BLM LIBRARY (2alUo>uUa0De4&tt CONSERVATION AREA PLAN /^^^^^^^^N*W^^V^IV^^»*^^^^^^»^',>^? Bureau of Land Management Library Bldg 50 Denver Federal Center Denver, CO 80225 Dear Reader, . . . th wasteiand it was once believed to be. we want and need the Desert to mean to us Manaaement and the millions of people who Above all, it is a pact ^X^TlTpTaXlouZ^^l accomplish its high public brrrtorr:rxr^ e **, and * the **. - rea, public and personal values the Plan promises. sincerelV) James B. Ruch California State Director Bureau of Land Management CONTENTS 7b- 5 Page C INTRODUCTION NEW CHALLENGES \ THE DESERT PLAN PLAN GOAL I HOW IT WORKS ' ' .' 7 MAJOR DECISIONS . . . . ' 1 MULTIPLE-USE CLASSES q PLAN ELEMENTS -|i Cultural Resources 1 P Native American Values 13 Vegetation 14 Wildlife 15 Wild Horses and Burros '.'.'.'.'. i q Livestock Grazing 17 Wilderness 1fi Land-Tenure Adjustment 19 Recreation ' pn Motorized-Vehicle Access 22 Geology-Energy-Minerals 23 Energy Production and Utility Corridors 24 AREAS OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN/SPECIAL AREAS 25 IMPLEMENTATION ""26 SHARING RESPONSIBILITY 26 AMENDING THE PLAN ."'".'.' 27 INVESTMENT FOR THE FUTURE 28 M%o Introduction Section 601 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 formally recognizes the Dest,1 SS^fflSSS Creeled the S ofthe I nterior to " prepare and PmpTmen a comprehensive, long-range plan for the management, use^ development, and The ™*™*™l™7™":„ acresyof pubnc land administered by the Bureau of Land Manage- Zffi^SXZ^X™ employed methods ranging from literature review a"jUeC:Z:ZV:s^ZTj:nS^a Advisory Com mit,ee led a public forum to explore and The^:^^^ waTs reviewed and^oncurred ir .by*. ^*£*« SeMh? sco e andlroad ST 8SST r^^K 'crT^S -e Mi ■£* Oistrict Manager, 1695 Spruce Street, Riverside, California 92507. INTRODUCTION New Challenges Within the area we know as the California Desert, scientists recognize portions of three desert subprovinces: the Mojave, the Sonoran, and a small part of the Great Basin. Basically, subtropical high pressure belts, the "rainshadow" effect of the coastal mountain ranges, and other topographical features create conditions which geographers use to define a desert: an area in which evaporation and transpiration exceed the mean annual precipitation. Much of the California Desert receives less than 10 inches of rainfall annually, while poten- tial for annual evaporation may be seven or eight feet. The Desert's lack of insulating humidity causes wide variations in daily temperatures; seasonal temperatures are also extreme. This harsh climate imposes many constraints on natural processes. For example, desert soils, formed during the humid past, are often protected against erosional forces only by a natural soil crust, the "desert pavement," and what little stability a sparse vegetative cover provides. Any disturbance of these features exposes the thin desert soils to severe cli- matic factors. Though considered a "flat, brown land" by the uninformed, the California Desert has an amazing variety of landforms, including valleys, bajadas, pediments, alluvial fans, rough- hewn mountain ranges, washes, sand dunes, and dry lakebeds. Encased within this tableau of many geological forms are abundant mineral values and energy resources, such as geothermal steam. These varied landforms combine with differing soil condi- tions and climatic variations to form a number of desert eco- systems. Within these carefully balanced natural systems, desert plant and animal life fights to survive against formida- ble challenges, both natural and human. Overcoming aridity is the desert organism's first task. Most desert plants are annuals which avoid the problem of water shortage by remaining as seeds until the Desert's sporadic rains bring them to life. During their short span of growth, annuals provide the famous, stunning displays of wildf lowers that attract many spring visitors. Facing the hostile environment more directly, desert per- ennials exhibit novel physiological and anatomical adapta- tions. Some have "dual" root systems: wide lateral roots to ^ catch surface water and deep tap roots to search out under- V ground moisture. Short-rooted succulents store water in their stems or leaves and ration it during dry spells. Plants like the drought-deciduous ocotillo shed their leaves entirely during these periods to reduce water loss through evaporation. Some desert animals also display these special structural adaptations. The desert tortoise, for example, is able to store water in sacs under its shell. More often, however, the desert animal's adjustment is behavioral; it limits activity to the cool- ness of night, dawn, or dusk. Plant and animal life is highly concentrated around seeps, springs, and other surface- water sources which, because they are rare, are extremely important to the Desert's carefully balanced ecosystems. In this relationship between natural processes and land-^ scape, the human presence is often significant. Man is not ar alien in the natural environment. His structures and activities change, and become a part of, the system. As populations and economic activity expand, it is inevitable that natural settings and associated lifeforms will change. In the California Desert a pattern of human uses has evolved from a multitude of single-purpose ventures, which reflect western history as well as serve present needs. Continuing traditional uses such as mining intermingle with newly emerged activities such