Lynn Springs South Quarry Expansion Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Lynn Springs South Quarry Expansion Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact

Minidoka Ranger District Sawtooth National Forest Box Elder County, Utah

Salt Lake Meridian, T14N, R16W, Section 29

May 2017

For More Information Contact: Heidie Torrealday Sawtooth National Forest 2306 Hiland Avenue Burley, Idaho 83318 (208) 678-0430

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Chapter 1 – Need for the Proposal

Background This environmental assessment (EA) describes the proposal by Bonneville Quarries for the expansion of quarry operations at their Lynn Springs Quarry and documents the effects related to the project. The Forest Service’s intent is to furnish enough site-specific information to demonstrate consideration of environmental consequences of the proposed action, with a focus on the issues identified by the public and the interdisciplinary team. Additional documentation is located in the project file (i.e., a compilation of documents prepared for this project), which can be reviewed upon request. This document, as well as the Notice of Proposed Action and other project information, is available on the Forest web site at www.fs.usda.gov/projects/sawtooth/landmangment/projects

The Forest Service has completed this EA in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Forest Management Act, and the 2012 Sawtooth National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan). The proposal is consistent with Wetlands and Floodplains Executive Orders, the Clean Water Act, and other relevant Federal and State laws and regulations. This EA is consistent with Executive Order 2015-002 which directs the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining to coordinate with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources on all regulatory actions proposed for issuance by the Division of Oil Gas and Mining with Sage Grouse Management Areas to assure compliance with the requirements of the State’s Conservation Plan.

Purpose and Need The Forest Service’s purpose and need is to respond, evaluate and process the operator’s proposal submitted under 36 CFR 228 Subpart A for locatable mineral development and 36 CFR 228 Subpart C in preparation of a mineral material contract and sales.

Bonneville Quarries, Inc. (Operator) have initiated this mining proposal and have a possessory right in accordance with the General Mining Law of 1872 (17 Stat. 91; 30 U.S.C. §§ 21 et seq.) to conduct mineral extraction operations related to the occurrence of locatable minerals at their Lynn Springs Quarry. Quality and sufficient stone resource has been depleted in the northern quarry and it is the desire of the operator to reclaim and shift quarry operations to the smaller south quarry. A plan of operation amendment was received by Bonneville Quarries, Inc. on August 22, 2016 outlining their proposal for the approximate 3.5 acre expansion of the south quarry resource.

Project Area and Existing Condition The Lynn Springs Quarry is situated at roughly 6300 ft. in elevation within the west-central portion of the Raft River Division, approximately 15 miles south of Almo, Idaho (Figure 1). The project area is within Management Area 18; Raft River, which occurs entirely within the Raft River Mountain Range of north-central Utah. The site is comprised of mixed pinyon-juniper forest. The western slope of the quarry was inundated by a wildland fire in 2012 which contributed to the introduction of patchy grassland vegetation after the loss of juniper canopy. In the area of proposed expansion, juniper canopy is dominant with minor herbaceous understory

vegetation. Historic quarry operations have removed approximately 5 acres of juniper-pinyon canopy. This portion of the existing operation will be reclaimed prior to proposed expansion.

Forest Plan management area direction within the project and analysis area emphasize restoration and maintenance within shrubland and grassland landscapes. This prescription applies to lands that are predominantly (>50 percent) shrubland and grassland. Emphasis is placed on restoring and maintaining vegetation within desired conditions in order to provide a diversity of habitats, reduce risk from disturbance events, and sustain resources for human use. The proposal is consistent with forest-wide standards and guidelines for mineral and geology resources,

Number Management Direction Description Permits and authorizations for exploration and development of common variety minerals shall MIST01 include terms and conditions for controlling operating methods in timing to prevent degrading effects to surface resources and uses.

Require reclamation bonds for all proposed mineral activities that will potentially cause MIST06 significant surface disturbance and require rehabilitation.

Reclamation and mitigation standards that specifically address recurrent maintenance and end-of-season and interim shutdown should be part of operating plans. Reasonable MIGU01 expiration dates and frequency of inspections should be identified in approved plans.

Long-term or final reclamation should return the land to a planned use that is consistent with MIGU02 the overall land use objectives of the area.

