White Tanks Mountain/ Miller Road Area Temporary Land Use

White Tanks Mountain/

Miller Road Area

Temporary Land Use Closure

Final Environmental Assessment

DOI-BLM-AZ-P010-2021-0005-EA

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Hassayampa Field Office

21705 North 7th Avenue

Phoenix, Arizona 85027

623-580-5500

February 2021

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DOI-BLM-AZ-P010-2021-0005-EA

It is the mission of the Bureau of Land Management to sustain the health,

diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of

present and future generations.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE AND NEED ................................................ 1

1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Purpose and Need ............................................................................................................. 2

1.3 Scoping and Issue Identification ...................................................................................... 2

1.4 Land Use Plan Conformance Statement........................................................................... 2

1.5 Relationships to Statutes, Regulations, Manuals and Other Plans ................................... 2

1.6 Decision to be Made ......................................................................................................... 2

2.0 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ......................................... 3

2.1 Proposed Action ............................................................................................................... 3

2.2 No Action Alternative ...................................................................................................... 3

2.3 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated From Detailed Analysis ................................... 3

3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSEQUENCES................................................................................................... 4

3.1 General Setting ................................................................................................................. 4

3.2 Types of Effects ............................................................................................................... 4

3.3.1 Affected Environment – Wastes, Hazardous or Solid .................................................. 5

3.3.2 Environmental Consequences – Wastes, Hazardous or Solid ...................................... 5

3.4.1 Affected Environment – Public Health and Safety ...................................................... 5

3.4.2 Environmental Consequences - Public Health and Safety ........................................... 6

3.5 Residual Effects................................................................................................................ 6

4.0 PERSONS, GROUPS, AND AGENCIES CONSULTED .......................... 7

4.1 List of Preparers ............................................................................................................... 7

4.2 Public Review .................................................................................................................. 7

4.3 Tribes, Individuals, Organizations or Agencies Consulted .............................................. 7

5.0 REFERENCES ............................................................................................... 8

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A. Resources and Issue Identification Checklist.

LIST OF MAPS

Figure 1. Project Vicinity

Figure 2. Project Area

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A – Emergency Order Dated February 23, 2018

Attachment B – Instruction Memorandum 2016-028

Part I Authorities and Purposes for Closure and Restriction Orders

Part II Closure and Restriction Order Notice Procedures and Template

Attachment C – 43 CFR 8364 – Closures and Restrictions

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1.0 INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE AND NEED

1.1 Introduction

In February 2018 the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Phoenix District Office, closed

approximately 1,034 of public lands to all entry in the White Tanks Mountain/Miller Road area

under an Emergency Order (Figure 1) (Attachment 1). The urgency for the action was that utility

infrastructure had been subject to repeated damage by dispersed recreational target shooting.

Several utility companies had notified the BLM in 2017 that work was needed to restore

communications infrastructure, and that worker safety was of concern. Although repairs to the

utility infrastructure were completed in 2018, the Emergency Order has remained in effect to

ensure that damage to utility infrastructure does not re-occur. The continuation of the closure also

allowed for the characterization of soils in the area that have been impacted by concentrated

dispersed recreational target shooting.

In June 2018 the BLM applied for the White Tanks Mountain/Miller Road site's acceptance into

the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality's (ADEQ) Voluntary Remediation Program

(VRP), after becoming concerned about the potential for lead contamination in the soils there. The

site was subsequently accepted in February 2019, after which ADEQ began to provide regulatory

oversight of BLM's environmental site characterization and reclamation efforts on-site. Later in

2019, a BLM contractor completed a large-scale soil sampling program at 10 concentrated

dispersed recreational target shooting areas at White Tanks Mountain/Miller Road, finding that

about 83 acres there have soils containing levels of lead exceeding the Arizona residential Soil

Remediation Level (rSRL) of 400 mg/kg, and that there are within that area about 37,000 cubic

yards of soil exceeding the rSRL. Those soils would likely need to be excavated, treated with a

soil stabilizer, and hauled offsite for disposal in a landfill. There are also approximately 217 acres

that contain trigger trash consisting of spent shell casings, leftover targets, and various types of

trash and debris illegally dumped on-site. The trigger trash would need to be tested to determine if

it can be disposed of in a local non-hazmat landfill, or if it would need to be trucked to an out-of-

state hazmat landfill.