as widespread recreational use. Although passive by today's standards, early Native Amen- NEW CHALLENGES cans wrought some changes in the landscape by creating permanent and seasonal village sites, mining and quarrying for common and exotic stones, flood-irrigating land for agri- culture, and trading goods through an elaborate network of foot trails. This system of trails was of great interest to the Spanish, who considered the California Desert little more than a daunting obstacle over which they travelled between settlements in Mexico and coastal California. After the United States acquired the area in the mid-1 9th century, land-use — intensity continually increased. Initial tentative forays into the Desert by explorers and soldiers were followed by a growing stream of emigrants bound for coastal California, Washington treaty makers, and railroad surveyors. Fanning out from trail outposts and mili- tary forts, miners began creating the colorful desert settle- ments that went through boom-bust cycles until the end of the century. By the 1870s and the subduing of the native popula- tion, many of the major modern desert land uses had become entrenched in some form: livestock grazing, mining, military outposts, major transportation arteries, and the growth of permanent settlements. After the turn of the century, the dominance of railroads, mining, and grazing was challenged when the construction of ^ a canal from the Colorado River transformed De Anza's "Land of the Dead" into the lush Imperial Valley, now one of the most productive agricultural spots in the world. Anticipating its destiny as a major city, the City of Los Angeles brought water across more than 200 miles of the California Desert from the Owens Valley, an action which presaged a number of large water projects. Between the two world wars, the freewheeling days of the prospector waned as corporate entities developed large operations. The reign of the railroads reached a national and local zenith and then faltered as automobile roads were laid across the Desert. Highway settlements and resorts sprang up to serve automobile travelers, many of whom had been inspired by the authors who had begun to describe the Desert as a beautiful, delicate place. By the 1930s, this sentiment had evolved into actions which created the Desert's three large parks: Anza-Borrego State Park and Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Monuments. More water projects, notably the Colorado River Aqueduct, brought pumping stations and other support facilities. The first long, high-voltage power transmission lines also appeared about this time. Beginning with Patton's wide-ranging expeditions in prepa- ration for North African tank warfare, the military was attracted back to the Desert during World War II and remained to train troops and test a rapidly evolving weapons technology. The modern character of the California Desert began to emerge immediately following the Second World War. In 1946, the Bureau of Land Management assumed the regulation of livestock grazing, which had begun after the Taylor Grazing Act of 1934. The Bureau also administered such land disposal policies as the Small Tract Act of 1938, which allowed indivi- duals to secure five-acre tracts for a very small fee. Attracted by this opportunity, other land deals, and the boon of such technology as air conditioning, refugees from coastal Cali- fornia's urban problems spilled over into the western fringes of the Desert in developments ranging from the closely spaced suburbia of Palm Springs to "jackrabbit homesteads," small shacks dispersed sparsely across hundreds of square miles. The war's legacy of four-wheel-drive vehicles and air- cooled engines allowed visitors to penetrate even the most remote regions of the Desert. This expanded access benefit- ted both traditional uses and rapidly increasing recreation-re- lated uses. Today the physical evidence that the Desert has evolved in human consciousness from a wasteland to an arena of resources much in demand is everywhere. There are over one-half million people living in 100 communities; mining developments ranging from large industrial operations to speculative digs; canal-fed agricultural valleys; nine military bases and testing grounds; 11 electrical power generating plants; 3,500 miles of high-capacity power transmission lines; 12,000 miles of oil and gas pipelines; and nearly 45,000 miles of vehicle routes of travel, ranging from dirt roads and washes to freeways. As populations and affluence increased and technology intensified the impacts of individual uses, the public identified ^ the need for an instrument by which citizens could agree to coordinate and balance the individual uses of the Desert's resources for the common good. Through the Congress, the public resolved this need into law in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. In establishing the California Desert Conservation Area (CDCA) and charging the Bureau of Land Management to seek the public's assistance in pre- paring and implementing a long-range comprehensive plan for the management, use, development, and protection of the Desert's public lands, the American people recognized that the modern challenge of Man in the Desert is not survival and conquest, but living in harmony with its unique principles. THE DESERT PLAN Plan Goal The goal of the plan is to provide for the use of the public lands and resources of the California Desert Convervation Area, including