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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

CHAPTER 1—PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PLANNING EFFORT ......................................1-1 

1.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................1-1 

1.1.1 Reader’s Guide.......................................................................................................................1-1 

1.1.2 Agency Roles And Relationships ..........................................................................................1-5 

1.2 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR A NEW RAWLINS RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN/ 

 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT.........................................................................................1-6 

1.2.1 Background............................................................................................................................1-6 

1.2.2 Purpose...................................................................................................................................1-6 

1.2.3 Need .......................................................................................................................................1-7 

1.3 OVERVIEW OF THE BLM PLANNING PROCESS..............................................................................1-8 

1.3.1 Planning Issues.......................................................................................................................1-9 

1.3.2 Planning Criteria ..................................................................................................................1-11 

1.4 RELEVANT STATUTES, LIMITATIONS, AND GUIDELINES.............................................................1-14 

1.4.1 Environmental Policy...........................................................................................................1-14 

1.4.2 Land Use And Natural Resources Management ..................................................................1-14 

1.4.3 Air Quality ...........................................................................................................................1-16 

1.4.4 Water Quality.......................................................................................................................1-16 

1.4.5 Cultural Resources...............................................................................................................1-17 

1.4.6 Hazardous Materials ............................................................................................................1-17 

1.4.7 Wildlife ................................................................................................................................1-18 

1.5 RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER PLANS............................................................................................1-18 

CHAPTER 2 —DESCRIPTIONS OF THE ALTERNATIVES..........................................................2-1 

2.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................2-1 

2.2 DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................................2-1 

2.2.1 Alternatives Development Process ........................................................................................2-1 

2.2.2 Management Goals ................................................................................................................2-2 

2.2.3 Alternatives and Management Options Considered But Eliminated From Detailed 

 Analysis..................................................................................................................................2-2 

2.3 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS COMMON TO ALL ALTERNATIVES.........................................................2-5 

2.3.1 Air Quality .............................................................................................................................2-5 

2.3.2 Cultural Resources.................................................................................................................2-6 

2.3.3 Wildland Fire and Fuels Management ...................................................................................2-6 

2.3.4 Forestry ..................................................................................................................................2-7 

2.3.5 Lands and Realty....................................................................................................................2-7 

2.3.6 Livestock Grazing..................................................................................................................2-8 

2.3.7 Minerals .................................................................................................................................2-8 

2.3.8 Off-Highway Vehicle Management.....................................................................................2-10 

2.3.9 Paleontology ........................................................................................................................2-10 

2.3.10 Recreation Resources...........................................................................................................2-11 

2.3.11 Special Management Areas..................................................................................................2-11 

2.3.12 Transportation and Access...................................................................................................2-14 

2.3.13 Vegetation ............................................................................................................................2-14 

2.3.14 Water Quality, Watershed, and Soils Management .............................................................2-15 

2.3.15 Wild Horses .........................................................................................................................2-16 

2.3.16 Wildlife and Fisheries..........................................................................................................2-16 

2.4 ALTERNATIVE 1: NO ACTIONCONTINUATION OF EXISTING MANAGEMENT..........................2-17 

2.5 ALTERNATIVE 2: EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPMENT OF RESOURCES................................................2-17 

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2.6 ALTERNATIVE 3: EMPHASIS ON PROTECTION OF RESOURCES....................................................2-17 

2.7 ALTERNATIVE 4: PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE..............................................................................2-17 

2.8 COMPARATIVE SUMMARY OF IMPACTS .......................................................................................2-17 

2.9 MONITORING AND EVALUATION PLAN AND ACTIVITY PLAN WORKING GROUPS..........................2-18 

2.9.1 Monitoring and Evaluation Plan ..........................................................................................2-18 

2.9.2 Activity Plan Working Groups ............................................................................................2-18 

CHAPTER 3—AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT....................................................................................3-1 

3.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................3-1 

3.2 AIR RESOURCES .............................................................................................................................3-1 

3.2.1 Climate...................................................................................................................................3-1 

3.2.2 Temperature ...........................................................................................................................3-1 

3.2.3 Precipitation ...........................................................................................................................3-2 

3.2.4 Dispersion ..............................................................................................................................3-2 

3.2.5 Wind Velocity........................................................................................................................3-2 

3.2.6 Air Quality .............................................................................................................................3-2 

3.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES .................................................................................................................3-9 

3.3.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................3-9 

3.3.2 Prehistoric Sites .....................................................................................................................3-9 

3.3.3 Native American Cultural Resources...................................................................................3-14

3.3.4 Cultural Resource Management Use Allocations................................................................3-14 

3.4 WILDLAND FIRE AND FUELS........................................................................................................3-15 

3.4.1 Wildland Fire Occurrence and Ignition Sources..................................................................3-16 

3.4.2 Fuels Management ...............................................................................................................3-16 

3.4.3 Use of Wildland Fire............................................................................................................3-16 

3.4.4 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).........................................................................................3-16 

3.4.5 Community Assistance ........................................................................................................3-17 

3.4.6 The Role of Wildland Fire in Plant Communities of the RMPPA.......................................3-17 

3.4.7 Emergency Stabilization and Rehabilitation........................................................................3-17 

3.5 FORESTRY ....................................................................................................................................3-18 

3.5.1 Shirley Mountain Forest.......................................................................................................3-18 

3.5.2 Elk Mountain Forest.............................................................................................................3-19 

3.6 LANDS AND REALTY ....................................................................................................................3-20 

3.6.1 Land Ownership Adjustment ...............................................................................................3-21 

3.6.2 Withdrawals/Classifications.................................................................................................3-21 

3.6.3 Utility/Transportation System..............................................................................................3-23 

3.6.4 Transportation and Utility Right-of-Way Corridors............................................................3-23 

3.6.5 Land Consolidations ............................................................................................................3-23 

3.7 LIVESTOCK GRAZING...................................................................................................................3-24 

3.7.1 Historic Use .........................................................................................................................3-24 

3.7.2 Current Use ..........................................................................................................................3-24 

