attract attention, but should not dominate the view of the casual observer. Changes should repeat the basic elements found in the predominant natural features of the characteristic landscape.

Class IV The objective of this class is to provide for management activities which require major modification of the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape can be high. These management activities may dominate the view and be the major focus of viewer attention. However, every attempt should be made to minimize the impact of these activities through careful location, minimal disturbance, and repeating the basic elements.

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Appendix 7. Glossary.

promotes for their high scenic and public interest Activity Plan: A detailed, specific plan for values. As part of the National Scenic Byway management of a single resource program or plan element undertaken as necessary to implement System, these byways vary from single-track bike the more general resource management plan trails to narrow, low-speed, paved roads. decisions. Bajada: A broad, gently inclined slope or Allotment: An area of land assigned to one or outwash plane at the foot of a mountain, formed more livestock operators for grazing livestock. It by the coalescing of alluvial fans. generally consists of public lands but may also include state-owned and private lands. An Block/blocked up: Consolidated, for example, allotment may include one or more separate landownership. pastures. Livestock numbers and seasons of use are specified for each allotment. Categories I, II and III: Classification of desert tortoise habitat based upon importance of habitat, Allotment management plan: A livestock resolvability of conflicts, density of tortoises, and grazing management plan for a specific allotment stability of populations (see Appendix 3). based on multiple-use resource management objectives. It considers livestock grazing in Category 1: Species for which the U.S. Fish and relation to other uses of the range and in relation Wildlife Service has sufficient (but not to renewable resources -- watershed, vegetation necessarily complete) information on and wildlife. It also establishes the seasons of vulnerability and threats to support a proposal to use, the number of livestock to be permitted on list them as threatened or endangered. the range and the rangeland developments needed. Category 2: Species for which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has insufficient information to Alternatives: Different ways of addressing the support a proposed rule to add them to the planning issues and management activities threatened or endangered species list. Further considered in the planning process. These serve biological research and field study will usually be to provide the decisionmaker and the public a needed to change the status of these species. clear basis for choices among options. Category 3A: Species for which the U.S. Fish and Area of critical environmental concern: An Wildlife Service has persuasive evidence of area of public lands where special management extinction. attention is required to protect important historic, cultural or scenic values, fish and wildlife or Category 3B: Species that are considered to be natural systems or processes or to protect life and invalid by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. safety from natural hazards. Such species could be reevaluated in the future on the basis of subsequent research. Augmentation: The act of releasing animals or plants to maintain or enlarge an existing Category 3C: Species that are more abundant or population of the same species within a specified widespread than previously believed by the U.S. area. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or not subject to any identifiable threat. Should further research Backcountry Byways: Backcountry roads and or changes in land use indicate decline in any of vehicle trails that the BLM designates and these species, they may be reevaluated for

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possible inclusion in category 1 or 2 or listed as produce a characteristic natural plant community. threatened or endangered. A ecological site is the product of all the environmental factors responsible for its Closed area: An area where off-highway or development. It is capable of supporting a native special recreation vehicle use or camping is plant community typified by an association of prohibited. Use of vehicles in closed areas may species that differs from that of other ecological be allowed for certain reasons; however, such use sites in the kind or proportion of species or in shall be made only with the approval of the total production. authorized officer. Economic impact: The change, positive or Community: A group of plants and animals living negative, in economic conditions (including together in a common area and having close distribution and stability of employment and interactions. income in affected local and regional economies) that directly or indirectly result from an activity, Cultural property: Any definite location of past project or program. human activity, habitation or use identified through a field inventory, historical Ecosystem: A complex, self-sustaining natural documentation or oral evidence. This term may system which includes living and nonliving include archaeological or historic sites, structures components of the environment and the and places and sites or places of traditional circulation of matter and energy between cultural or religious importance to a specific organisms and their environment. group whether or not represented by physical remains. Cultural properties are managed by the Endangered: Any species in danger of system of inventory, evaluation, protection and extinction throughout all or a significant portion use. of its range.

Cultural resources: A broad, general term for Environmental assessment: The procedure any cultural property (as defined above) or any for analyzing the impacts of some proposed traditional lifeway value. A traditional lifeway action on a given environment and the value is an abstract, nonmaterial idea important documentation of the analysis. It is similar to in maintaining a cultural group's traditional an environmental impact statement but is religious beliefs, cultural practices or social generally smaller in scope. An interaction. Unlike cultural properties, traditional environmental assessment may be lifeway values are not closely identified with preliminary to an environmental impact definite locations. statement.