economic, scientific, educational, and recreational uses, in a manner which enhances wherever possible — and which does not diminish, on balance — the environmental, cultural, and aesthetic values of the Desert and its future productivity. This goal is based upon a number of natural resource management principles and concepts defined by law. It is also based on the policy and advice of the California Desert Con- servation Area Advisory Committee. The Plan's foundation is the knowledge of the Desert's resources garnered from one of the most intensive scientific inventories ever undertaken. Plan decisions derive from the best available information about all of the Desert's resources, especially its soil, air, water, and minerals, the basic and finite things upon which all life depends. Since gaps exist in our knowledge of these resources, the Plan recognizes that actions and decisions must be altered as this knowledge expands. The Plan recognizes in the California Desert Conservation Area the unique juxtaposition of one of the world's largest and most technologically sophisticated metropolitan regions and an arid ecosystem that is easily disturbed by human uses. In accommodating growing human uses, the Plan must provide for these uses in sometimes special ways. The most vexing management problem is preserving the desert user's cher- ished sense of freedom and solitude while preventing degra- dation of resources from unrestrained use. The solution to this and similar problems requires innovative approaches. The Plan must combine the basic management principles of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976: multiple use, a striving to combine the varying uses of resour- ces and lands in a way that will best serve human needs; sustained yield, the maintenance of high levels or regular periodic production from renewable resources; and mainte- nance of environmental quality, an understanding and foster- ing of the basic resources that sustain life. In addition, the Plan must weave together the skeins of a wider body of law, the sometimes conflicting mandates to protect natural and cultural values and the need to allow consumptive uses. The Plan is based on a "good neighbor" concept, which requires that its actions treat considerately the needs, and assure the legal rights, of private landowners, military installa- tions, Indian tribal groups and reservations, other Federal agencies, and city, county, and State governments. The Plan recognizes that government by bureaucracy in a democratic society must be limited and that the responsibility for wise management of the Desert's resources must be shared by all citizens. The investment of Federal funds and personnel to protect the capital in public land resources and ensure their productivity and availability must be matched by a commitment from the people who benefit from these resources. The Plan is a framework for a 20-year period of manage- ment, but many of its decisions consider the effects of our actions over a much longer period of time. It provides a balance and a mechanism for monitoring and evaluating its effects. Perhaps its greatest virtue is an amendment process which permits sound adjustments. The Plan's intent is that the uses of today do not preclude the users of tomorrow, and that we preserve and develop these assets wisely, with full regard for their economic, social, and environmental values. THE DESERT PLAN How It Works This long-range comprehensive Plan which has been pre- pared to fulfill Section 601 of FLPMA is the first of its kind. Based upon the planning and management principles set forth in this Act and the special nature of the Desert's resour- ces and uses, the California Desert Conservation Area Plan has these basic features: A plan for public lands. There are 25 million acres in the California Desert Conservation Area, including private and State-owned lands and lands managed by other Federal agencies, such as the National Park Service and the Depart- ment of Defense. This Plan's actions apply only to the 12.1 million acres administered by the Bureau of Land Manage- ment. Decisions in the Plan do not diminish the legal rights of adjacent or intermingled landowners. The Plan does not be- stow upon the Secretary of the Interior powers of eminent domain (condemnation), nor does it terminate rights-of-way, permits, leases, or other valid existing rights. And the Plan is based on the concept that management of public lands will be coordinated with the management of other lands in the Desert. A broad framework. The Plan establishes basic manage- ment principles that will aid managers in avoiding the pitfalls of excessive compromise, indecision, and piecemeal action. A rational management structure both defines the land man- ager's response to land and resource use demands, and guides him in designing and implementing numerous specific plans in support of resource productivity and resource use. An evolving process. The Plan is not a rigid and minutely described formula, but an evolving process which provides a basis for ongoing action of both broad principles and specific actions. The Plan establishes a monitoring program to gauge the effects of its actions upon resources. Its implementation is intertwined with public participation and intergovernmental coordination activities. Expanding knowledge of resources and natural processes allows the Plan to remain relevant yet firmly grounded in its overall principles of balanced use and protection of desert