3.7.3 Recent Results of Rangeland Best Management Practice Application................................3-27 

3.8 MINERALS, GEOLOGY, AND TOPOGRAPHY .................................................................................3-29 

3.8.1 Geologic Units.....................................................................................................................3-30 

3.8.2 Structural Geology and Tectonics........................................................................................3-31 

3.8.3 Topography ..........................................................................................................................3-32 

3.8.4 Mineral Resources ...............................................................................................................3-33 

3.9 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES (OHV)................................................................................................3-40 

3.9.1 Designated Off-Highway Vehicle Use Areas......................................................................3-40 

3.9.2 Off-Highway Vehicle Use and Trends.................................................................................3-41 

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3.10 PALEONTOLOGY...........................................................................................................................3-43

3.10.1 Description of Resources.....................................................................................................3-43 

3.10.2 Fossil Yield Potential Classification (FYPC) ......................................................................3-45 

3.11 RECREATION ................................................................................................................................3-46 

3.11.1 Recreation Resources...........................................................................................................3-47 

3.11.2 Recreational Use ..................................................................................................................3-49 

3.11.3 Recreation Trends................................................................................................................3-51 

3.12 SOCIOECONOMICS ........................................................................................................................3-51 

3.12.1 County Characteristics.........................................................................................................3-51 

3.12.2 Demographic Characteristics...............................................................................................3-52 

3.12.3 Economic Characteristics.....................................................................................................3-56 

3.12.4 Economic Activities Attributable to BLM Lands within the RMPPA.................................3-67 

3.12.5 Environmental Justice ..........................................................................................................3-68 

3.12.6 Social Development, Culture, and History of Communities................................................3-70 

3.13 SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS...................................................................................................3-78 

3.13.1 Wilderness Study Areas.......................................................................................................3-78 

3.13.2 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) .............................................................3-80 

3.13.3 Special Recreation Management Areas ...............................................................................3-85 

3.13.4 National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Management ..............................................................3-87 

3.13.5 Wild and Scenic Rivers........................................................................................................3-88 

3.13.6 Other Management Areas ....................................................................................................3-88 

3.14 TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESS ..................................................................................................3-89 

3.14.1 Roadway Network ...............................................................................................................3-89 

3.15 VEGETATION ................................................................................................................................3-90 

3.15.1 Ecological Provinces............................................................................................................3-90 

3.15.2 General Vegetation Map Zones ...........................................................................................3-92 

3.15.3 Riparian Proper Functioning Condition.............................................................................3-104 

3.15.4 Vegetation Health ..............................................................................................................3-105 

3.15.5 Noxious and Invasive Weed Management.........................................................................3-106 

3.15.6 Poisonous Plants ................................................................................................................3-108 

3.15.7 Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Proposed Plant Species ....................................3-109 

3.15.8 BLM Wyoming State Director’s Sensitive Species List for Plants ...................................3-110 

3.15.9 Unique Plant Communities................................................................................................3-110 

3.16 VISUAL RESOURCES...................................................................................................................3-111 

3.16.1 Natural Settings and Scenic Views....................................................................................3-111 

3.17 WATER QUALITY, WATERSHED, AND SOILS .............................................................................3-113 

3.17.1 Water Quality and Watershed ............................................................................................3-113 

3.17.2 Water Management and Monitoring ..................................................................................3-118 

3.17.3 Soils....................................................................................................................................3-120 

3.18 WILD HORSES ............................................................................................................................3-123 

3.18.1 Herd Management Areas ...................................................................................................3-123 

3.18.2 Other Areas Affected by Wild Horses...............................................................................3-126 

3.19 WILDLIFE AND FISH ...................................................................................................................3-127 

3.19.1 General Wildlife.................................................................................................................3-127 

3.19.2 Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Proposed Wildlife Species ...............................3-137 

3.19.3 BLM Wyoming State Director’s Sensitive Species List Habitat Management .................3-141 

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CHAPTER 4—ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES...................................................................4-1 

4.1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................4-1 

4.2 AIR QUALITY..................................................................................................................................4-4 

4.2.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives.....................................................................................4-7 

4.2.2 Impacts Under the Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ............................4-9 

4.2.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources...............................4-9 

4.2.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources....................................4-9 

4.2.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative............................................................4-10 

4.3 CULTURAL RESOURCES ...............................................................................................................4-10 

4.3.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives...................................................................................4-11

4.3.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management .................................4-14 

4.3.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources..............................4-17 

4.3.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources...................................4-20 

4.3.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative.............................................................4-23 

4.4 WILDLAND FIRE AND FUELS........................................................................................................4-25 

4.4.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives...................................................................................4-26

4.4.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management .................................4-26 

4.4.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources..............................4-28 

4.4.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources...................................4-29 

4.4.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative.............................................................4-29 

4.5 FOREST RESOURCES.....................................................................................................................4-30 

4.5.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives...................................................................................4-31

4.5.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ................................4-31 

4.5.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources.............................4-33 

4.5.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources...................................4-33 

4.5.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative.............................................................4-34 

4.6 LANDS AND REALTY ....................................................................................................................4-35 

4.6.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives...................................................................................4-36

4.6.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management .................................4-37 

4.6.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources..............................4-38 

4.6.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources...................................4-39 

4.6.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative.............................................................4-40 

4.7 LIVESTOCK GRAZING...................................................................................................................4-40 

4.7.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives...................................................................................4-41

4.7.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management .................................4-45 

4.7.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources..............................4-47 

4.7.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources...................................4-48 

4.7.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative.............................................................4-51 

4.8 MINERALS ....................................................................................................................................4-52 

4.8.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives...................................................................................4-54

4.8.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management .................................4-57 

4.8.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources..............................4-59 

4.8.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources...................................4-62 

4.8.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative............................................................4-66 

4.9 OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE MANAGEMENT.....................................................................................4-69 

4.9.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives...................................................................................4-70

4.9.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management .................................4-71 

4.9.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources..............................4-72 

4.9.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources...................................4-73 