Desired plant community: One that produces Environmental consequence: A change in the the kind, amount and proportions of vegetation human environment caused by an act of man. needed to meet or exceed the resource The change should be perceptible, measurable management plan/activity plan objective and relatable through a change agent to a established for the site. It must be within the proposed action or alternative. Consequences are site's capability to produce the desired vegetation the same as impacts and effects. In Council on through natural succession, management Environmental Quality regulations, consequences intervention or both. are caused by a proposed action (40 CFR 1508.7; 1508.14). Disposal: A transaction that leads to the transfer of title of public lands from the federal Environmental impact statement: An analytical government. document prepared for use by decision makers to weigh the environmental consequences of a Ecological site: A distinctive kind of land that potential decision. It should accurately portray differs from other kinds of lands in its ability to potential impacts to the environment of a

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particular course of action and its possible Grazing System: The rotation of livestock alternatives. through an allotment, designed to accomplish management objectives. Ephemeral: A stream that flows only briefly after a storm or during snowmelt. Habitat: A specific set of physical conditions that surround a single species, a group of species Extended Camping Area: Extended camping or a large community. In wildlife management, areas are similar to long-term visitor areas, the major components of habitat are considered but are not integrated into the long-term to be food, water, cover and living space. visitor area system and have a variable stay limit of greater than 14 days. Extended Habitat Management Plan: A written and camping areas have a specific and delineated officially approved plan for a specific geographic boundary determined by the available area which identifies wildlife habitat and related resource. objectives, establishes the sequence of actions for achieving objectives and outlines procedures for Extensive Recreation Management Area: An evaluating accomplishments. area where recreation is unstructured and dispersed and where minimal recreation facilities Hazardous Waste: Any substance that poses a are required. It provides recreation visitors the threat to the health or safety of persons or the freedom of choice with minimal regulatory environment, including any material that is toxic, constraint. ignitable, corrosive or radioactive.

Fair Market Value: The amount in cash, or in Herd Area: The geographic area identified as terms reasonably equivalent to cash, for which in having been used by a herd as its habitat in 1971. all probability a leasable mineral deposit would be sold or leased by a knowledgeable owner Herd Management Area: A herd area identified willing but not obligated to sell or lease to a in a management framework plan or resource knowledgeable purchaser who desires but is not management plan for long-term management of a obligated to buy or lease. wild horse or burro herd.

Federal Land Policy and Management Act of Herd Management Area Plan: A plan for the 1976: Public Law 94-579, which gives the BLM management of a geographic area used by wild legal authority to establish public land policy, to horses or burros. It outlines details of a burro or establish guidelines for administering such policy horse capture plan, adoption program and long- and to provide for the management, protection, term management of populations. development and enhancement of the public lands. Interdisciplinary: A cooperative, interactive consultation and analysis approach among Floodplain: The nearly level lowland that individuals representing two or more disciplines. borders a stream or river and is subject to Such an approach should ensure the integrated flooding. use of the natural and social sciences and the environmental design arts in planning and in Forage: Vegetation of all forms available for decision making [National Environmental Policy animal consumption. Act 102(2)(A)].

Goal: The desired state or condition that a Intermittent: As it relates to source resource management policy or program is dependability, springs that discharge only during designed to achieve. It is usually not quantifiable certain periods but at other times of the year are and may not have a specific date by which it is to dry; streams with alternating surface and be completed. Goals are the bases from which subsurface flow; stock ponds are not intermittent. objectives are developed.

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Isolated Parcels: Those parcels of public lands planning provisions of the Federal Land Policy surrounded by nonfederal lands. and Management Act.

Land and Water Conservation Fund: A Mineral Entry: The location of mining claims federally maintained fund used for acquiring and by an individual to protect the individual's right developing federal outdoor recreation resources to a valuable mineral. and for assisting states in planning, acquiring and developing land and water areas and facilities for Mineral Estate: Mineral or subsurface outdoor recreation. ownership.

Leasable Minerals: Minerals such as coal, oil Mineral Material: Materials such as sand, shale, oil and gas, phosphate, potash, sodium, building and decorative stone, gravel, pumice, geothermal resources and all other minerals that clay or petrified wood. Common variety mineral may be acquired under the Mineral Leasing Act materials may be acquired under the Materials of 1920, as amended. Act of 1947, as amended.

Limits of Acceptable Change: A system in which Mining Plan of Operation: A plan for mining the amount of allowable change of physical and exploration and development that an operator social conditions is defined; the management must submit to the BLM for approval when more actions needed to prevent further change are than five acres a year will be disturbed or when identified and monitoring and evaluating an operator plans to work in an area of critical procedures are established. environmental concern, wilderness study area or wilderness. A mining plan of operation must Limited Area: An area restricted at certain document in detail all actions the operator plans times, in certain areas and/or to certain vehicular to take from exploration through reclamation and use. These restrictions may be of any type, but present all information needed for preparing a can generally be accommodated within the National Environmental Policy Act document. categories of: numbers of vehicles; types of vehicles; time or season of vehicle use; permitted Mitigation: The lessening or elimination of a or licensed use only; use on existing roads and potential adverse effect by applying appropriate trails; use on designated roads and trails; and protection measures, e.g., the recovery of cultural other restrictions. resource data.