resources. Simple and clear direction. Recognizing that achieving the Plan's goal is a responsibility shared by BLM and the public, the Plan seeks to avoid complexity and confusing detail in its decision-making processes and management direction. The burden of management is reduced through an active program to inform and involve the desert user. Wher- ~ ever appropriate, recognizable man-made and natural fea- tures define the boundaries of the varying patterns of uses described by the Plan. The Plan's direction is stated in the form of three different management perspectives or categories: Multiple-Use Classes Plan Elements Areas of Critical Environmental Concern/Special Areas These are explained on the next page, accompanied by a simple schematic diagram of resources grouped in four geo- graphic areas. The number and distribution of resources in^ the Desert are, of course, vastly more complex. Multiple-Use Class. All but a few areas of BLM-adminis- tered lands in the Desert are assigned a multiple-use class. These four multiple-use classes are broad geographical designations which generally describe and foster the "best and highest" uses of the area by directing the type and degree of use according to human demands and resource nature and condition within the area. Management direction for each class is contained in the Multiple-Use Class Guidelines. ra Plan Element. There are 12 Plan Elements which rela the planning decisions for each major issue or resour public concern. As well as summing up the effects o multiple-use class designation and other actions upor resource or use, the Element provides more specific guid in fostering the resource or activity and reducing co between it and other uses. ■ Areas of Critical Environmental Concern/Special Areas. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern are geographically specific, like the multiple-use class, but they focus on small areas of important and rare, unique, or unusual values which demand priority management to protect or prevent harm to them. This is not a "lock-up" designation — use can occur but in ways compatible with protecting the area's main value. Special Areas are identified so that management programs can be developed for places of scientific, cultural, educa- tional, or recreational interest. 8 MAJOR DECISIONS Multiple-Use Classes The foremost decision of the Plan is the assignment of multiple-use classes. These broad management regimes guide the kinds and degree of use which may occur within a particular geographic area, according to the condition and sensitivity of resources present and the extent of human demands placed upon them. All but about 300,000 of the Desert's 12.1 million acres of public lands have been desig- nated as one of the following four classes. Multiple-Use Class C (Controlled Use) serves to make "pre- liminary recommendations" of areas for wilderness designa- tion, as required by the wilderness review provisions of Sec- tion 603 of FLPMA. These recommendations are subject to the findings of mineral surveys and final consideration by the Secretary of the Interior and the President before being sub- mitted to Congress, which is the only body which can for- mally designate wilderness. Wilderness Study Reports will accompany these recommendations. Class C will subse- quently identify Congressionally designated wilderness areas. Multiple-Use Class L (Limited Use) protects sensitive natu- ral, scenic, ecological, and cultural resource values. Public lands designated as Class L are managed to provide for generally lower-intensity, carefully controlled multiple use of resources, while ensuring that sensitive values are not signifi- cantly diminished. Multiple-Use Class M (Moderate Use) is based upon a controlled balance between higher intensity use and protec- tion of public lands. This class provides for a wide variety of present and future uses and development. Class M is also designed to conserve desert resources and to mitigate dam- age to those resources which permitted uses may cause. Multiple-Use Class I (Intensive Use) provides for concen- trated uses of lands and resources to meet human needs and demands, such as mining and greatly concentrated motor- ized-vehicle-oriented recreation. Resource protection will be provided for sensitive natural and cultural values. Mitigation of impacts will occur insofar as possible. The map in the back pocket of this booklet shows the distribution of these classes in the CDCA. The table below describes the relative proportions and acreages of these classes: % Total of BLM Lands Multiple- Use Acres Class (000) C 2,099 L 5,883 M 3,336 I 499 Unclassified 314 Total 12,131 17.3 48.5 27.5 4.1 2.6 100.0 On the reverse of the Multiple-Use Class Map is the full text of the Multiple-Use Class Guidelines, which describe how each of 19 major uses and resources will be treated in each multiple-use class to fulfill its purpose. Two major aspects of the multiple-use class guidelines involve "interim phases"; all Class C guidelines, and Class L^ guidelines for motorized-vehicle access. Class C guidelines are examples of the kinds of manage- ment which could be implemented when Congress formally designates wilderness. Specific management actions will depend on the direction given in specific wilderness legisla- tion. Until Congress makes its final determinations on suitab- ly of areas for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preserva- tion System, overall management of all Class C areas will be