4.9.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative.............................................................4-74 

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4.10 PALEONTOLOGY...........................................................................................................................4-75

4.10.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives ..................................................................................4-76

4.10.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management.................................4-77 

4.10.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources .............................4-79 

4.10.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources ..................................4-80 

4.10.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative ............................................................4-82 

4.11 RECREATION RESOURCES ............................................................................................................4-84 

4.11.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives ..................................................................................4-85

4.11.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management.................................4-86 

4.11.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources .............................4-88 

4.11.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources ..................................4-89 

4.11.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative ............................................................4-91 

4.12 SOCIOECONOMICS ........................................................................................................................4-93 

4.12.1 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management.................................4-96 

4.12.2 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources ...........................4-100 

4.12.3 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources ................................4-102 

4.12.4 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative .........................................................4-104 

4.13 SPECIAL MANAGEMENT AREAS.................................................................................................4-106 

4.13.1 Wilderness Study Areas.....................................................................................................4-106 

4.13.1.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-106 

4.13.1.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-107 

4.13.1.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-107 

4.13.1.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-108 

4.13.1.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-108 

4.13.2 Como Bluff ACEC/NNL ...................................................................................................4-109 

4.13.2.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-109 

4.13.2.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-109 

4.13.2.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-110 

4.13.2.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-110 

4.13.2.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-111 

4.13.3 Sand Hills ACEC...............................................................................................................4-111 

4.13.3.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-111 

4.13.3.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-112 

4.13.3.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-113 

4.13.3.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-114 

4.13.3.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-116 

4.13.4 Jep Canyon ACEC .............................................................................................................4-117 

4.13.4.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-117 

4.13.4.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-118 

4.13.4.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-118 

4.13.4.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-118 

4.13.4.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-119 

4.13.5 Shamrock Hills ACEC.......................................................................................................4-120 

4.13.5.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-120 

4.13.5.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-120 

4.13.5.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-121 

4.13.5.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-121 

4.13.5.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-122 

4.13.6 Stratton Sagebrush Steppe Research Area .........................................................................4-122 

4.13.6.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-122 

4.13.6.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-123 

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4.13.6.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-124 

4.13.6.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-124 

4.13.6.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-125 

4.13.7 Chain Lakes Habitat Management Area ............................................................................4-126 

4.13.7.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-126 

4.13.7.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-126 

4.13.7.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-127 

4.13.7.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-128 

4.13.7.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-129 

4.13.8 Laramie Peak Wildlife Habitat Management Area............................................................4-129 

4.13.8.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-129 

4.13.8.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-130 

4.13.8.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-130 

4.13.8.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-131 

4.13.8.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-131 

4.13.9 Red Rim-Daley Wildlife Management Area......................................................................4-132 

4.13.9.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-132 

4.13.9.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-133 

4.13.9.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-133 

4.13.9.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-134 

4.13.9.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-134 

4.13.10 Pennock Mountain Wildlife Habitat Management Area................................................4-135 

4.13.10.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-135 

4.13.10.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ...................4-135 

4.13.10.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-136 

4.13.10.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-136 

4.13.10.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-137 

4.13.11 Wick-Beumee Wildlife Habitat Management Area .......................................................4-137 

4.13.11.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-137 

4.13.11.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-138 

4.13.11.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-138 

4.13.11.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-138 

4.13.11.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-138 

4.13.12 Shirley Mountain SRMA ...............................................................................................4-138 

4.13.12.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-138 

4.13.12.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ...................4-139 

4.13.12.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-139 

4.13.12.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-140 

4.13.13 Laramie Plains Lakes Area ............................................................................................4-141 

4.13.13.1 Impacts Common to All ..........................................................................................4-141 

4.13.13.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-141 

4.13.13.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-142 

4.13.13.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-142 

4.13.13.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-142 

4.13.14 Historic Trails (Cherokee, Overland, Rawlins to Baggs, and Rawlins to 

 Fort Washakie)...................................................................................................................4-143 

4.13.14.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-143 

4.13.14.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-144 

4.13.14.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-145 

4.13.14.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-146 

4.13.14.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-147 

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4.13.15 Blowout Penstemon Area...............................................................................................4-148 

4.13.15.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-148 

4.13.15.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-149 

4.13.15.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-149 

4.13.15.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-150 

4.13.15.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-150 

4.13.16 Upper Muddy Creek Watershed/Grizzly Area...............................................................4-150 

4.13.16.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-150 

4.13.16.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-151 

4.13.16.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-152 

4.13.16.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-152 

4.13.16.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-154 

4.13.17 White-Tailed Prairie Dog Area ......................................................................................4-155 

4.13.17.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-155 

4.13.17.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-155 

4.13.17.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-155 

4.13.17.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-156 

4.13.17.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-156 

4.13.18 High Savery Dam...........................................................................................................4-157 

4.13.18.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-157 

4.13.18.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-157 

4.13.18.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-158 

4.13.18.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-158 

4.13.18.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-158 

4.13.19 Continental Divide National Scenic Trail SRMA..........................................................4-159 

4.13.19.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-159 

4.13.19.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-159 

4.13.19.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources.................4-159 

4.13.19.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources......................4-159 

4.13.19.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative................................................4-160 

4.13.20 North Platte River SRMA..............................................................................................4-160 

4.13.20.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-160 

4.13.20.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-160 

4.13.20.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources.................4-161 

4.13.20.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources......................4-161 

4.13.20.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative................................................4-162 

4.13.21 Rawlins OHV Area ........................................................................................................4-162 

4.13.21.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-162 

4.13.21.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-162 

4.13.21.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-163 

4.13.21.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-163 

4.13.21.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-163 

4.13.22 National Natural Landmarks..........................................................................................4-163 

4.13.22.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-163 

4.13.23 Encampment River Potential Wild and Scenic River (WSR)........................................4-164 

4.13.23.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives......................................................................4-164 

4.13.23.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ....................4-164 

4.13.23.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources................4-165 

4.13.23.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources.....................4-165 