In May 2020, the BLM awarded a contract to develop a remedial action Work Plan for the White

Tanks Mountain/Miller Road site, including reclamation cost estimates, and the preparation of the

separate/associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document. The Work Plan will be

developed to VRP standards and is subject to VRP approval. A final Work Plan is scheduled to be

delivered in April 2021. Assuming adequate funding is on hand at that point, it could reasonably

take another two years or more to solicit and award the site cleanup contract, obtain required

permits, and complete the reclamation work.

Additionally, in 2019 the BLM received an application under the Recreation & Public Purposes

Act for these parcels in order to be developed as recreation facilities for the City of Buckeye.

There is a need to extend the closure in order to allow for the remediation of public lands in the

White Tanks Mountain/Miller Road area. Under BLM Instruction Memorandum 2016-028, in

order to fulfill the requirements to publish a notice in the Federal Register, the BLM must comply

with the National Environmental Policy Act (Attachment 2). This temporary closure would expand

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to a second parcel of approximately 316 acres, which includes three sites included in the BLM’s

soil characterization and are also in need for remediation (Figure 2).

The Project Area includes approximately 1,370 acres of public lands and is north of Interstate-10

and within the city limit of Buckeye, Arizona (Figure 1). Pass through will continue to be allowed

on two county-maintained roads in the Project Area- the North Tonopah Salome Highway and the

North Parker Liberty Power Road (Figure 2). All other entry into the public lands will continue to

be prohibited.

1.2 Purpose and Need

The purpose and need is for the BLM to continue to address public health and safety concerns

within the Project Area by maintaining the closure of public lands to all entry.

1.3 Scoping and Issue Identification

Since the Proposed Action is a continuation of the 2018 closure, the BLM determined that public

scoping was not warranted.

1.4 Land Use Plan Conformance Statement

The Proposed Action is not inconsistent with the Bradshaw-Harquahala Approved Resource

Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision (2010).

Under 43 Code of Federal Regulations 8364.1 the BLM has the authority “…to protect persons,

property, and public lands and resources…” This temporary closure is necessary protect public

health and safety.

1.5 Relationships to Statutes, Regulations, Manuals and Other Plans

The Proposed Action is in compliance with the following federal statutes and regulations to the

maximum extent possible:

• National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (as amended);

• Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976;

• 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 8364; and

• Bureau of Land Management, Washington Office Instruction Memorandum 2016-128.

1.6 Decision to be Made

The Authorized Officer would decide whether to publish a temporary closure notice in the Federal

Register for 1,370 acres of public lands until remediation activities have been completed.

Unless there is a new circumstance at that time, the BLM would complete a Determination of

NEPA Adequacy to document that the analysis in this document remains valid and sufficient for

any further extension(s) of the temporary closure order.

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2.0 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES

2.1 Proposed Action

Under the Proposed Action, the BLM would continue the closure of the area under the existing

Emergency Order, and expand the closure to a second parcel, for a total of 1,370 acres of public

lands (Figures 1 and 2). The duration of the closure would until remediation activities have been

completed.

Public entry except as described below, would be prohibited. Persons who would be exempt from

this closure include the following:

• Any federal, State, or local officer or employee the performance of their duties;

• Members of any organized rescue or fire-fighting force in performance of an official duty;

• Any person/stakeholder with prior existing rights or written approval by the BLM; and

• Any persons traveling through Tonopah Salome Highway and/or North Parker Liberty

Power Road (Figure 2) for the purposes of through travel; who are operating in accordance

with Federal, State and/or County regulations (non-street legal motorized vehicles are not

allowed on county-maintained roadways).

The BLM would implement this land use closure through notification to the public in local media,

including newspapers. The Federal Register notice and map of the affected areas would be posted

and maintained at key entry points and on the following website: https://go.usa.gov/x7Mcg (case

sensitive).

2.2 No Action Alternative

Under the No Action Alternative, the existing Emergency Order would remain in place and the

BLM lands would continue to be closed to all entry. However, under the No Action Alternative,

no new public notice through the Federal Register would occur, which would provide the public

with the rationale on the need to continue the closure. The closure area would not be extended to

include another parcel where remediation is needed.

2.3 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated From Detailed Analysis

No additional alternatives were considered by the BLM.

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3.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSEQUENCES This chapter identifies and describes the current condition and trend of elements or resources in

the human environment which may be affected by the Proposed Action or No Action Alternative.

The Affected Environment is the same for all alternatives.

