Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Reroute Lujan to La Garita Wilderness

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Reroute Lujan to La Garita Wilderness Environmental Assessment Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Reroute Lujan to La Garita Wilderness Saguache Ranger District, Rio Grande National Forest, Saguache County, Colorado Gunnison County, Colorado and Gunnison Ranger District, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests October, 2012 i To review this EA on line, go to www.fs.usda.gov/projects/riogrande/landmanagement/projects, then look for Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Addition (EA). This EA is being released for public comment in accordance with 36 CFR 215.3. The Responsible Officials for this project will be the District Rangers of the Saguache and Gunnison Districts, of the Rio Grande and the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests. Only those who submit timely and substantive comments will be accepted as appellants of the final decision. Also, for appeal eligibility, each individual or representative from each organization submitting comments must either sign the comments or verify their identity upon request. Submitting Comments: The opportunity to comment ends 30 days following the date of publication of this legal notice in the Gunnison Country Times, and the Alamosa Valley Courier. Whichever publication date is later will begin the comment period. Comments may be submitted in hard copy through the mail, email, fax, or delivered by hand at Forest Service offices in Gunnison or Saguache. Office hours for hand delivery are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, weekdays. Mail comments to: CDNST, USFS 2250 Hwy 50 Delta, CO 81416 Fax comments to: 970-874-6698 Email comments to: [email protected] Further Information: For more information regarding this project please contact Jeff Burch, 970-874-6649. "The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720- 6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.” ii Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction/Purpose and Need/Proposed Action Document Structure ....................................................................................................... 1 Background .................................................................................................................... 1 Purpose and Need for Action ......................................................................................... 2 Proposed Action ............................................................................................................. 3 Decision Framework ...................................................................................................... 6 Public Involvement ......................................................................................................... 6 Issues .............................................................................................................................. 7 Cumulative Actions to be Considered in the Analysis ................................................... 8 Chapter 2: Alternatives, including the Proposed Action ........................................... 10 Alternatives .................................................................................................................. 10 Chapter 3: Affected Environment/Environmental Consequences .............................. 14 Effects on Recreation/National Scenic Trails/User Experience/ Scenery .................... 14 Effects on Wildlife Sensitive Species ………….………………………………………………………….…30 Effects on Wildlife Management Indicator Species………………………………………..…………49 Effects on Migratory Birds …………………………………………………………………….………………..61 Effects on Threatened or Endangered Species of Wildlife ………………………………………65 Effects on Threatened or Endangered or Sensitive Plants ……………………………………….79 Effects on Cultural Resources…………………………………………………………………………….…….84 Effects on Native American Cultural/Religious Sites ………………………………………………..85 Effects on Watershed Conditions in Terms of Construction, and Use of Trails………….86 Effects on Road/Transportation System………………………………………………………………..…89 Effects on traditional grazing use Spread/Management of Noxious Weeds …………….90 Chapter 5: Consultation and Coordination .............................................................. 94 Maps and Photos Appendices Appendix A - Maps Vicinity Map Alternative 1 Map Alternative 2 Map Alternative 3 Map Alternative 4 Map Appendix B CDNST web site home page Appendix C Legal Policy and Direction iii iv CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE AND NEED/PROPOSED ACTION Document Structure ____________________________________ The Forest Service has prepared this Environmental Assessment in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other relevant Federal and State laws and regulations. This Environmental Assessment discloses the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts that would result from the proposed action and alternatives. The document is organized into the following parts: Introduction: This section includes information on the history of the project proposal, the purpose of and need for the project, and the agency’s proposal for achieving that purpose and need. This section also details how the Forest Service informed the public of the proposal and how the public responded. Alternatives, including the Proposed Action: This section provides a more detailed description of the agency’s proposed action as well as alternative methods for achieving the stated purpose. These alternatives were developed based on issues raised during scoping. Environmental Consequences: This section describes the environmental effects of implementing the proposed action and other alternatives. This analysis is organized by resource element, as suggested by issues identified