4.13.23.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative...............................................4-165 

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4.14 TRANSPORTATION AND ACCESS ................................................................................................4-166 

4.14.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives ................................................................................4-166 

4.14.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management...............................4-167 

4.14.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources ...........................4-167 

4.14.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources ................................4-167 

4.14.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative ..........................................................4-168 

4.15 VEGETATION ..............................................................................................................................4-168 

4.15.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives ................................................................................4-170 

4.15.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management...............................4-176 

4.15.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources ...........................4-178 

4.15.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources ................................4-180 

4.15.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative ..........................................................4-183 

4.16 VISUAL RESOURCES...................................................................................................................4-185 

4.16.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives ................................................................................4-185 

4.16.2 Impact Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management ................................4-186 

4.16.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources ...........................4-186 

4.16.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources ................................4-186 

4.16.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative ..........................................................4-187 

4.17 WATER QUALITY, WATERSHED, AND SOILS .............................................................................4-187 

4.17.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives ................................................................................4-189 

4.17.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management...............................4-192 

4.17.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources ...........................4-195 

4.17.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources ................................4-197 

4.17.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative ..........................................................4-200 

4.18 WILD HORSES ............................................................................................................................4-202 

4.18.1 Impacts Common to all Alternatives .................................................................................4-203

4.18.2 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management...............................4-205 

4.18.3 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources ...........................4-206 

4.18.4 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources ................................4-207 

4.18.5 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative ..........................................................4-208 

4.19 WILDLIFE AND FISH ...................................................................................................................4-208 

4.19.1 Impacts Common to All Alternatives ................................................................................4-209 

4.19.1 Impacts Under Alternative 1: Continuation of Existing Management...............................4-218 

4.19.2 Impacts Under Alternative 2: Emphasis on Development of Resources ..........................4-224 

4.19.3 Impacts Under Alternative 3: Emphasis on Protection of Resources ...............................4-228 

4.19.4 Impacts Under Alternative 4: Preferred Alternative ..........................................................4-237 

4.20 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ..............................................................................................................4-243 

4.20.1 Impact Assessment Methodology ......................................................................................4-244

4.20.2 Projects and Activities Considered ....................................................................................4-245 

4.20.3 Impacts by Resource ..........................................................................................................4-248 

4.21 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENTS OF RESOURCES.......................................4-267 

4.22 UNAVOIDABLE ADVERSE IMPACTS............................................................................................4-267 

4.23 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LOCAL SHORT-TERM USES AND LONG-TERM PRODUCTIVITY .........4-268 

viii Rawlins RMP
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CHAPTER 5—CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION..............................................................5-1 

5.1 CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION............................................................................................5-1 

5.1.1 Cooperating Agencies............................................................................................................5-2 

5.1.2 Coordination and Consistency ...............................................................................................5-2 

5.1.3 Native American Interests......................................................................................................5-4 

5.2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION..................................................................................................................5-4 

5.2.1 Scoping Period .......................................................................................................................5-5 

5.2.2 Mailing List............................................................................................................................5-5 

5.2.3 Newsletters.............................................................................................................................5-6 

5.2.4 Website ..................................................................................................................................5-6 

5.2.5 Future Public Participation.....................................................................................................5-6 

5.3 DISTRIBUTION LIST........................................................................................................................5-6 

CHAPTER 6 —LIST OF PREPARERS AND CONTRIBUTORS ....................................................6-1 

ACRONYMS 

GLOSSARY 

LITERATURE CITED 

Rawlins RMP ix 
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LIST OF FIGURES 

CHAPTER 3—AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 

Figure 3-1 Mean Monthly Temperatures in the Rawlins RMPPA 

Figure 3-2 Mean Monthly Maximum Temperatures near Rawlins, Wyoming 

Figure 3-3 Mean Monthly Maximum Temperatures near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-4 Mean Monthly Precipitation in the Rawlins RMPPA 

Figure 3-5 Mean Monthly Snowfall in the Rawlins RMPPA 

Figure 3-6 Mean Monthly Precipitation Trend near Rawlins, Wyoming 

Figure 3-7. Mean Monthly Precipitation Trend near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-8 Mean Annual Precipitation Trend in the Rawlins RMPPA 

Figure 3-9 Capacity to Disperse Air Pollutants in Rock Springs, Wyoming 

Figure 3-10 Wind Rose for Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-11 Mean Annual Concentrations of Nitrogen Compounds near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-12 Mean Annual Concentrations of Nitrogen Compounds in Rocky Mountain 

National Park, Colorado 

Figure 3-13 Weekly Total Nitrate Concentrations near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-14 Weekly Ammonium Concentrations near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-15 Mean Annual Concentrations of Sulfur Compounds near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-16 Mean Annual Concentrations of Sulfur Compounds in Rocky Mountain 

National Park, Colorado 

Figure 3-17 Weekly Sulfur Dioxide Concentrations near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-18 Weekly Sulfate Concentrations near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-19 Mean Annual Ozone Concentrations in the Rawlins RMPPA 

Figure 3-20 Visibility in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 

Figure 3-21 Annual Visibility (RcFM) in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 

Figure 3-22 Mean Annual Precipitation pH in the Rawlins RMPPA 

Figure 3-23 Mean Annual Wet Deposition near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-24 Mean Annual Wet Deposition near Brooklyn Lake, Wyoming 

Figure 3-25 Mean Annual Dry Deposition near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-26 Mean Annual Dry Deposition in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado 

Figure 3-27 Mean Annual Total Nitrogen Deposition near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-28 Mean Annual Total Sulfur Deposition near Centennial, Wyoming 

Figure 3-29 Land Ownership in the Four County Socioeconomic Study Area 

Figure 3-30 Land Ownership—Rawlins RMPPA 

Figure 3-31 Population Estimate for Counties in the Socioeconomic Study Area 

Figure 3-32 Population by Ethnicity for 2000 

Figure 3-33 Personal Income Trends 1990-2000 (2001$) 