For locatable mineral operations, degrading effects to aquatic resources and water quality MIGU08 should be mitigated

The project is also consistent with the other applicable Plan direction, including Guidelines for TEPC Species (01,02); SWRA Resources (03 ,05, 07, 08, 09, 11, 12); Wildlife Resources (03, 05, 06, 12, 13); Botanical Resources (01); Non-native Plans (03, 05); and Recreation Resources (05, 08, 22, 24).

Figure 1Vicinity of Lynn Springs Project Area

Issues The ID Team did not identify any key concerns from internal or external public scoping that would lead to the development of alternatives. Non-key concerns that were analyzed and for which modifications to the proposed action may have been made are:  Potential for noxious weed infestation  Sediment delivery to non-fish bearing perennial streams from access roads and daily operations  Disturbance of wildlife from operational activities.  Tribal concerns related to the removal of pinyon pine. Chapter 2 – Proposed Action The Forest Service proposes to review the Plan of Operation submitted by Bonneville Quarries and analyze and document the environmental effects of the operator’s proposed mining activity. In doing so, the operator’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) may be modified and the Forest Service will determine if terms and conditions for environmental protection are required before authorizing the plan of operations and a contract for the sale of mineral material.

Operators Proposal The Lynn Springs Quarry, operated by Bonneville Quarries, Inc., has been in nearly continuous operation since the 1960s. The operator produces quartzite flagstone landscaping products known within the industry as “Oakley Stone”. A plan of operations was authorized for the

existing operations in 1999. Operations have focused primarily on the northern quarry. Quality and sufficient stone resource has been depleted in the northern quarry and it is the desire of the operator to reclaim the northern quarry and shift operations to the smaller southern quarry. Reclamation of the northern quarry commenced in late summer 2016 and a plan of operation amendment was received by Bonneville Quarries, Inc. on August 22, 2016 outlining their proposal. The proposed disturbance perimeter associated with the expansion is approximately 3.4 acres as described in the operating plan. It is expected the processing yard will expand by an additional 0.5 acres.

Figure 2: Perimeter of Proposed Expansion: Lynn Springs South Quarry

Standard Operating Procedures The following are the operating procedures outlined within the operator’s plan of operations;

 No new or additional roads or routes are proposed for this operation modification. It is anticipated the existing road connecting the South Quarry to the current rock splitting and processing area will remain the same and adequate to support the proposed expansion;

 Quarry development will consist of pushing surface material in a southerly and westerly direction until it reaches the proposed southern perimeter line. Vegetation (pinyon and juniper) will be removed first and the operator may explore the potential salvage value of these trees.

 Soil and minor vegetation would be stripped next using a D-6 class dozer and stockpiled in a large windrow acting as the outer disturbance perimeter. Waste rock from operations would then be banked against this soil berm.

 Following stripping, quarry operations will begin at the southeastern margin of the proposed expansion area. Quarrying will proceed in an east to west direction. Waste rock will be placed in the southwestern portion of the expansion area. This location was selected by the operator so material can be brought back into the quarry pit to further enhance concurrent reclamation.

 As mining progresses, a high-wall will be left on the leading edge of the quarry. The depth of the quarry will be determined by the elevation of the hillside and quality of stone. It is anticipated by the operator that the high wall will never exceed 12 feet.

 Quarrying consists of removing the mineable stone by pulling it from the formation with a tracked excavator. Qualifying material will then be loaded into 15-17 yard dump trucks and removed to the process area or hauled to the storage yard in Junction Valley for processing. Non-qualifying or waste material will be placed against the waste rock and soil berm and used to backfill holes, cuts and quarry trenches during concurrent and final reclamation.

Design Features The following Design Features are implementation criteria that prevent undesirable effects from the operator’s proposal. Many of these features exist as a part of the current plan of operations and their requirement would carry over into the amended plan of operation. Additional design criteria were incorporated by the Forest Service in order to minimize resource concerns. These criteria will be incorporated into the final approved operating plan.

 Sanitation on site is addressed through the availability of a portable toilet made available to the site workers. It is serviced on a bi-monthly basis and removed each fall at the time of seasonal closure.

 Quarry roads and the main access road will be maintained to control erosion and surface transmission of water. This includes construction and maintenance of water bars.

 Water is not required for quarrying or stone process. No waste water disposal is required for this operation.

 Trash generated is proposed to be removed on a daily basis. Weekly area clean-ups area proposed within the plan.

 Fuel will not be stored on site but transported to the site in portable containers (tanks in light duty trucks). Maximum quantities of fuel hauled for refueling equipment will not exceed 250 gallons.