conducted according to the Department of the Interior's Inte- MAJUH UbUlblUNb rim Management Policy and Guidelines for Lands Under Wil- derness Review or in accordance with Class L guidelines, whichever is more restrictive. Motorized-vehicle access under Class L is limited to "approved" routes of travel. With the assistance of the public, these "approved" routes will be selected and implemented on the ground over the next two years. Until these "approved" routes are formally adopted, the "interim" existing routes identified in the "Interim Critical Management Program for Vehicle Use in the California Desert" (1:100,000-scale maps) will be used. 10 MAJOR DECISIONS PLAN ELEMENTS After a geographic area has been assigned a multiple-use class designation, a number of types and levels of use con- sistent with the guidelines may be allowed within that area. Additional guidance, conflict resolution, stipulations, and mit- igation are addressed in 12 Plan Elements: Cultural Resources Native American Values Vegetation Wildlife Wild Horses and Burros Livestock Grazing Wilderness Land-Tenure Adjustment Recreation Motorized-Vehicle Access Geology-Energy-Minerals Energy Production and Utility Corridors Each of the Plan Elements provides a desertwide perspective of the planning decisions for each major resource or issue of public concern. Each element also provides more specific application or interpretation of the multiple-use class guide- lines for a given resource and its associated activities. Following is a brief discussion of the present condition of each element and an overview of Plan decisions concerning it. 11 PLAN ELEMENTS o Cultural Resources The Desert's aridity and slow-moving natural processes make it an excellent scribe for the past struggles of Man. Few of the Desert's trove of resources are more highly valued by visitors than its Native American rock art, the remnants of emigrant trails and settlements, and other prehistoric and historic remains. The Desert's fossil remains engage other visitors; the Barstow and Ricardo Formations are known to paleontologists around the world. Over 14,000 prehistoric and historic sites have been tallied, leading historians and archaeologists to conclude that over 100,000 such sites exist in the CDCA. About 35 percent of these sites have fallen prey to natural forces and both inten- tional and inadvertent destruction by Man; about 1 percent a year continue to be lost. The actions of the Desert Plan protect and preserve the full array of cultural and paleontological resources for continued public enjoyment and scientific study. Where such protection is not feasible, measures are advanced to ensure that artifacts and information are recovered. The placement of the protection-oriented Multiple-Use Classes C and L will reduce the vulnerability of over three- ^ quarters of known and predicted cultural resource sites of |)high and very high sensitivity. Those sites of highest value and risk which would not suffer from further disclosure of their locations are protected by special management in 47 of the 75 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern. Additional man- agement recognition is provided for important sites by such Special Area designations as the National Register of Historic Places, which lists 66 officially designated or nominated desert sites. Cultural resource management plans will be created for important sites identified as Prehistoric-Historic Resource Areas. Many will be devoted to public interpretation to provide contemplation and enjoyment of these values outside the contrived atmosphere of a museum. Others will be held in a "data bank" status for future scientists with more sophisti- cated data-recovery techniques. The management of cultural resources under the Plan is an integrated program of environmental awareness, surveillance and patrol, support of well-directed research, and mitigation of adverse impacts. A 1980 Memorandum of Agreement between BLM, the California State Historic Preservation Officer, and the National Advisory Council on Historic Preser- vation will guide implementation of the program. 12 Native American Values Despite the often debilitating clash with Euroamerican cul- ture, many Native American groups living in or near the Cali- fornia Desert continue the practices of their ancient ways of life. Many still quarry for stone, collect salt, gather food and fiber, and hunt at traditional sites in the Desert. A number of natural features have mythic or sacred value and have been used for centuries to acquire ritual power and divination or for healing practices, initiation rites, and mortuary practices. The secrecy which has protected these sites in the past is insuffi- cient in the face of pervasive modern land uses, many of which can desecrate a sacred site in ways not physically perceivable. The CDCA Plan responds to the Native American Religious Freedom Act and related legislation by seeking the full con- sideration of Native American values in all land-use and resource management decisions on public lands in the Desert. With the assistance of many Native American elders and others, significant values were identified and considered in the assignment of multiple-use classes. About 80 percent of the identified sensitive values occur in Classes C and L. This consultation with Native American representatives also led to the designation of 13 Areas of Critical Environmental Con- cern which contain these and other values that will receive priority attention under the Plan.. A Memorandum of Understanding between the BLM, the Native American Heritage Commission, and the California State Historic Preservation Officer assures the confidentiality of archaeological and historical data, access to traditional collecting sites and to sites of religious and ceremonial signif- icance, use and possession of sacred objects, and other important rights. Other procedures commit the BLM to ongo- ing coordination with tribal governments and Native Ameri- can groups whose values may be affected by actions on the Desert's public lands. 