Figure 3-34 Annual Unemployment Rate for Counties in the Socioeconomic Study Area 

Figure 3-35 Employment Trends by Industry, 1990-2000 

Figure 3-36 Total Earnings Trends by Industry, 1990-2000 (2001$) 

Figure 3-37 Average Real Earnings by Industry 1990-2000 (2001$) 

Figure 3-38 Percentage of Locally Assessed Property by Category, 2000 

Figure 3-39 Percentage of State Assessed Property by Category , 2000 

Figure 3-40 Annual PILT Payments, 1991-2000 

Figure 3-41 Historic Gas Production in the RMPPA 

Figure 3-42 Historic Oil Production in the RMPPA 

Figure 3-43 Streamflow 2003 (Apr. - Oct.) for Encampment River at Mouth near Encampment, 

Wy. 

x Rawlins RMP
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Figure 3-44 Streamflow 2003 (Apr. - Oct.) for Medicine Bow River above Seminoe Reservoir 

near Hanna, Wy. 

Figure 3-45 Streamflow 2003 (Apr. - Oct.) for Laramie River near Fort Laramie, Wy. 

Figure 3-46 Streamflow 2003 (Apr. - Oct.) for North Platte River above Seminoe Reservoir 

near Sinclair, Wy. 

Figure 3-47 Streamflow 2003 (Apr. - Oct.) for Little Snake River near Slater, Co. 

Figure 3-48 Mean Streamflow (Apr. - Oct.) for Encampment, Medicine Bow, Laramie, North 

Platte and Little Snake Rivers 

CHAPTER 4—ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 

Figure 4-1 Potential Number of BLM Wells – Alternative 1 

Figure 4-2 Potential Number of BLM Wells – Alternative 2 

Figure 4-3 Potential Number of BLM Wells – Alternative 3 

Figure 4-4 Potential Number of BLM Wells – Alternative 4 

Figure 4-5 Potential Emissions from BLM Sources – Alternative 1 

Figure 4-6 Potential Emissions from BLM Sources – Alternative 2 

Figure 4-7 Potential Emissions from BLM Sources – Alternative 3 

Figure 4-8 Potential Emissions from BLM Sources – Alternative 4 

Figure 4-9 Potential Emissions from BLM Coal Bed Natural Gas – Alternative 1 

Figure 4-10 Potential Emissions from BLM Coal Bed Natural Gas – Alternative 2 

Figure 4-11 Potential Emissions from BLM Coal Bed Natural Gas – Alternative 3 

Figure 4-12 Potential Emissions from BLM Coal Bed Natural Gas – Alternative 4 

Figure 4-13 Potential Emissions from BLM Conventional Oil and Gas – Alternative 1 

Figure 4-14 Potential Emissions from BLM Conventional Oil and Gas – Alternative 2 

Figure 4-15 Potential Emissions from BLM Conventional Oil and Gas – Alternative 3 

Figure 4-16 Potential Emissions from BLM Conventional Oil and Gas – Alternative 4 

Figure 4-17 Potential Emissions from BLM Non-Oil and Gas Activities – Alternative 1 

Figure 4-18 Potential Emissions from BLM Non-Oil and Gas Activities – Alternative 2 

Figure 4-19 Potential Emissions from BLM Non-Oil and Gas Activities – Alternative 3 

Figure 4-20 Potential Emissions from BLM Non-Oil and Gas Activities – Alternative 4 

Figure 4-21 Increase in Annual Air Emissions from Current Conditions – Alternative 1 

Figure 4-22 Increase in Annual Air Emissions from Current Conditions – Alternative 2 

Figure 4-23 Increase in Annual Air Emissions from Current Conditions – Alternative 3 

Figure 4-24 Increase in Annual Air Emissions from Current Conditions – Alternative 4 

Figure 4-25 Summary of Total Emmissions 

Figure 4-26 Average Annual Employment by Alternative 

Figure 4-27 Total Earnings by Alternative 

Figure 4-28 Estimated Ad Valorem Tax Revenues by Alternative 

APPENDIX FIGURES 

Figure A35-1 Total Employment Trend 

Figure A35-2 Ad Valorem Tax Trend 

Rawlins RMP xi 
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LIST OF TABLES 

CHAPTER 1—PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PLANNING EFFORT

Table 1-1 Land and Mineral Ownership and Administrative Jurisdiction Within the Rawlins 

RMPPA 

Table 1-2 The EIS Process 

CHAPTER 2—DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES

Table 2-1 Summary Comparison of Alternatives 

Table 2-2 Proposed Withdrawals 

Table 2-3 Current ROW Corridors 

Table 2-4 Summary Comparison of Impacts 

Table 2-5 Utility/Transportation Systems and Wind Energy Avoidance Areas 

Table 2-6 Areas of Fluid Mineral Lease Conditional Requirements by Hydrocarbon 

Potential (Approximate Federal Subsurface Acres)

Table 2-7 Summary of Proposed Special Management Area Designations by Alternatives 

Table 2-8 Areas of Priority Access for Easement Acquisition 

Table 2-9 Visual Resource Management Classifications and Acreage 

Table 2-10 Seasonal Wildlife Stipulations for all Surface Disturbing Activities 

CHAPTER 3—AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 

Table 3-1 Concentrations of Criteria Air PollutantsWest-Central Wyoming Rawlins 

Table 3-2 Summary of Air Quality in the Vicinity of the RMPPA 

Table 3-3 Withdrawal Summary

Table 3-4 Cattle and Sheep Numbers in Albany, Carbon, and Laramie Counties from 1905 

to 2000 

Table 3-5 Livestock Actual Use in Animal Unit Months (AUM) for the RMPPA from 1991 

to 2000 

Table 3-6 Known Locatable Minerals Deposits in the RMPPA 

Table 3-7 Participants and Visitor Days Associated with OHV Use in the RMPPA 

Table 3-8 Paleontological Classification Descriptions 

Table 3-9 Recreational Management System Information on Recreation and Visitor Days in 

the RMPPA. 