 Noxious weeds will be controlled on access roads and within the project area in order to avoid transporting weed seeds. Heavy equipment will be high pressure washed prior to introduction to the project area.

 Slash generated from clearing Juniper over-story will be dealt with appropriately so as not to increase fire risk. Removal of slash through piling/burning or chipping/removing residue from the site is recommended.

 The Operation Plan will include a Fire Protection Plan. Bonneville Quarries, Inc. will notify the Forest Service of any fires and comply with all rules and regulations administered USFS concerning the use, prevention, and suppression of fires on federal lands, including any fire prevention orders that may be in effect at the time of the permitted activity. Bonneville Quarries, Inc. may be held liable for the cost of fire suppression, stabilization, and rehabilitation. In the event of a fire, personal safety will be the first priority of the Permittee or its Contractor(s). Bonneville Quarries, Inc. or its Contractor(s) will:

o Operate all internal and external combustion engines on federally-managed lands per 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 261.52(j), which requires all such engines to be equipped with a qualified spark arrester that is maintained and not modified;

o Carry shovels, water, and fire extinguishers that are rated at a minimum as ABC- 10 pound on all equipment and vehicles. If a fire spreads beyond the suppression capability of workers with these tools, all workers will cease fire suppression action and leave the area immediately via pre-identified escape routes;

o Initiate fire suppression actions in the work area to prevent fire spread to or on federally-administered lands. If fire ignitions cannot be prevented or contained immediately, or it may be foreseeable that a fire would exceed the immediate capability of workers, the operation must be modified or discontinued.

o Notify South Idaho Interagency Dispatch Center (208) 886-2373 immediately of the location and status of any escaped fire;

o Operate all vehicles on designated roads and park in designated areas or areas free of vegetation;

o Operate welding, grinding, or cutting activities in areas cleared of vegetation.

Reclamation Standards It is the operator’s intention that concurrent reclamation follow upslope progression of the operation. All qualifying material will be removed as the operation trends upslope. The remaining void will be filled with waste rock to regain contour. The operator proposes to furnish the USFS with an annual concurrent reclamation proposal. Yearly reclaimed acreages will be dependent upon the progression of quarry operations, rock type, and weather conditions.

Standards for concurrent and final reclamation would include the following;

 Salvage of growth medium from areas to be cleared and/or excavated;  Erosion control, stabilization and revegetation to minimize soil loss from disturbed areas. This includes measures which are taken concurrently, seasonally and at final reclamation;  Reclamation procedures for disturbed areas including re-sloping, site preparing, re- spreading of growth medium, seedbed preparation and fertilization, reseeding and mulching as required;  Establishment of acceptable vegetative communities and ground cover requirements including the eradication of invasive and noxious weed species;  Acceptable post-mining land contours and drainages.

Administration and Monitoring At a minimum, monthly site inspections and monitoring of quarrying activities for compliance with project design criteria will ensure whether corrective action is needed and provide direction on the success of actions that have been taken. Environmental Consequences This section summarizes the physical, biological, social and economic environments of the affected project area and the potential changes to those environments due to implementation of the operator’s proposal. The following resources were evaluated for issues and effects; hydrology & soils, terrestrial wildlife, botany, cultural resources, recreation, rangelands and timber. As effects were either non-existent or minimal, reports for each resource are not summarized in this EA but are included within the project record. No issues were raised by the public during scoping. The Shoshone-Bannock tribe did provide comment during the comment period and raised concerns pertaining to culturally sensitive plants, destruction of pinyon pine and impacts to the view shed resulting from the quarry expansion.

Context The Lynn Springs Quarry is situated at roughly 6300 ft. in elevation within the west-central portion of the Raft River Division, approximately 15 miles south of Almo, Idaho immediately east of Junction, Utah. The area is remote, sparsely populated and is serviced by unpaved county road. Scattered 4-wheel drive roads within the area are used by range permittees. The terrain of the area consists of rolling hills on the western flank of the Raft River Range. The BLM boundary occurs along the northern portion of the operation. The site is comprised of mixed pinion-juniper forest. The western slope and northern portion of the site area within BLM administered lands has been effected by several wildfire events within the past decade which has contributed to the introduction of patchy grassland vegetation after the loss of juniper canopy. In the area of proposed expansion, juniper canopy is dominant with minor herbaceous understory vegetation. Historic quarry operations have removed approximately 5 acres of juniper-pinyon canopy that is currently being reclaimed. Existing Habitat Conditions The area surrounding the Lynn Springs quarry currently undisturbed from mining is a site dominated by older age class juniper and pinyon and some old growth juniper and pinyon (trees