Long-term Visitor Area: A parcel established to Mitigation Measures: Methods used (often provide winter visitors with long-term camping included as stipulations or special conditions opportunities. A permit allows use from attached to a decision) to reduce the significance September 15 to April 15 for self-contained of or eliminate an anticipated environmental recreational vehicles with minimum 10-gallon impact. waste water tank. Supplementary rules exist and Golden Access/Golden Age passes are not Monitoring: The orderly collection and analysis accepted. of data to evaluate progress in meeting resource management objectives. Management Area: An administrative unit of blocked-up lands in the planning units, used for Multiple-use: Management of public lands and resource management, planning, land tenure their resources so that they are used in the adjustments and budgeting. combination best meeting the present and future needs of the American people. Relative resource Management Framework Plan: A planning values are considered, not necessarily the decision document prepared before the effective combination of uses that will give the greatest date of the regulations implementing the land use potential economic return or the greatest unit output.

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National Environmental Policy Act: A federal Limited: Designated areas and trails where the use law that establishes policy, sets goals and of vehicles is subject to restrictions, such as provides means to ensure that environmental limiting the number or type of vehicles allowed, information is available to public officials and dates and times of use (seasonal restrictions), citizens before decisions are made and actions are limiting use to designated or existing roads and taken. trails. Combinations of restrictions are possible, such as limiting use to certain types of vehicles National Historic Preservation Act: The during certain times of the year. primary federal law providing for the protection and preservation of cultural resources. Making it Closed: Designated areas, roads and trails where a national policy to preserve cultural heritage, the the use of vehicles is permanently or temporarily National Historic Preservation Act established prohibited. Emergency use of vehicles is the National Register of Historic Places, the allowed. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and State Historic Preservation officers. Patent: A government instrument (or deed) that conveys legal title for public lands to an National Register of Historic Places: A list of individual or another government entity. districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects significant in American history, architecture, Perennial: As it relates to source dependability, archaeology and culture maintained by the wells where water is available continuously; Secretary of the Interior; expanded as authorized springs and streams with a continuous surface by Section 2(b) of the Historic Sites Act of 1935 discharge; stock ponds where water is ponded up (16 U.S.C. 462) and Section 101(a)(1)(A) of the through the year. National Historic Preservation Act. Planning Criteria: The standards of rules and Natural Potential: The population level a species other factors developed by the manager and can attain, given the capacity of its habitat. interdisciplinary team for their use in forming judgments about decision making, analysis and Off-Highway Vehicle: Any motorized vehicle data collection during planning. capable of, or designed for, travel on or immediately over land, water or other natural Proper Functioning Condition (riparian): One terrain, excluding: (1) any nonamphibious which maintains a stable flow regime, can absorb registered motorboat, (2) any military, fire, and dissipate energy of floodwaters, has a stable emergency or law enforcement vehicle while vegetative cover of all ages of plants being used for emergency purposes, (3) any (representing all species appropriate for the area), vehicle whose use is expressly authorized by the filters out sediment from the water, improves authorized officer or otherwise officially water quality and provides food, water, shade and approved, (4) vehicles in official use, (5) any cover for wildlife. combat or combat support vehicle when used in times of national defense emergencies and (6) Public Participation: Part of the BLM's planning wheelchairs when used by the disabled. system that provides the opportunity for citizens as individuals or groups to express local, regional Off-Highway and Special Recreation Vehicle and national perspectives and concerns in the rule Designations: making, decision making, inventory and planning processes for public lands. This includes public Open: Designated areas and trails where vehicles meetings, hearings or advisory boards or panels may be operated (subject to operating regulations that may review resource management proposals and vehicle standards set forth in BLM Manual and offer suggestions or criticisms for the various 8341 and 8343). alternatives considered.