in scoping. Within each section, the affected environment is described first, followed by the effects of the No Action Alternative that provides a baseline for evaluation and comparison of the other alternatives that follow. Agencies and Persons Consulted: This section provides a list of preparers and agencies consulted during the development of the environmental assessment. Appendices: The appendices provide more detailed information to support the analyses presented in the environmental assessment. Additional documentation, including more detailed analyses of project-area resources, may be found in the project planning record. Background ___________________________________________ In 1968, Congress enacted the National Trails System Act (NTSA, P.L. 90-543) which established a nationwide trail system. The Act describes that National Scenic Trails “will be extended trails so located as to provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities of the areas through which such trails may pass.” The Act also specifically directed the study of a Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). A study of possible trail routes along the Continental Divide was initiated in 1969 and completed in 1976. In 1977, a Legislative Final Environmental Statement (FES) describing the routes was completed and filed with the Council on Environmental Quality. In 1978 Congress used the information from the Study Report and the Legislative FES to amend the NTSA. The 1 amendment established and designated the CDNST, a 3,100 mile trail corridor extending from the Montana-Canada border to the New Mexico-Mexico border. The basic goal of the CDNST is to provide hikers and horseback riders an opportunity to experience the diverse country along the Continental Divide in a manner that will assure a high quality recreation experience while maintaining a constant respect for the natural environment. The Study Report and Legislative FES were formally adopted by the Chief of the Forest Service in 1981. In 1997 the Deputy Chief of the Forest Service issued a memo to Regional Foresters stating that “…as the CDNST is further developed, it is expected that the trail will eventually be relocated off of roads for its entire length.” The memo further stated that “It is the intent of the Forest Service that the CDNST will be for non-motorized recreation. As new trail segments of the CDNST are constructed to link existing non-motorized segments together, and to reroute the CDNST off of primitive roads or other routes where motorized travel is allowed, motorized use should not be allowed or considered. Allowing motorized use on these newly constructed trail segments would substantially interfere with the nature and purpose of the CDNST.” In 2003, the Rocky Mountain Deputy Regional Forester issued a memo emphasizing the importance of working toward a high-quality non-motorized route for the CDNST in the Rocky Mountain Region by the trail’s 30th anniversary in 2008. This EA addresses
Recommended publications
  • Southern Rockies Lynx Management Direction Volume 1
    USDA FINAL Environmental Impact Statement Forest Service Southern Rockies United States NationalDepartment Forests of in ColoradoAgriculture & southern Wyoming Lynx Management OctoberForest 2008 Service Rocky Mountain Region Direction Southern RockiesVolume Lynx Amendment 1 Record of Decision October 2008 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Lead Agency: Plan. The SDEIS added information and analysis United States Department of Agriculture for the White River National Forest to the material Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region already provided for the other six national forest units. Cooperating Agency: Colorado Department of Natural Resources The No Action alternative (Alternative A) was developed as a baseline for comparing the effects States Affected: of Alternatives B, C and D. The purpose and need Colorado and southern Wyoming for action is to establish direction that conserves Responsible Official: and promotes recovery of Canada lynx, and Rick D.
    [Show full text]
  • Geologic Map of the Central San Juan Caldera Cluster, Southwestern Colorado by Peter W
    Geologic Map of the Central San Juan Caldera Cluster, Southwestern Colorado By Peter W. Lipman Pamphlet to accompany Geologic Investigations Series I–2799 dacite Ceobolla Creek Tuff Nelson Mountain Tuff, rhyolite Rat Creek Tuff, dacite Cebolla Creek Tuff Rat Creek Tuff, rhyolite Wheeler Geologic Monument (Half Moon Pass quadrangle) provides exceptional exposures of three outflow tuff sheets erupted from the San Luis caldera complex. Lowest sheet is Rat Creek Tuff, which is nonwelded throughout but grades upward from light-tan rhyolite (~74% SiO2) into pale brown dacite (~66% SiO2) that contains sparse dark-brown andesitic scoria. Distinctive hornblende-rich middle Cebolla Creek Tuff contains basal surge beds, overlain by vitrophyre of uniform mafic dacite that becomes less welded upward. Uppermost Nelson Mountain Tuff consists of nonwelded to weakly welded, crystal-poor rhyolite, which grades upward to a densely welded caprock of crystal-rich dacite (~68% SiO2). White arrows show contacts between outflow units. 2006 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey CONTENTS Geologic setting . 1 Volcanism . 1 Structure . 2 Methods of study . 3 Description of map units . 4 Surficial deposits . 4 Glacial deposits . 4 Postcaldera volcanic rocks . 4 Hinsdale Formation . 4 Los Pinos Formation . 5 Oligocene volcanic rocks . 5 Rocks of the Creede Caldera cycle . 5 Creede Formation . 5 Fisher Dacite . 5 Snowshoe Mountain Tuff . 6 Rocks of the San Luis caldera complex . 7 Rocks of the Nelson Mountain caldera cycle . 7 Rocks of the Cebolla Creek caldera cycle . 9 Rocks of the Rat Creek caldera cycle . 10 Lava flows premonitory(?) to San Luis caldera complex . .11 Rocks of the South River caldera cycle .