3.1 General Setting

The White Tanks Mountain/Miller Road Project Area is located north of the City of Buckeye and

Interstate-10. The Project Area is the Analysis Area, which consists of approximately 1,370 acres

of BLM-managed lands. Portions of the Analysis Area are severely degraded and damaged from

historic concentrated recreational shooting sports activities. In these areas (approximately 217

acres), vegetation cover has been lost and there are areas of bare and exposed soils. Household

trash, electronics, and lead casings are widespread. Based on site characterization work completed

in 2019, some soils in these areas contain lead concentrations that exceed regulatory levels set by

the ADEQ.

Resources Considered for Analysis

The following resources are or may be present in the Analysis Area, may be affected by the

Proposed Action or No Action Alternative and warrant detailed analysis (see Appendix A for

rationale for those resources present, but not analyzed in detail).

3.2 Types of Effects

In this document, the terms “effect” and “impact” are used synonymously.

40 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1508.1 (g) (July 2020) provides the following definition:

“Effects or impacts means changes to the human environment from the proposed action or

alternatives that are reasonably foreseeable and have a reasonably close causal relationship to the

proposed action or alternatives, including those effects that occur at the same time and place as the

proposed action or alternatives and may include effects that are later in time or farther removed in

distance from the proposed action or alternatives.”

For the purpose of this analysis, the duration of the impact is defined as follows:

• Long-term: impacts during the term of the temporary closure, which would be until

remediation activities are completed (at least two years).

For the purpose of this analysis, intensity or severity of the impact is defined as follows:

• Negligible: changes would not be detectable and/or measurable. The resource would be

essentially unchanged or unaltered.

• Minor: changes would be detectable, localized, and/or measurable. The resource would be

slightly changed or altered.

For the purpose of this analysis, the type of impact is defined as follows:

• Adverse: impacts that would have a detrimental effect to a resource.

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• Beneficial: impacts that would have a positive effect to a resource.

3.3.1 Affected Environment – Wastes, Hazardous or Solid

In 2019 the BLM completed a large-scale soil sampling program at 10 concentrated dispersed

recreational target shooting areas at White Tanks Mountain/Miller Road, finding that about 83

acres there have soils containing levels of lead exceeding the Arizona residential Soil Remediation

Level (rSRL) of 400 mg/kg, and that there are within that area about 37,000 cubic yards of soil

exceeding the rSRL. Those soils would likely need to be excavated, treated with a soil stabilizer,

and hauled offsite for disposal in a landfill. There are also approximately 217 acres that contain

trigger trash consisting of spent shell casings, leftover targets, and various types of trash and debris

illegally dumped on-site. The trigger trash would need to be tested to determine if it can be

disposed of in a local non-hazmat landfill, or if it would need to be trucked to an out-of-state

hazmat landfill.

3.3.2 Environmental Consequences – Wastes, Hazardous or Solid

Proposed Action

Under the Proposed Action, approximately 1,370 acres of public lands would be closed to all

public entry, except for two county roads for pass through. Continuing the closure would ensure

that new deposition of trash and debris from dispersed recreational target shooting would not re-

occur, which would undermine the soil characterizations the BLM completed in 2019. This would

allow the BLM to proceed with the remediation of those areas that are in exceedance of ADEQ

regulatory levels. The continuation and expansion of the closure would also reduce expose of the

public to the concentrations of lead in the soils in the Analysis Area. Impacts to wastes, hazardous

or solid from the Proposed Action would be beneficial and long-term.

No Action Alternative

Under the No Action Alternative, the Emergency Order would remain in effect and the additional

314 acres would not be under a closure. This would only partially address the concerns about the

re-occurrence of dispersed recreational target shooting and the deposition of trash and debris. The

BLM would not have the opportunity to update the public with information about the plans for

remediation of the area, and potential leasing under the Recreation & Public Purposes Act to the

City of Buckeye. Impacts to wastes, hazardous or solid from the No Action Alternative would be

negligible, beneficial and adverse, and long-term.

3.4.1 Affected Environment – Public Health and Safety

Until February 2018, concentrated dispersed recreational target shooting was occurring throughout

Analysis Area, but especially on approximately 217 acres of public lands. These activities had

resulted in widespread deposition of trigger trash consisting of spent shell casings, leftover targets,

and various types of trash and debris illegally dumped on-site. In 2019 the BLM conducted

characterization of the soils in the Analysis Area and determined that approximately 217 acres

require some level of remediation, which may include removal of surface trash, and/or excavation

to remove soils that are in exceedance of ADEQ regulatory levels.