older than 150 years based on growth morphology) with little to no shrub or herbaceous understory. The shrub community that is present is in the low sagebrush family with intermixed perennial bunchgrasses, typical of a fire-safe site. It is likely the west side of the quarry supported sagebrush communities, however wildfire burned through the western edge of the site which removed sagebrush cover and killed nearly all of the juniper on the west side of the quarry. This area is now dominated by a combination of cheat grass and Great Basin wild-rye. The area to the west, north and east of the mine currently provides little habitat value for wildlife due to juniper density as well as the effects from recent wildfire. Habitat on the southwest end of the quarry is a relatively intact mountain sagebrush community that could provide habitat to many different species, including greater sage-grouse. Field surveys of the site however have not detected any sensitive species and the site only provides limited habitat for one potential sensitive species, Greater sage-grouse, which is discussed below. Migratory birds and the project effects are also discussed below Significance Factors

1. Impacts that may be both beneficial and adverse. A significant effect may exist even if, on balance, effects are believed to be beneficial. The surface disturbance directly related to the operators proposed quarrying activities does not provide a beneficial effect for the national forest system lands in the area, and thus was not used to offset the increased risk of spreading and introducing noxious weeds, the increase in erosion and sediment delivery from the access road or potential for displacing wildlife from the activity area. The adverse effects, without consideration of beneficial effects, are described below.

 Effects to Migratory Birds The area in and adjacent to the mining site does not represent a critical or locally important habitat type for migratory birds however species such as sage-sparrows, juniper titmouse, sage thrashers, and raptors such as red tailed hawks have all been observed in the general area and likely occasionally use the area. Effects from the proposed action are broken into direct effects (removal of trees and vegetation to mine rock) and indirect effects (noise and human traffic and presence). Removal of juniper from the quarry expansion would negatively affect species that prefer nesting in juniper. This impact is expected to be slight due to most species that prefer nesting in wooded areas shifting habitat use into areas outside the quarry and juniper locally not being a limited habitat type. Some disturbance to migratory birds would occur under the proposed action as a result of noise and human traffic associated with mining operations. This effect is expected to be slight due to the overall low volume of noise associated with the small scale of mining. Impacts as a result of implementation include habitat shifts out of the treatment area and nest abandonment. These impacts are expected to be slight due to the low quality habitat and the relatively small size of the expansion (approximately 4 acres). Overall, the proposed action is expected to have minor negative effects for the majority of migratory birds.

 Effects to Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat The area proposed for the quarry expansion is within mapped Priority sage-grouse habitat as identified in the 2015 Greater Sage-grouse Record of Decision however a field survey confirmed that the area proposed for the quarry expansion lies primarily within a juniper site and lacks the characteristics of sage-grouse habitat. The habitat to the south of the access road and

planned expansion does have the characteristics of sage-grouse habitat but is outside of the quarry footprint.

Upon reviewing the potential affects to Greater sage-grouse, the USGS Report Conservation Buffer Distance Estimates for GRSG – A Review (Open File Report 2014-1239) http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2014/1239/pdf/ofr2014-1239.pdf) was consulted. The nearest occupied/active lek is within 1.17 mile. A review of the buffer distances indicates that quarry activities would be within the recommended distances (i.e. no activities within .25 miles of a lek). The surface disturbance (quarry) and the linear features (access road) are both outside of the recommended guidelines as they are close to an existing lek, however since the mine is an existing disturbance, the decision to be made addresses the operational expansion, not the existing features subject to earlier surface-use authorizations. As such, effects associated with the expansion compared to existing authorized mining operations are minor to negligible. In addition, the 2015 Sage-Grouse ROD designates a 3% disturbance cap in Biologically Significant Units (BSU) in Priority Sage-Grouse Habitat. This project would be under the 3% cap for the BSU.

 Botany The project will have a moderate risk of introducing non-native plants. Care to ensure that equipment involved in the operations is clean of visible dirt, plants, and plant parts is believed to reduce the risk of introducing or spreading noxious weeds. The use of native species when reclamation seeding is implemented will reduce the risk of spreading noxious weeds. The Operator will be required to eradicate known occurrences of noxious weeds occurring within the project area and monitor reclaimed areas, access routes and new disturbances for the occurrence of noxious weeds.