13 ~> PLAN ELEMENTS Vegetation Vibrantly colored spring wildflowers, the pleasing asymme- try of the Joshua tree, and other aesthetic values are the most apparent contributions of desert vegetation. However, the Desert's slow-growing, long-lived perennials and opportunis- tic annuals are essential to the functioning of the Desert's ecosystems, and provide many values beyond their scenic ones. Accordingly, the CDCA Plan manages vegetation on two planes. One is the floristic perspective, which recognizes endan- gered and threatened plant species and rare or unique vegeta- tion groupings called "unusual plant assemblages." The other, the vegetation perspective, is concerned with the pro- ductivity and maintenance of the quality and quantity of plant production, both as they contribute to the Desert's natural functions and to the consumptive needs of the public. Ninety-one species of vascular plants have been identified as potentially rare, threatened, or endangered in the CDCA. Forty-one stands of vegetation identified as unusual plant assemblages have been rated for their sensitivity to distur- bance. Among these assemblages are the huge Joshua trees of Pipes Canyon, the three desert locations of the crucifixion thorn, and all important wetland and riparian areas. All are Ogiven special consideration in the planning, environmental assessment, and decision-making processes of the Plan. The Plan also addresses a growing activity, the collection of live whole plants and plant parts and of down and dead plant material. The Plan's general guidelines direct this use accord- ing to the type of collection and the multiple-use class in which it occurs. Mechanical, chemical, and other forms of vegetation manipulation which are used to achieve range, wildlife, and other resource goals, are also guided by multi- ple-use class designations. The allocation of plant production for wildlife, wild horses and burros, and livestock grazing is more thoroughly dis- cussed in the elements for these resources. The increasing potential for arid-zone agricultural crops such as jojoba and guayule may warrant the use of public lands for this purpose, should it prove significant in the future. 14 Wildlife Barren as the California Desert may seem, it supports a rich diversity of wildlife species which have succeeded in the struggle to overcome harsh conditions. A variety of soils, topography, vegetation, and climate have combined to create over 100 different habitats here. These vary from broad vege- tation groupings, like Joshua tree communities, to tiny "islands," such as oases and sand dunes, which may support species found nowhere else in the world. Consideration of the wildlife resource is a keystone in the multiple-use class guide- lines and the actions of most Plan elements. The health of a wildlife species is measured by the quality of its habitat; wildlife habitat in the CDCA, as in many other areas, has fallen prey to the growing extent and intensity of human uses. Since the mid-1 800s, populations of many spe- cies have declined, several species have disappeared from the Desert, and a few are now extinct altogether. The Plan out- lines an aggressive program to provide immediate protection of unique and sensitive habitats and of the wildlife they sup- port; of rare, threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; and of examples of representative habitats and ecosystems of the Desert. Twenty-seven Areas of Critical Environmental Concern have been designated to ensure that wildlife habitat quality will be enhanced or maintained over the long term. Habitat management plans, another primary wildlife management tool, will outline active, intensive management support of important species or habitats in 59 identified areas. These and other important areas will receive special attention in the environmental assessment process for specific development projects. Additionally, several desertwide species manage- ment plans will be prepared to address the unique needs of sensitive species with wide distribution or large geographic, ' ranges, such as the desert tortoise and bighorn sheep. Overall, habitat management will be guided by an approach which recognizes that a healthy functioning wildlife habitat system is more important than merely the sum of its individual features. - 15 PLAN ELEMENTS Wild Horses and Burros The Wild and Free Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971 declares these animals to be an integral part of the public lands and protects them from human harassment and unauthorized capture. In recent years, populations of these animals in the California Desert have swelled to nearly 1 ,000 horses and over 10,000 burros. The numbers are increasng at an annual rate of 10 to 15 percent. -~\ The magnified pressure of non-native burros has resulted in overgrazing, pollution of water sources, loss of riparian habitat, soil erosion, and other