    [Show full text]
  • Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Management Tool: Managing Recreational Uses April 5, 2019
    Continental Divide National Scenic Trail Management Tool: Managing Recreational Uses April 5, 2019 Purpose This document serves as a tool to promote consistent management of recreational uses on the congressionally-designated Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT). This is a living document that will be reviewed annually to determine if updates are needed based on lessons learned from implementation. This document contains: 1. Guiding Principles for managing recreational uses on the CDT, 2. A table of considerations for managing authorized special uses on the CDT (Table 1), and 3. A table to assist line officers when making decisions on whether to allow mechanized use, such as bicycle use, on a newly constructed or relocated CDT segment1 (Table 2). Scope of this Document This document generally applies to CDT segments where mechanized use and/or recreation special uses are not expressly prohibited by law or policy.2 This document does not create new policy, rather, it clarifies CDT management within existing law and policy, and is consistent with the core values outlined in the Forest Service’s National Strategy for a Sustainable Trail System (Trails Strategy).3 Background National Scenic Trails are to be “so located as to provide for maximum outdoor recreation potential and for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities of the areas through which such trails may pass” (16 U.S.C. 1242(a)(2)). 4 The CDT’s nature and purposes are “to provide high-quality, scenic and primitive hiking and horseback riding opportunities and to conserve the natural, historic and cultural resources along the CDNST corridor” (2009 CDT Comprehensive Plan).
    [Show full text]
  • Tom Sharp's Post
    19 Tom Sharp's Post Tom Sharp's Post, a log and adobe Indian trading station, built in 1870, is a familiar sight to those traveling Highway 305, in Huerfano County, between the remnants of Malachite and the top of Pass Creek Pass. The post, flbout a mile from the site of the once-thriving town called Malachite, stands near the Huerfano River crossing of the Gardner-Red Wing. road. Sharp's place was known as Buzzard Roost Ranch be­ cause hundreds of buzzards roosted in the cottonwood trees along the stream there. A well-traveled Ute Indian trail over the Sangre de Cristo range ran through the ranch, thence to Badito, and on to the Greenhorn Mountains. Ute Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta, often visited Sharp while their tribes­ men camped nearby. W. T. (Tom) Sharp, a native of Missouri, served with the Confederate forces at the beginning of the Civil War. His general was Sterling Price. In 1861, Sharp was paroled from the service because of wounds, and was placed in a wagon bound for the Far West. Surviving the trip across country, he joined a half-breed Indian hunter named "Old Tex,'' and for a time the two sup­ plied meat to mining camps in California and Oregon . Later Sharp headed eastward. With a partner, John Miller, he contracted to supply telegraph poles for the Union Pacific Railroad, then building into Wyoming. In 1867, he was a de­ puty sheriff in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In the autumn of 1868, Tom Sharp, John White, and John Williams, with an old prairie wagon, came into the Huerfano Valley looking for a location.
    [Show full text]
  • Aerial Survey Highlights for Colorado 2014
    Aerial Survey Highlights for Colorado 2014 Aerial detection surveys of tree killing or damaging insects and diseases are conducted annually over Colorado’s forest lands. This is a cooperative effort between the US Forest Service and the Colorado State Forest Service. In 2014, 28 million acres were surveyed by 7 trained federal and state surveyors. Highlights of the survey by damage agent are reported below. In 2014, all reported agents are insects that kill and/or defoliate trees. This report includes only forest damage that is visible from the air. Spruce Beetle • Since 1996, spruce beetle has affected approximately 1,397,000 acres to varying degrees in Colorado. • Spruce beetle activity was detected on 485,000 acres in Colorado in 2014. Of these, 253,000 acres are in areas not previously mapped as having spruce beetle activity (new acres). This epidemic continues to expand rapidly (Figures 1, 2). In some areas, the outbreak has moved through entire drainages in the course of one year. In the most heavily impacted drainages, nearly every mature spruce has been killed (Figure 3). • The spruce beetle epidemic is expanding most rapidly in southern Colorado’s Forests and impacts many thousands of acres. Areas affected are found from the La Garita Wilderness Area to north of Cottonwood Pass, the Sangre de Cristo and Wet Mountains, as well as south to the Colorado border and into New Mexico. Aerial survey in south central Colorado showed spruce beetle epidemics expanded on the San Juan (26,000 new acres on 53,000 active acres), Rio Grande (78,000 new acres on 192,000 active acres), Gunnison (54,000 new acres on 79,000 active acres), and San Isabel (26,000 new acres on 31,000 active acres) National Forests.