 Hydrology Lynn Creek is the only hydrologic resource within the analysis area of this proposed action. The creek is ephemeral and intermittent through the project area and current conditions of the creek are fair. The creek supports very limited riparian vegetation and is not fish bearing. Effects to the creek from the quarry area are not expected to occur. Project design criteria, BMPs, and distance of the active quarry from Lynn Creek contribute to this determination. Effects to the creek from the access road are possible, although expected to be minor, and could be nearly eliminated with effective implementation of road BMPs. No effects from the quarry or access road are expected to be significant, or contribute to degradation of aquatic resources.

Potential aquatic effects from the proposed quarry expansion and access road include an increased area of exposed soil, with a corresponding potential for increased runoff, erosion, and sediment delivery. Water quality concerns were not identified as an issue sufficient to carry forward for analysis. This determination was made based on several factors: 1) Runoff and erosion occurs within the existing quarry, but there are no effects outside of the quarry footprint. Berms on the downslope edge of the quarry prevent runoff or sediment movement beyond the quarry. 2) The proposed expansion is located a minimum of 1000’ from Lynn Creek. No sediment delivery from the quarry is predicted to occur (based on soil erosion estimates) even without the quarry berms. 3) Predicted road runoff and effects to Lynn Creek from the access road are expected to be very minor and are further mitigated through implementation of best

management practices for road maintenance. For additional information including Water Erosion Prediction Program (WEPP) models for sediment and run-off estimation, the reader is referred to the Project Record.

2. The degree to which the proposed action affects public health or safety. With the additions of operating stipulations the operator’s proposal is not expected to affect public safety. The Forest Service requires that operators maintain facilities so as to protect the public in accordance with Federal and State laws and regulations. The remote location of the quarry activities is not expected to create interaction with other forest users and there are no developed campgrounds in the vicinity of operations. Increased encounters between hunters in the fall hunting season and the operation area may occur during late season hunting season but it is not expected to create conflicts.

3. Unique characteristics of the geographic area, such as proximity to historic or cultural resources, park lands, prime farmlands, wetlands, wild and scenic rivers, or ecologically critical areas. There are no prime farmlands, or wild and scenic rivers in the project area. City of Rocks National Reserve occurs approximately 15 miles to the northwest of the project area. No historic properties or significant cultural sites were identified in site surveys.

Executive Order 11990-Protection of Wetlands and Executive Order 11988-Floodplain Management provide specific language for the protection of wetlands and floodplains, respectively. There are no wetlands or other surface water features (springs, stream channels, lakes, pond, or floodplains, within the proposed 3.4 acre expansion footprint. The Lynn Creek channel occurs at the base of the proposed operation area but hydrologic analysis (see Hydrologist Specialist Report) and discussion with the interdisciplinary team indicate that impact to the channel will be negligible with the inclusion of project design criteria to mitigate the effects of erosion and sediment delivery.

4. The degree to which the effects on the human environment are likely to be highly controversial. The activities proposed are consistent with Forest Plan direction and policy. While mining projects can be controversial the methods employed by the operator to facilitate stone quarrying are established methods used within the industry and are not considered highly controversial.

5. The degree to which the possible effects on the human environment are highly uncertain or involve unique or unknown risks. The quarrying methodology proposed by the operator as well as the methods used to reclaim the associated disturbances follow established methods that have been used numerous times within the mining industry and in government projects. There are no unique or unusual characteristics about the project area or the proposed action that would lead to an unknown risk to the human environment.

6. The degree to which the action may establish a precedent for future actions with significant effects or represents a decision in principle about a future consideration.

The operator’s proposal with the inclusion of Forest Service terms and conditions for environmental protection are similar to past actions approved elsewhere on National Forest System lands. The effects are expected to be similar. Currently there is no proposal for additional exploration of other development. Should a proposal for quarry development within the project vicinity be received at a future point in time, a separate environmental analysis with public involvement including Tribal and regulatory consultation would be required and that proposal would be considered on its own merit.

7. Whether the action is related to other actions with individually insignificant but cumulatively significant impacts. There are no other related or connected actions to this project. If the operator wished to expand quarry operations north onto the BLM administered lands, a Plan of Operations would need to be submitted to the BLM for consideration. The analysis conducted for this EA revealed that there will be no significant cumulative effects from this project.