disturbances of the ecological balance upon which both these animals and native wildlife depend. Conflicts between burros and livestock and cultural resources also demand attention. The CDCA Plan outlines an active program to restore and maintain a thriving ecological balance that will assure healthy and stable wild horse and burro herds and reduce conflicts with other resources. Twenty-two wild horse and burro areas, some containing both types of animals, were identified within the Desert during the CDCA inventories. Wild horses and burros will be man- aged in 17 areas and removed from the remaining five because of major conflicts with wildlife and other natural resources. An accelerated capture program, to maintain healthy, viable populations, will reduce numbers in the 17 areas to a total of about 280 horses and 2,750 burros. Because of the numbers of burros on the Desert now, and the degree of impacts they are causing, initial management emphasis must be on reduction of burro numbers. Captured animals will be placed with qualified applicants under the Bureau's Adopt-a-Horse Program. When appli- cants are no longer available to "adopt" these animals, they will be humanely disposed of. Six herd management area plans for these 1 7 areas will be prepared to describe methods to improve the condition of individual animals, maintain stable herd levels, and to provide adequate food, cover, water, and living space. Herds will be monitored constantly to gauge their health, stability, and freedom to roam unfettered by any demands but those imposed by the Desert's environment. 16 Livestock Grazing Livestock grazing was one of the first values recognized in the California Desert and it continues to be an important use today. Under the stewardship of private ranchers using Bureau of Land Management allotments, about 75,000 sheep and 14,000 cattle depend partly or entirely on forage on about 4.5 million acres of public lands. The Bureau's rangeland management program includes authorization, management, and supervision of grazing use, development of range improvements, and protection of range resources from inva- sion of unwanted plants in 54 existing allotments and 15 pro- posed allotments in the Desert. Competition for forage between livestock, wild horses and burros, and wildlife, and conflicts between livestock and recreationists complicate this rangeland management program. The Desert Plan assures that public lands will continue to contribute to the Nation's supply of food and fiber. Under the Plan's rangeland management program, livestock will be dis- tributed more evenly for more efficient forage use, range condition will improve, and conflicts between livestock and wildlife and wild horses and burros will be reduced. Among the measures to reduce these conflicts are forage allocations to bighorn sheep and mule deer; keeping domes- tic sheep out of bighorn sheep habitat; water improvements to reduce conflicts; establishment of minimum forage produc- tion of 350 pounds per acre in crucial desert tortoise habitat in ephemeral range before livestock are turned out; and adjust- ments or clarification of seasons of use on several allotments. In addition, both wildlife and livestock will benefit from many of the rangeland improvements described in the Plan for implementation. Each of the 54 allotments has been classified as perennial, ephemeral, or ephemeral/perennial range type. Each of these classifications was based on the amount of either perennial or ephemeral vegetation contained in each allotment area. To improve the range condition, grazing intensity has been reduced by 25 percent on "fair" condition range and by 50 percent on "poor" condition range. About 74,700 animal unit months (AUMs) are allocated to livestock on perennial and ephemeral/perennial allotments. This apparent 25 percent decrease in allocated AUMs is mainly the result of eliminating ephemeral vegetation from preference grazing allocations Fifteen prior-use allotments may be reactivated, which would add an additional 6,000 AUMs. These and other guidelines for livestock grazing in the Desert will be summarized in a Rangeland Program Summary document. Allotment management plans will be prepared and implemented according to the priorities of this and other resource management programs and final grazing decisions will be developed cooperatively with ranchers and the public. A key ingredient in the Bureau's rangeland management program and the development of the rangeland stewardship program in the CDCA is consultation with individual ranchers and with the Desert District Multiple-Use Advisory Council. 17 PLAN ELEMENTS Wilderness Some of the most remarkable examples of wilderness any- where in the Nation occur in the California Desert. During the desert inventory, 5.7 million acres in the CDCA were found to have wilderness characteristics meeting the criteria in the National Wilderness Preservation Act of 1964. Under Section 603 of FLPMA these acres, identified in 138 separate "Wil- dernes Study Areas," had to be analyzed to determine which ~ should be recommended to Congress as "suitable" for wil- ■ derness designation, and which, because of other values or uses, should be considered "nonsuitable." This is required because only Congress can actually designate lands as wil- derness. Many desert visitors have experienced the incredible qual- ity of solitude this grand land grants to those who stray from the beaten path. One of the reasons for going to the Desert most often