The other consequences to the concentrated dispersed recreational target shooting was the

displacement of other public entry in the Analysis Area. Recreational activities such as equestrian

and hiking do not occur in the Analysis Area since these activities were displaced to other public

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lands due to the inherent risks associated with dispersed recreational target shooting. Due in part

to the inherent risks from dispersed recreational target shooting and the widespread degraded and

damaged vegetation, the Analysis Area generally is not considered a suitable area for hunting

activities.

3.4.2 Environmental Consequences - Public Health and Safety

Proposed Action

Under the Proposed Action, approximately 1,370 acres of public lands would be closed to all

public entry, except for two county roads for pass through. The public would not be at risk from

exposure to soils which are in exceedance of ADEQ regulatory levels. There would be no impact

to recreational activities in the Analysis Area because none have been allowed since 2018. Those

persons interested in hiking, equestrian use, and dispersed recreational target shooting have already

been displaced to other public lands available for such uses. Impacts to public health and safety

from the Proposed Action would be beneficial and long-term.

No Action Alternative

Under the No Action Alternative, the Emergency Order would remain in effect and the additional

314 acres would not be under a closure. This would only partially address the concerns about the

re-occurrence of dispersed recreational target shooting and the deposition of trash and debris.

Impacts to public health and safety from the No Action Alternative would be negligible, beneficial

and adverse, and long-term.

3.5 Residual Effects

Residual effects are those effects that remain after mitigation measures have been applied to the

Proposed Action or alternatives, and had not been previously incorporated into the Proposed

Action or alternatives (BLM 2008). No mitigation has been identified for the alternatives; therefore

no residual impacts are discussed.

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4.0 PERSONS, GROUPS, AND AGENCIES CONSULTED

4.1 List of Preparers

The following individuals were involved in the preparation of this EA:

Bureau of Land Management

Name Title Project Expertise

Matthew Plis Environmental Engineer Wastes, Hazardous & Solid

Brian Buttazoni Planning & Environmental

Specialist

NEPA Compliance, Public Health &

Safety

4.2 Public Review

The BLM initiated a 15-day public review and comment period on December 16, 2020. The comment period closed on December 30, 2020. The BLM did not receive any public comments. A second comment period occurred between February 8, 2021 and February 22, 2021. The BLM also issued a news release which was published in the Wickenburg Sun on February 8, 2021. Notification had been made by postcard to 55 organizations, agencies and individuals on the project mailing list. The BLM did not receive any public comments.

4.3 Tribes, Individuals, Organizations or Agencies Consulted

The following individuals, organizations, or agencies were notified of this documents availabilityfor review and comment.

Individuals Organizations Agencies

Adams, J/C. Aujla and Campbell Real Estate LP

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

Bittinger, G. Arizona Public Service Arizona State Department of Transportation

Devinger, K. Trust AT&T Arizona Game and Fish Department

Elianto, L. Bak Holdings LLC Bureau of Reclamation Camelia, E. Blossom Investments LLC Maricopa County Flood Control Flores, E. Buckeye 20 LLC Frie, E. Buckeye 80 West One LLC Full, S. Buckeye Tartesso LLC Goett, R. Buckeye Venture Associates LLC Hagenmaier Trust Cherry Properties LLC Hiebert, J. Cox Communications

Hirsbrunner, A. Direct Medical Billing Services LLC

Jiang, J. Elena LLC

Kaur, G. Garretson Buckeye Properties LLC

Kumpel, M. IXC Communications Inc. Lauterbach, V. Lobo Land LLC Mann, N. MP 9365 McKemy LLC Nicora, L. Mueller Supply Company LLC Pierre, R. Residential Watson I 10 LLC

Quillen, O. Spring Communications Company, LP

Schaefer, M. Tartesso Land Fund (2012) LP Singh, S. Twin Acres LLC

Tabuka, N. VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 12

Trejo, S. Westower Leasing Inc. Ussery, R. Western Properties Inc. Walker, K. 40th & Earl LLC Williams, R.

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City of Buckeye

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5.0 REFERENCES

Bureau of Land Management (BLM). 2008. National Environmental Policy Act Handbook (H-

1790-1). U.S. Department of the Interior. January.

_______________ BLM. 2015. Phoenix District Integrated Weed Management Plan. Phoenix,

Arizona. July.

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Appendix A. Resources and Issues Identification Checklist.

The following tables were developed based on the professional judgement of the BLM’s

interdisciplinary team.