    [Show full text]
  • Stansbury Brings Listening Tour to Placitas by the Numbers
    SANDOVAL PLACITAS PRSRT-STD U.S. Postage Paid BERNALILLO Placitas, NM Permit #3 CORRALES SANDOVAL Postal Customer or Current Resident COUNTY ECRWSS NEW MEXICO SignA N INDEPENDENT PLOCAL NEWSPAPER St S INCE 1988 • VOL. 32 / NO 9 • SEPTEMBER 2021 • FREE IVEN By the numbers: D ILL New Mexico and —B the 2020 Census ~SIGNPOST STAFF While Sandoval County remains among the fastest growing counties in the state, New Mexico’s overall growth rate lags well behind its neighbors, according to data from the 2020 Census released last month. Over the last ten years, Sandoval County grew by 17,273 residents for a total population of 148,834, a 13.1 percent increase. Faster growth was noted only in Eddy County, 15.8 percent, and Lea County, 15 percent, both in the southeast Oil Patch. Sandoval remains the fourth-largest county by pop- ulation behind Bernalillo, Doña Ana, and Santa Fe counties. The state’s population reached 2.1 million with 58,343 more residents, up 2.8 percent since the 2010 Census. The nation as a whole grew by 7.4 percent, the lowest rate since the 1930s, and compares to rates U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury visits with John Stebbins of Placitas after her listening session of ten percent or more in states surrounding New at the Placitas Community Library. Stansbury, elected in June to fill out Rep. Deb Haaland’s term, Mexico except Oklahoma. was touring the district with her staff during the August congressional recess. Data also show New Mexico to be among the most racially and ethnically diverse state.
    [Show full text]
  • A Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Rocky Mountain National Park
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Program Center A Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Rocky Mountain National Park Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/WRD/NRR—2010/228 ON THE COVER Rocky Mountain National Park Photograph by: Billy Schweiger A Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Rocky Mountain National Park Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/WRD/NRR—2010/228 David M. Theobald1,2 Jill S. Baron2,3 Peter Newman1 Barry Noon4 John B. Norman III1,2 Ian Leinwand1 Sophia E. Linn1 Richard Sherer4 Katherine E. Williams2,5 Melannie Hartman2 1Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1480 2Natural Resource Ecology Lab, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1499 3U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, CO 80523 4Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474 5Current address: Department of Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071 This report was prepared under Task Order J2380060103 (Cooperative Agreement #H1200040001) July 2010 U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Natural Resource Program Center Fort Collins, Colorado The Natural Resource Publication series addresses natural resource topics that are of interest and applicability to a broad readership in the National Park Service and to others in the management of natural resources, including the scientific community, the public, and the NPS conservation and environmental constituencies. Manuscripts are peer-reviewed to ensure that the information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended audience, and is designed and published in a professional manner. Natural Resource Reports are the designated medium for disseminating high priority, current natural resource management information with managerial application.
    [Show full text]
  • Williams Peak Trail # 26 Hiking
    Sulphur Ranger District 9 Ten Mile Drive Granby CO 80446 (970) 887-4100 FAX: (970) 887-4111 United States Department of Agriculture HIKING WILLIAMS PEAK TRAIL # 26 Difficulty: More difficult Trail Use: Medium Length: 7.0 miles. DISTANCES ARE ONE-WAY Elevation: 8,420 feet at the trailhead; 11,180 feet at junction with Williams Peak road (FSR 200) Use: Hiking, horse and mountain bikes Access: • ½ miles east of Parshall turn south off Highway 40 onto CR 3, travel 14 miles. Approximately 1 mile before reaching Horseshoe Campground, the Williams Peak Trailhead parking will be on the west side (right) of the road. • 12 miles south of Kremmling on Highway 9 turn left (east) onto CR 381 (FSR200). Travel approximately 14 miles on this technical Jeep road to trail junction on left side of road. • 24 miles south of Kremmling on Highway 9 turn left (east) onto CR 15. Travel 9 miles to junction with CR 3 for 3.5 miles to the William Peak Trailhead parking on the (west) left side of the road. Trail Highlights: • The first 4 miles is a moderate hike, however, the last part is quite steep. • The trail crosses private land for about 4 miles, but a right-a-way allows access until hikers reach National Forest Land again. • This trail crosses a substantial parcel of the Henderson Mill property. • It crosses many logging and ranch roads, as well as multiple cow trails. Reassurance markers have been placed at these intersections (follow the arrows). Important Information: • If traveling on CR 381 (FSR200) high clearance vehicle recommended.