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Range Improvement: An authorized activity or Scenic Corridor: The area encompassing the program on or relating to rangelands which is foreground-middleground zone along roadways. designed to improve production of forage, change vegetation composition, control patterns of use, Scoping: An early and open process for provide water, stabilize soil and water conditions determining the scope of issues to be addressed and provide habitat for livestock, wild horses and and for identifying the significant issues related burros and wildlife. The term includes, but is not to a proposed action. It may involve public limited to, structures, treatment projects and use meetings, field interviews with representatives of of mechanical means to accomplish the desired agencies and interest groups, discussions with results. resource specialists and managers, written comments in response to news releases, direct Recreation Opportunity Spectrum: A mailings and articles about the proposed action classification system for inventory, planning and and scoping meetings. management of recreation resources. It divides land into six classes ranging from urban to Sediment: Soil or mineral material transported primitive. by water and deposited in streams or other bodies of water. Reestablishment: The act of releasing or planting native species into habitat formerly Semi-primitive Motorized Recreation: Those occupied by that species for the purpose or intent recreation opportunities available in backcountry of creating self-sustaining populations in the wild areas with natural settings and having little or no state. development, where visitor use is relatively low and few visitor controls are apparent and in Rehabilitation: Restoration of damaged or lost which travel by motorized vehicle is permitted. environment as nearly as possible to its original state. Sensitive Species (plants and animals): Species occurring on public lands which require special Resource Area: An administrative subdivision of management attention to protect it and the a BLM district replaced in 1997 by field office. important resources or other natural systems or processes on which it depends. Resource Management Plan: A written land use plan that outlines the BLM's decisions and Short-term Camping Area: Short-term strategies for management of the resources in a camping areas support resource protection particular area, replacing the management measures in high use areas, promote framework plan in the BLM's planning system. equitable use for visitors, or serve as overflow camping adjacent to high use areas. Right-of-Way: The legal right for use, occupancy Other resource issues may require short-term or access across land or water areas for a camping areas to be closed during certain specified purpose or purposes. Also, the lands times or seasons; thus, the term of use or the covered by such a right. time of use (season) may be limited based on the resource(s) to be protected. Such factors Riparian Habitat: Lands directly influenced by are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. permanent water and having visible characteristics, e.g., vegetation, reflective of the Special Recreation Management Area: An area presence of permanent water, i.e., surface and/or requiring explicit recreation management to subsurface. achieve the BLM's recreation objectives and to provide specific recreation opportunities. The Road: Vehicle route which has been improved resource management plan identifies special and maintained by mechanical means to ensure recreation management areas and defines relatively regular and continuous use. management objectives.

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Special Recreation Vehicles: Mechanized some natural areas and similar situations where equipment, designed to provide a mechanical management activities are to be restricted. advantage, intended for human conveyance. This includes, but is not limited to, mountain bikes, Class II: Changes in any of the basic elements ultralights and hang gliders. This does not (form, line, color or texture) caused by a include wheelchairs when used by the disabled. management activity should not be evident in the characteristic landscape. Special Status Species: Wildlife and plant species either federally listed or proposed for listing as Class III: Changes in the basic elements caused by endangered or threatened, state-listed or BLM- a management activity may be evident in the determined priority status. characteristic landscape, but the changes should remain subordinate to the visual strength of the Stipulation: A requirement, usually dealing with existing character. protection of the environment, that is made a part of a lease, grant or other authorizing document. Class IV: Changes may subordinate the original composition and character but must reflect what Threatened Species: Any plant or animal species could be a natural occurrence within the that is likely to become an endangered species characteristic landscape. within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant part of its range. Watershed: All land and water within the confines of a drainage divide. Thriving Natural Ecological Balance: The condition existing when wild horses and burros Wetlands: Lands including swamps, marshes, and other resource components (and their bogs and similar areas such as wet meadows, habitats) are maintained in a healthy, self- river overflows, mud flats and natural ponds. sustaining and productive condition. Wilderness: An area officially designated by Trail: As related to vehicle designations, a single Congress, managed to preserve characteristics of track route designated or constructed for off- naturalness and solitude and devoted to the public highway or special recreation vehicle use. It does purposes of conservation and recreational, scenic, not include game trails, cow trails, etc. scientific, educational and historical uses.

Utilization: The proportion or degree of a current Wildlife: All species of mammals, birds, fish, year's forage production that is consumed or amphibians and reptiles found in a wild state. destroyed by animals (including insects). It may refer to either a single plant species, a group of Wildlife Corridors: Lands needed for species or the vegetation as a whole. Utilization maintaining or reconnecting natural habitat is synonymous with use. islands to facilitate traditional movement, migration, genetic interchange and population Vegetation type: A plant community with expansion of native wildlife species. distinguishable characteristics. Withdrawn Lands: An area of federal land Vehicle Route: A track, established and withheld from settlement, sale, location or entry maintained solely by the passage of an off- under some or all of the general land laws in highway vehicle or special recreation vehicle, order to maintain other public values in the area regularly used for travel. or reserving the area for a particular public purpose or program; transferring jurisdiction over Visual Resource Management Classes: an area of federal lands from one department, Class 1: Provides primarily for natural ecological bureau or agency to another department, bureau changes only. It is applied to primitive areas, or agency.

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