Table 3-10 Recreation Visits by Location in the RMPPA 

Table 3-11 Geographic Characteristics of the Study Area 

Table 3-12 Population Centers 

Table 3-13 Components of Population Change for the RMPPA 

Table 3-14 Estimated Poverty Rates for Counties within the RMPPA 

Table 3-15 Change in the Civilian Labor Force, 1991-2000 

Table 3-16 Location Quotients for the RMPPA –2000 

Table 3-17 Assessed Property Valuations by County for 2001 

Table 3-18 Assessed Value of Oil and Gas Production and Property in the RMPPA, FY 2001 

Table 3-19 Estimated Mineral Ad Valorem Tax Revenues, FY 2001 

Table 3-20 Estimated Ad Valorem Tax Revenues on Oil, Gas and Coal Property, FY 2001 

Table 3-21 Oil and Gas Tax Revenues as a Percentage of Total County Property Taxes, FY 

2001 

Table 3-22 Total Severance Tax Distributions for Government Entities in the RMPPA, FY 

2001 

Table 3-23 Severance Taxes Generated in the Study Area by Product, FY 2001

Table 3-24 Estimated Ad Valorem Tax on Production for the RMPPA (Federal Lands) 

xii Rawlins RMP
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Table 3-25 Estimated Severance Tax on Production for the RMPPA (Federal Lands) 

Table 3-26 Estimated Federal Royalties on Production for the RMPPA (Federal Lands) 

Table 3-27 Lodging Tax Distribution for the RMPPA 

Table 3-28 Sales and Use Tax Distribution for the RMPPA 

Table 3-29 Estimated Value of Grazing Activities on BLM Lands within the RMPPA for 

1997 

Table 3-30 Percentage of Agricultural Sales in the Study Area Attributed to Grazing on 

BLM Lands in the RMPPA 

Table 3-31 Population Distribution (Percentage) by Race by County, 2000 

Table 3-32 Recreational Management System Information for Special Management Areas 

Within the RMPPA 

Table 3-33 RMPPA Vegetation Zones Mapped from Plant Community Classes Developed

from GAP Satellite Imagery, Including Zone Total Area and Description 

Table 3-34 Poisonous Plants in the RMPPA 

Table 3-35 Visual Resource Management Classifications and Acreages in the RMPPA 

Table 3-36 Watersheds and Their Acreage Within the RMPPA 

Table 3-37 Discharge from Selected USGS Gaging Stations in the RMPPA 

Table 3-38 RMPPA Wild Horse AMLs and Populations 

Table 3-39 Wild Horse Regional Metapopulations associated with the RMPPA 

Table 3-40 Potential Displacement for Big Game Species 

CHAPTER 4—ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 

Table 4-1 Increase in Annual Air Emissions from 2003 Conditions on BLM-Administered

Lands within the RMPPA 

Table 4-2 Long-Term (100 Years) Age-Class Redistribution of Lodgepole Pine Under 

Current Management 

Table 4-3 Primary Inputs for Socioeconomic Analysis 

Table 4-4 Total Estimated Mineral Tax Royalties and Taxes from RMPPA (2001$) 

Table 4-5 Summary of Oil and Gas Development Projects Previously or Currently Subject

to NEPA Analysis in Southwestern Wyoming 

Table 4-6 Summary of Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions (RFAs) 

Table 4-7 Summary of Emission Increases as Estimated by the Wyoming State-wide 

Emission Inventory and the BLM Emission Inventory 

Table 4-8 Summary of Far-Field Air Quality Impacts from the Desolation Flats EIS 

Table 4-9 Cumulative Economic Impacts of Oil and Gas Development within the RMPPA 

CHAPTER 5— Consultation and Coordination 

Table 5-1 Public Involvement, Coordination, and Consultation Events 

Table 5-2 Key Coordination Actions 

CHAPTER 6— list of preparers and contributors

Table 6-1 List of Preparers and Contributors 

APPENDIX TABLES 

Table A2-1 Rawlins RMPPA Development Potential Coal 

Table A2-2 Rawlins RMPPA Unsuitable Coal Areas and Affected Tonnage 

Table A2-3 Unsuitable Locations for Coal Mining Due to the Existence of ROWs 

Table A2-4 Unsuitable Locations for Coal Mining Due to BLM Sensitive Fish Species and 

Habitat 

Rawlins RMP xiii 
Table of Contents Draft EIS

Table A2-5 Unsuitable Locations for Coal Mining in Certain Floodplains of the Medicine 

Bow River 

Table A4-1 National and Wyoming Ambient Air Quality Standards 

Table A4-2 PSD Increments 

Table A4-3 Assumed Background Concentrations and Applicable Ambient Air Quality

Standards and PSD Increment Values (in μg/m3

) 

Table A4-4 Numbers of Oil and Gas Wells for the Rawlins Field Office 

Table A4-5 Base year (2003) Emissions Inventory for BLM-administered Lands Within 

RMPPA (tons per year) Base Case 

Table A4-6 Short-term (2008) Emissions Inventory for BLM-administered Lands Within

RMPPA (tons per year) 

Table A4-7 Long-term (2023) Emissions Inventory for BLM-administered Lands Within

RMPPA (tons per year) 

Table A4-8 Existing Conditions 

Table A4-9 Total Emissions for Alternatives (tons per year) 

Table A4-10 Increase in Annual Air Emissions from Base Year Conditions on BLMAdministered Lands within the RMPPA 

Table A4-11 Incremental Emissions from Permitted Sources January 2001 through June 2003 

for the RMPPA 

Table A4-12 RFD and Complete Emissions for the RMPPA 

Table A4-13 Fugitive Dust Mitigation Measures (PM10), Effectiveness and Cost 

Table A4-14 Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Mitigation Measures Efficiency

Table A4-15 Additional Mitigation Measures with Approximate Costs and Benefits 

Table A7-1 Lands identified as Possibly Suitable for Disposal – Alternative 1 – Laramie 

County

Table A7-2 Lands identified as Possibly Suitable for Disposal – Alternative 1 – Albany

County

Table A7-3 Lands identified as Possibly Suitable for Disposal – Alternative 1 – Carbon 