    [Show full text]
  • COLORADO CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL COALITION VISIT COLORADO! Day & Overnight Hikes on the Continental Divide Trail
    CONTINENTAL DIVIDE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL DAY & OVERNIGHT HIKES: COLORADO CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL COALITION VISIT COLORADO! Day & Overnight Hikes on the Continental Divide Trail THE CENTENNIAL STATE The Colorado Rockies are the quintessential CDT experience! The CDT traverses 800 miles of these majestic and challenging peaks dotted with abandoned homesteads and ghost towns, and crosses the ancestral lands of the Ute, Eastern Shoshone, and Cheyenne peoples. The CDT winds through some of Colorado’s most incredible landscapes: the spectacular alpine tundra of the South San Juan, Weminuche, and La Garita Wildernesses where the CDT remains at or above 11,000 feet for nearly 70 miles; remnants of the late 1800’s ghost town of Hancock that served the Alpine Tunnel; the awe-inspiring Collegiate Peaks near Leadville, the highest incorporated city in America; geologic oddities like The Window, Knife Edge, and Devil’s Thumb; the towering 14,270 foot Grays Peak – the highest point on the CDT; Rocky Mountain National Park with its rugged snow-capped skyline; the remote Never Summer Wilderness; and the broad valleys and numerous glacial lakes and cirques of the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. You might also encounter moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and pika on the CDT in Colorado. In this guide, you’ll find Colorado’s best day and overnight hikes on the CDT, organized south to north. ELEVATION: The average elevation of the CDT in Colorado is 10,978 ft, and all of the hikes listed in this guide begin at elevations above 8,000 ft. Remember to bring plenty of water, sun protection, and extra food, and know that a hike at elevation will likely be more challenging than the same distance hike at sea level.
    [Show full text]
  • 36 CFR Ch. II (7–1–13 Edition) § 294.49
    § 294.49 36 CFR Ch. II (7–1–13 Edition) subpart shall prohibit a responsible of- Line Includes ficial from further restricting activi- Colorado roadless area name upper tier No. acres ties allowed within Colorado Roadless Areas. This subpart does not compel 22 North St. Vrain ............................................ X the amendment or revision of any land 23 Rawah Adjacent Areas ............................... X 24 Square Top Mountain ................................. X management plan. 25 Troublesome ............................................... X (d) The prohibitions and restrictions 26 Vasquez Adjacent Area .............................. X established in this subpart are not sub- 27 White Pine Mountain. ject to reconsideration, revision, or re- 28 Williams Fork.............................................. X scission in subsequent project decisions Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison National Forest or land management plan amendments 29 Agate Creek. or revisions undertaken pursuant to 36 30 American Flag Mountain. CFR part 219. 31 Baldy. (e) Nothing in this subpart waives 32 Battlements. any applicable requirements regarding 33 Beaver ........................................................ X 34 Beckwiths. site specific environmental analysis, 35 Calamity Basin. public involvement, consultation with 36 Cannibal Plateau. Tribes and other agencies, or compli- 37 Canyon Creek-Antero. 38 Canyon Creek. ance with applicable laws. 39 Carson ........................................................ X (f) If any provision in this subpart
    [Show full text]
  • Profiles of Colorado Roadless Areas
    PROFILES OF COLORADO ROADLESS AREAS Prepared by the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region July 23, 2008 INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 2 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS ARAPAHO-ROOSEVELT NATIONAL FOREST ......................................................................................................10 Bard Creek (23,000 acres) .......................................................................................................................................10 Byers Peak (10,200 acres)........................................................................................................................................12 Cache la Poudre Adjacent Area (3,200 acres)..........................................................................................................13 Cherokee Park (7,600 acres) ....................................................................................................................................14 Comanche Peak Adjacent Areas A - H (45,200 acres).............................................................................................15 Copper Mountain (13,500 acres) .............................................................................................................................19 Crosier Mountain (7,200 acres) ...............................................................................................................................20 Gold Run (6,600 acres) ............................................................................................................................................21
    [Show full text]
  • Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests DRAFT Wilderness Evaluation Report August 2018
    United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests DRAFT Wilderness Evaluation Report August 2018 Designated in the original Wilderness Act of 1964, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness covers more than 183,000 acres spanning the Gunnison and White River National Forests. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
    [Show full text]