Reasonably Foreseeable Actions and Cumulative Effects  Wildlife The Cumulative Assessment Area (CAA) is defined as a one mile buffer from the center of the mine site. Past, present and future foreseeable effects include quartzite stone quarrying, vegetative manipulation treatments such as juniper thinning, continued livestock grazing, recreational use, and off-highway vehicle use. A limited amount of juniper reduction has occurred on BLM administered surface within the assessment area and additional projects could be developed, resulting in continued positive effects on sage steppe obligate species as well as potential negative effects on juniper woodland species. Livestock grazing by cattle would continue throughout the assessment area and would cause direct and indirect effects to wildlife. Examples of direct effects include competition for food and water, potential for increased erosion and sediment along drainages. Loss of cover would be an indirect effect. Continued practices of fencing riparian and wetland sites, decommissioning non system routes and marking fences where appropriate would have positive effects on the habitat and the wildlife in the area. These practices would also decrease the potential for erosion and sediment input into aquatic habitats. Continued noxious weed management and eradication efforts on behalf of the operator will result in maintaining and possibly improving native habitat and thus improving wildlife habitat conditions. Wildlife in the treatment areas would benefit from these practices and few adverse effects would occur as a result. Continued recreation in the form of hunting, camping, and hiking would result in potential impacts to wildlife populations, as human presence is usually a nuisance to wildlife, especially during the breeding/rearing seasons. The project is not expected to promote recreation over the long-term. Unauthorized off-highway vehicle use may increase due to more open habitat conditions in the CAA but restricting all vehicles to designated trails would reduce long-term cumulative effects from these activities to a negligible level.

It is not anticipated that continued surface rock mining, livestock grazing, recreational use and off-highway vehicle use throughout the CAA would result in measureable long term negative effects to wildlife populations and overall cumulative effects resulting from implementation of the Proposed Action are considered minor.  Hydrology

Past and present activities within the analysis area that have affected soil and hydrologic resources include mining (quarry) activity, livestock grazing, and motorized use of roads via dispersed recreation. Direct effects to Lynn Creek are contributed primarily from livestock grazing and the presence of the road. The proposed activity is not expected to considerably affect Lynn Creek and is not expected to cumulatively push the effects to a level of significant. No foreseeable future activities are known for the Lynn Creek drainage.

8. The Degree to which the action may adversely affect districts, sites, highways, structures, or objects listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, or may cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural or historic resources. No documented cultural resources are located in or adjacent to the project area according to archeological survey and review conducted on behalf of this proposal. If cultural resources are discovered within the project area, avoidance and mitigation measures will be in place to avoid any adverse effects.

9. The degree to which the action may adversely affect an endangered or threatened species or its habitat that has been determined to be critical under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. There are no endangered or threatened species or associated habitat in or adjacent to the project area. Thus there will be no effect to threatened, endangered species, or critical habitat.

10. Whether the action threatens to violate Federal, State, or local law or requirements imposed for the protection of the environment. The proposed action is consistent with the Sawtooth National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (see page 2 of this EA for relevant management direction). Actions proposed will not threaten a violation of federal, state, or local law, or requirements imposed for the protection of the environment. Project design criteria outlined within this EA will assure compliance with these laws. Documentation associated with the Lynn Springs South Quarry Expansion meets the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. I have determined that the proposed action does not violate Federal, State, or local laws involved in the protection of the environment.

There are no specially designated areas (e.g. Research Natural Areas, Inventoried Roadless Areas, Wilderness Areas, and Wild and Scenic Rivers) that would be affected by the proposed action.

Consultation and Coordination Forest Service Staff Heidie Torrealday, ID Team Leader, Geologist and Minerals Program Manager Scott Soletti, Wildlife Biologist Mark Dallon, Hydrologist Tom Stewart, Forest Botanist and Soil Scientist Joe Bergstrom, Archeologist Josh Edwards, Range Scientist Matt Ginder, District Fire Management Officer Darlene Bridges, Recreation Karl Fuelling, Timber

Other Agencies Contracted Utah Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining Box Elder County Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

Tribal Governments Shoshone-Bannock Tribes-Fort Hall Northwestern Band of Shoshone Tribe Shoshone-Paiute Tribes-Duck Valley