County

Table A7-4 Lands identified as Possibly Suitable for Disposal – Alternative 1 – Sweetwater 

County

Table A7-5 Lands identified for Community Expansion – Alternative 1 – Carbon County 

Table A7-6 Lands identified for Community Expansion – Alternative 1 – Sweetwater County 

Table A7-7 Lands identified as Possibly Suitable for Disposal – Alternative 2 – Laramie 

County

Table A7-8 Lands identified as Possibly Suitable for Disposal – Alternative 2 – Albany

County

Table A7-9 Lands identified as Possibly Suitable for Disposal – Alternative 2 – Carbon 

County

Table A7-10 Lands identified as Possibly Suitable for Disposal – Alternative 2 – Sweetwater 

County

Table A7-11 Lands identified for Community Expansion – Alternative 2 – Carbon County 

Table A7-12 Lands identified for Community Expansion – Alternative 2 – Sweetwater County 

Table A7-13 BOR Withdrawals – Seminoe Reservoir 

Table A7-14 BOR Withdrawals – Savery-Pothook Project 

Table A10-1 Threatened and Endangered and Candidate Animal Species in the Rawlins 

RMPPA 

Table A10-2 Threatened and Endangered Animal Species downstream of the Rawlins RMPPA 

Table A10-3 BLM Sensitive Animals in the Rawlins RMPPA 

Table A10-4 Threatened and Endangered Plant Species in the Rawlins RMPPA 

Table A10-5 Threatened and Endangered Plant Species downstream of the Rawlins RMPPA 

xiv Rawlins RMP
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Table A10-6 BLM Sensitive Plants in the Rawlins RMPPA 

Table A11-1 Impaired or Threatened Water Bodies Located within the RMPPA 

Table A12-1 Relationship Between AML and Wild Horse Populations 

Table A12-2 Wild Horse Regional Metapopulations Associated with the Rawlins RMPPA 

Table A17-1 Resource Monitoring Table 

Table A20-1 Seismic Exploration Permits On Public Lands 

Table A21-1 Preliminary Schedule for Travel Management Plan for RMPPA LDAs 

Table A22-1 ACEC Proposal Evaluation Form

Table A28-1 Upland Plant Common and Scientific Names with Synonyms

Table A28-2 Plant Species Typical of Wetlands and Wet Meadows in Wyoming 

Table A29-1 Range Allotment Information for the Rawlins RMPPA 

Table A30-1 Probable Fossil Yield Classification (PFYC) – By Formation – State of 

Wyoming 

Table A33-1 Forestry RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-2 Fire and Fuels Management RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-3 Lands and Realty RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-4 Livestock RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-5 Surface Disturbance from CBNG and Gas wells (based on figures supplied by

RMG 12/10/03) 

Table A33-6 Solid Minerals RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-7 OHV RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-8 Recreation RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-9 Special Management Area RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-10 VRM RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-11 Transportation RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-12 Vegetation RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-13 Noxious and Invasive Weeds RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-14 Soils and Watershed RFD/RFAs 

Table A33-15 Wild Horses RFD/RFAs

Table A33-16 Fisheries RFD/RFAs 

Table A35-1 Economic Assumptions for Gas Exploration and Development 

Table A35-2 Economic Assumptions for Oil and Gas Production 

Table A35-3 Estimated Value of Cattle AUMs 

Table A35-4 Estimated Value of Sheep AUMs 

Table A35-5 Economic Assumptions for Grazing 

Table A35-6 Recreation Assumptions 

Table A35-7 Summary of Visitor Expenditures 

Table A35-8 Economic Assumptions for Recreation 

Rawlins RMP xv 
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LIST OF MAPS 

CHAPTER 1—PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE PLANNING EFFORT