Supplemental Authorities

Appendix 1 of BLM’s NEPA Handbook (H-1790-1) identifies supplemental authorities that are

subject to requirements specified by statute or executive order and must be considered in all BLM

environmental documents (BLM 2008). Table 1 lists the Supplemental Authorities and their status

in the Analysis Area. Supplemental authorities that may be affected by the Proposed Action or No

Action Alternative and warrant detailed analysis are further described in this EA.

Table 1. Supplemental Authorities*. Resource Present

Yes/No

May be

Affected

Yes/No

Rationale for Not Analyzing Resources in Detail

Air Quality Yes No The BLM has reviewed the National Ambient

Air Quality Standards for the Analysis Area,

which is within non-attainment for 8-hour ozone

(O3). All other regulated pollutants within the

Analysis Area are within attainment. The

Proposed Action is an administrative action.

There would be no surface disturbing activities

that could cause fugitive dust or use of equipment

that could cause motor vehicle emissions. No

detailed analysis is warranted.

Areas of Critical Environmental

Concern

No No There is no designated Area of Critical

Environmental Concern within the Analysis

Area.

Cultural Resources No No The BLM has completed a Class III cultural

resources survey for portions of the Analysis Area

(approximately 217 acres) that are in need of

remediation and determined no cultural sites are

present (BLM-200-21-1040). The Proposed

Action is an administrative action. There would

be no surface disturbing activities that could

impact a cultural site, if present. No detailed

analysis is warranted.

Environmental Justice No No There are no disproportionately low income or

minority populations in the Analysis Area.

Farm Lands (prime or unique) No No There are no U.S. Department of Agriculture

designated prime or unique farm lands in the

Analysis Area.

Floodplains Yes No A small portion of the southern parcel is within a

Federal Emergency Management Agency

designated 100-year floodplain. No surface

disturbing activities are proposed. The Proposed

Action would have no effect on the floodplain.

No detailed analysis is warranted.

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Resource Present

Yes/No

May be

Affected

Yes/No


Noxious and Invasive Weeds Yes No The Proposed Action is an administrative action.

There would be no surface disturbing activities

that could alter the occurrence or extent of

noxious and invasive weeds in the Analysis Area.

A continuation of the temporary closure would

decrease the potential for spread of noxious and

invasive weeds from off-road vehicle use and

dispersed recreational shooting in the Analysis

Area. No detailed analysis is warranted.

Migratory Birds Yes No Migratory birds associated with the Sonoran

desertscrub vegetation community occur in the

Analysis Area. The Proposed Action is an

administrative action. There would be no surface

disturbing activities that could adversely affect

migratory bird habitat. A continuation of the

temporary closure would decrease the potential

expansion of dispersed recreational shooting

areas that results in the loss and damage to

vegetative cover. Habitat conditions may

improve over time. No detailed analysis is

warranted.

Native American Religious Concerns No No There are no known sacred sites in the Analysis

Area.

Threatened or Endangered Species No No There is no proposed or designated critical

habitat for a threatened or endangered species

within the Analysis Area. There is no suitable

habitat for threatened or endangered species in

the Analysis Area.

Wastes, Hazardous or Solid Yes Yes Carried forward for analysis.

Water Quality (Surface/Ground) No No Drainages may have surface water during the

winter or after monsoons. There are no Section

303 (b) Clean Water Act impaired streams within

the Analysis Area.

Wetlands/Riparian Zones No No There are no perennial streams that support

riparian vegetation within the Analysis Area.

Wild and Scenic Rivers No No There are no Congressionally-designated Wild

and Scenic Rivers in the Analysis Area.

Wilderness No No There are no Congressionally-designated

Wilderness areas in the Analysis Area.

*See H-1790-1 (January 2008) Appendix 1 Supplemental Authorities to be Considered.

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Resources or Issues Other Than Supplemental Authorities

BLM specialists have evaluated the potential impact of the Proposed Action or No Action

Alternative on these resources and documented their findings Table 2. Resources or issues that may

be affected by the Proposed Action or No Action Alternative and warrant detailed analysis are

further described in this EA (BLM 2008).

Table 2. Resources or Issues Other Than Supplemental Authorities. Resource or Issue Present

Yes/No

May be

Affected

Yes/No


BLM Sensitive Species (animals) Yes No BLM sensitive wildlife species associated with the

Sonoran desertscrub vegetation community occur in

the Analysis Area. The Proposed Action is an


disturbing activities that could adversely effect

wildlife habitat. A continuation of the temporary

closure would decrease the potential expansion of

dispersed recreational shooting areas that results in

the loss and damage to vegetative cover. Habitat

conditions may improve over time. No detailed


BLM Sensitive Species (plants) No No There is no suitable habitat in the Analysis Area for

BLM sensitive plant species.

