Record of Decision. Rocky Mountain Front Mineral Withdrawal. Helena and Lewis andClark Forest Plan Amendments

摘要

This record of decision documents the author's recommendation, and consent, tothe Secretary of Interior for a formal withdrawal of 405,000 acres of National Forest System lands, known as the Rocky Mountain Front, from future mineral exploration and development. The author is amending the Helena and Lewis and Clark Forest Plans to reflect that these lands will not be available for the exploration and development of mineral resources under the General Mining Laws. The mineral withdrawal would be subject to review by the Secretary of the Interior after 20 years. This withdrawal is being recommended to limit mineral-related activities in order to protect other resources. The withdrawal does not apply to private property. Last year, the author announced his intent to pursue a mineral withdrawl for the Rocky Mountain Front. On February 3, 1999, notice of application for a withdrawal was published in the Federal Register, which resulted in a two-year segregation (moratorium) on the location of new mining claims. Since February, the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management have completed a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and have prepared the Mineral Withdrawal Report required by the Federal Land Management Policy Act.