Map 1-1 – Overview 

Map 1-2 – Surface Administration 

Map 1-3 – Sub-Surface Administration 

Map 1-4 – Rawlins RMPPA 

CHAPTER 2—DESCRIPTION OF THE ALTERNATIVES

Map 2-1 – Fire Management 

Map 2-2 – Designated Right-of-Way Corridors 

Map 2-3 – Domestic Sheep Avoidance Area 

Map 2-4 – Locatable Mineral Withdrawals – Alternative 1 

Map 2-5 – OHV Designations – Alternative 1 

Map 2-6 – Wilderness Study Areas 

Map 2-7 – Areas of Critical Environmental Concern – Alternative 1 

Map 2-8 – Areas of Critical Environmental Concern – Alternative 3 

Map 2-9 – Areas of Critical Environmental Concern – Alternative 4 

Map 2-10 – Other Special Management Areas – Alternative 1 

Map 2-11 – Other Special Management Areas – Alternative 2 

Map 2-12 – Other Special Management Areas – Alternative 3 

Map 2-13 – Other Special Management Areas – Alternative 4 

Map 2-14 – Special Recreation Management Areas – Alternative 1 

Map 2-15 – Special Recreation Management Areas – Alternative 2 

Map 2-16 – Special Recreation Management Areas – Alternative 3 

Map 2-17 – Special Recreation Management Areas – Alternative 4 

Map 2-18 – National Natural Landmarks 

Map 2-19 – Encampment River Potential Wild and Scenic River 

Map 2-20 – Watersheds with Management Actions 

Map 2-21 – Wild Horse Herd Management Areas 

Map 2-22 – Potential Disposals – Carbon County – Alternative 1 

Map 2-23 – Potential Disposals – Sweetwater County – Alternative 1 

Map 2-24 – Potential Disposals – Laramie County – Alternative 1 

Map 2-25 – Potential Disposals – Albany County – Alternative 1 

Map 2-26 – Potential Disposals – Carbon County – Alternatives 2 & 4 

Map 2-27 – Potential Disposals – Sweetwater County – Alternatives 2 & 4 

Map 2-28 – Potential Disposals – Laramie County – Alternatives 2 & 4 

Map 2-29 – Potential Disposals – Albany County – Alternatives 2 & 4 

Map 2-30 – Utility/Transportation Systems Avoidance Areas – Alternative 1 

Map 2-31 – Utility/Transportation Systems Avoidance Areas – Alternative 2 

Map 2-32 – Utility/Transportation Systems Avoidance Areas – Alternative 3 

Map 2-33 – Utility/Transportation Systems Avoidance Areas – Alternative 4 

Map 2-34 – Bison Exclusion Areas 

Map 2-35 – Oil and Gas Classifications – Alternative 1 

Map 2-36 – Oil and Gas Classifications – Alternative 2 

Map 2-37 – Oil and Gas Classifications – Alternative 3 

Map 2-38 – Oil and Gas Classifications – Alternative 4 

xvi Rawlins RMP
Draft EIS Table of Contents

Map 2-39 – Locatable Mineral Withdrawals – Alternative 2 

Map 2-40 – Locatable Mineral Withdrawals – Alternative 3 

Map 2-41 – Locatable Mineral Withdrawals – Alternative 4 

Map 2-42 – OHV Designations – Alternative 2 

Map 2-43 – OHV Designations – Alternative 3 

Map 2-44 – OHV Designations – Alternative 4 

Map 2-45 – Areas with Wilderness Characteristics 

Map 2-46 – Historic Trails – Alternatives 1 & 2 

Map 2-47 – Historic Trails – Alternative 3 

Map 2-48 – Historic Trails – Alternative 4 

Map 2-49 – Visual Resource Management – Alternative 3 

Map 2-50 – Visual Resource Management – Alternative 4 

Map 2-51 – Visual Resource Management – Alternative 1 

Map 2-52 – Visual Resource Management – Alternative 2 

Map 2-53 – Pronghorn Habitat 

Map 2-54 – Mule Deer Habitat 

Map 2-55 – Bighorn Sheep Habitat and Lambing Areas 

Map 2-56 – Elk Habitat and Parturition Areas 

Map 2-57 – Greater Sage-grouse Nesting Limitation Area for Oil and Gas Development 

CHAPTER 3—AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 

Map 3-1 – Forest Management 

Map 3-2 – Wind Energy Potential 

Map 3-3 – Grazing Allotments 

Map 3-4 – Major Structural Elements 

Map 3-5 – Oil and Gas Fields 

Map 3-6 – Permitted Mining Activities 

Map 3-7 – Recreation Sites 

Map 3-8 – Percent of Minority Population by County

Map 3-9 – Median Household Income

Map 3-10 – Vegetation Communities 

Map 3-11 – Major Surface Water Basins 

Map 3-12 – Soil/Precipitation Zones

Map 3-13 – Greater Sage-Grouse and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Leks 

CHAPTER 4—ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES 

Map 4-1 – Water Quality and Watersheds – Cumulative Impact Analysis Area 

Map 4-2 – Wild Horses – Cumulative Impact Analysis Area 

Map 4-3 – Bighorn Sheep – Cumulative Impact Analysis Area 

Map 4-4 – Elk – Cumulative Impact Analysis Area 

Map 4-5 – Mule Deer – Cumulative Impact Analysis Area 

Map 4-6 – Pronghorn – Cumulative Impact Analysis Area 

APPENDIX MAPS 

Map A2-1 – Coal Development Potential 

Map A2-2 – Unsuitable Lands within Coal Development Potential

Map A2-3 – Unsuitable Lands within Coal Development Potential 

Rawlins RMP xvii 
Table of Contents Draft EIS

Map A2-4 – Unsuitable Lands within Coal Development Potential 

Map A8-1 – Standards and Guidelines Assessment by Year 

Map A23-1 – High Savery Dam MOU Map 

xviii Rawlins RMP
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LIST OF APPENDICES 

Appendix 1 Wyoming Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Mitigation Guidelines for Surface 

Disturbing and Disruptive Activities 

Appendix 2 2003 Coal Screening Process Summary 

Appendix 3 Wild & Scenic River Designation Process 

Appendix 4 Air Quality Impact Technical Support Document

Appendix 5 Cultural Resources Management 

Appendix 6 Land Exchange, Acquisition and Disposal Criteria 

Appendix 7 Lands Proposed for Disposal, Withdrawal and Acquisition 

Appendix 8 Monitoring Methods to Assess Wyoming Standards & Guidelines for Healthy 

Rangelands 

Appendix 9 Exception and Waiver Criteria

Appendix 10 Special Status Species List 

Appendix 11 Water Quality within the RMPPA and River System Depletions 

Appendix 12 Managing Wild Horse Populations in the Rawlins RMPPA 

Appendix 13 Best Management Practices for Reducing Non-point Source Pollution

Appendix 14 Conservation Measures 

Appendix 15 Best Management Practices

Appendix 16 Mountain Plover Stipulations 

Appendix 17 Monitoring and Evaluation 

Appendix 18 Compensation Mitigation

Appendix 19 Vegetation Treatments, Forest Practices, and Range Improvements 

Appendix 20 Oil and Gas Operations

Appendix 21 Clarification of OHV Designations and Travel Management in the BLM Land 

Use Planning Process 

Appendix 22 ACEC Designation Process 

Appendix 23 MOU between BLM and WWDC concerning High Savery Dam and Reservoir 

Project 

Appendix 24 Mitigation Guidelines for Special Status Plants

Appendix 25 Visual Resource Management 

Appendix 26 Road Management and Closures In Sensitive Habitat Areas

Appendix 27 Procedures For Processing Applications For Permit To Drill (APD)

Appendix 28 Plant Common and Scientific Names 

Appendix 29 Range Allotment Information

Appendix 30 Probable Fossil Yield Classifications (PFYC) – By Formation – State of 

Wyoming 

Appendix 31 RFO Noxious Weed Prevention Plan 

Appendix 32 Hazard Management and Resource Restoration Program

Appendix 33 Reasonably Foreseeable Developments and Reasonably Foreseeable Actions 

(RFD/RFA) Tables 

Appendix 34 Designated ROW Corridor Criteria

Appendix 35 Socioeconomic Impact Analysis and Significance Criteria 

Rawlins RMP xix