General Wildlife Yes No Wildlife species associated with the Sonoran

desertscrub vegetation community occur in the

Analysis Area. The Proposed Action is an


disturbing activities that could adversely effect

wildlife habitat. A continuation of the temporary

closure would decrease the potential expansion of

dispersed recreational shooting areas that results in

the loss and damage to vegetative cover. Habitat

conditions may improve over time. No detailed


Lands and Realty Yes No There are existing land use authorizations within the

Analysis Area such as road rights-of-ways and

utility transmission lines. There would be no impact

to these existing authorizations. No detailed analysis

is warranted.

Lands with Wilderness

Characteristics

No No There are no lands with wilderness characteristics

within the Analysis Area.

Livestock Grazing No No The Analysis Area is not within a BLM-permitted

livestock grazing allotment.

Minerals No No There are no Notice- and Plan-level Mining Plan of

Operations in the Analysis Area. There are no

unpatented mining claims in the Analysis Area.

Paleontological No No The BLM has reviewed the Potential Fossil Yield

Classification System for the Analysis Area. There

is a low potential for fossils based on these

classifications within the Analysis Area. No detailed


Public Health and Safety Yes Yes Carried forward for analysis.

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Resource or Issue Present

Yes/No

May be

Affected

Yes/No


Recreation No No There are no Special Recreation Permits authorized

in the Analysis Area. The Analysis Area was

dominated historically by dispersed recreational

shooting sports activities. The Analysis Area was

closed all entry in February 2018. Those seeking

recreational shooting sports have been displaced to

other public lands available for such activities. No

detailed analysis is warranted.

Socioeconomics No No The Analysis Area is located within Maricopa

County and in the past been subject to extensive

dispersed recreational shooting sports. Those seeking

to dispersed recreational shooting sports have been

displaced to other public lands available for such

activities since 2018. While the location of

recreational activities may have changed, the overall

expenditures in Maricopa County may not have

changed. No detailed analysis is warranted.

Soils Yes No The Proposed Action is an administrative action.

There would be no surface disturbing activities that

could adversely effect soils. A continuation of the


expansion of dispersed recreational shooting areas

that results in the loss and damage to vegetative

cover and increased potential for soil erosion and

fugitive dust. No detailed analysis is warranted.

Travel Management No No The Analysis Area is not within a BLM-approved

Travel Management Plan area. The Proposed

Action would have no effect on two county roads

that cross through the Analysis Area: North Parker

Liberty Power Road, and North Tonopah Salome

Highway. No detailed analysis is warranted.

Vegetation Yes No The predominate vegetation community in the

Analysis Area is the Sonoran desertscrub. The

Proposed Action is an administrative action. There

would be no surface disturbing activities that could

adversely effect vegetation. A continuation of the


expansion of dispersed recreational shooting areas

that results in the loss and damage to vegetative

cover. Vegetation conditions may improve over

time. No detailed analysis is warranted.

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Resource or Issue Present

Yes/No

May be

Affected

Yes/No


Visual Resource Management Yes No Portions of the Analysis Area are within Visual

Resource Management Class II and IV.

Management objectives for the VRM classifications

are described below:

Class II Objective: “To retain the existing character

of the landscape. The level of change to the

characteristic landscape should be low.”

Class IV: “The objective is to provide for

management activities that require major

modification of the existing landscape character.

The level of change to the characteristic landscape

can be high. These management activities may

dominate the view and be the major focus of viewer

attention; however, every attempt should be made

to minimize the impact of these activities, through

careful location, minimal disturbance, and repeating

of the basic elements.”

The Proposed Action is an administrative action.

There would be no surface disturbing activities that

could adversely affect the visual character of the

Analysis Area. Portions of the Analysis Area are

severely degraded from past concentrated dispersed

recreational shooting sports that has resulted in the

loss and damage of vegetative cover and deposition

of household wastes. A continuation of the


expansion of dispersed recreational shooting areas.

Vegetation and the visual character of the Analysis

Area may improve over time. No detailed analysis

is warranted.

Wild Horses and Burros No No The Analysis Area is not within a BLM Herd

Management Area for wild burros.

Documents

White Tanks Mountain/ Miller Road Area Temporary Land Use