cited by people who reviewed the Plan, is the feeling of being unconfined and escaping from the works of Man. A typical desert valley "Wilderness Study Area" is a spec- tacular display of land from dry, white lakebeds, across sweeping bajadas covered with low creosote or tortured ^Joshua trees, along twisting, sandy washes and canyons through low rocky hills, climbing dense juniper and pinyon pine covered slopes up to surrounding high, stark rugged mountain ranges. In such valleys the unforgettable sweep of color in spring wildflower displays annually gives way to the subtle hues and pastels of summer heat and winter cold. In this perfectly clear air nothing is hidden except by the vast- ness of the land itself. But there are other values here as well: a wealth of minerals held beneath the surface of the land, abundant grasses and shrubs to nourish domestic livestock for human food, key access routes across the Desert for Man and his materials. Where conflicting values were discovered to be more impor- tant during the desert planning process, then such "Wilder- ness Study Areas" were determined to be "nonsuitable" for wilderness designation. As a result, the Plan makes a preliminary recommendation that 2.1 million acres, in 45 separate locations in the CDCA, are "suitable" for wilderness designation — these areas are shown as Class C. The Plan considers the remaining 3.6 million acres of "Wilderness Study Areas" as "nonsuitable" for wilderness designation, and they were placed in some other multiple-use class. These recommendations must undergo a further process of review as they proceed to the Secretary of the Interior, the President, and then to Congress for decision, as spelled out in Section 603 of FLPMA. Areas recommended as "suitable" must also have an additional analysis of their mineral values by the U.S. Geological Survey and Bureau of Mines. As required under the law to protect the wilderness poten- tial until this process is complete, all "Wilderness Study Areas" in the CDCA will be managed under the Department of the Interior's Interim Management Policy and Guidelines for Lands Under Wilderness Review, the 43 CFR 3802 mining regulations, and in accordance with the guidelines for the multiple-use class in which they fall, whichever is more pro- tective. 18 Land-Tenure Adjustment The California Desert's intermingled pattern of land owner- ship and administration is logical only to a land-use historian. This pattern frustrates not only resource management objec- tives, but also the needs and ambitions of private landowners, Indian reservations, State and local governments, and other Federal agencies. The actions described in the Plan apply only to the 12.1 million acres of public land in the California Desert Conserva- tion Area. No rights of eminent domain (condemnation) exist except a limited right to provide needed access to public lands. The rights and needs of private landowners in the CDCA will be carefully considered in any proposed action, as well as other valid existing rights on the public land, such as permits, leases, and rights-of-way. The Plan establishes a program of land acquisition, exchange, and disposal which complements the objectives of other Plan programs, provides stable and beneficial patterns of public and private land use, and establishes cooperation with other public agencies in the management of adjacent and interspersed public and private lands. Private or State-owned parcels within areas designated by the Plan as unique or sensitive may be recommended for acquisition through exchange or purchase, unless manage- ment of those resources is assured by agreement or by another entity. Similarly, BLM-ad ministered land interspersed with mostly private land may be difficult to man- age because of lack of access, unclear boundaries, and high cost of managing scattered parcels. Some of these lands should be disposed of, unless they contain resources which BLM must protect because of existing laws. The Bureau places high priority on negotiations with the State of California to develop a mutually beneficial land- exchange program. The BLM will consider transfer or exchange of ownership to local communities for needed par- cels of land based upon their general plans and future service needs. The BLM will also pursue an exchange program with the Southern Pacific Land Company. Boundary adjustments with the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and other Federal agencies will be pursued to meet common goals. Much of the Land-Tenure Adjustment program will focus ^ on the status of the 300,000 acres of BLM-administered land which have not been assigned a multiple-use class designa- tion. After review of resources and values and appropriate consultation with local governments, these parcels may be sold, exchanged, or leased for publically beneficial purposes. These transactions depend, of course, on available funding and the willingness of other owners and administrators to negotiate. Nonetheless, the Bureau will actively pursue pro- grams to meet the Plan's goals, especially those of sensitive resource protection and enhancement of recreation oppor- tunities. f 19 PLAN ELEMENTS Recreation The recreationist has replaced the pioneer, miner, and rancher as the most frequently found human on the Desert's public lands. Visitors are charmed not only by the California Desert's stark scenic beauty and unusual natural processes, but also by its opportunities for solitude and escape from southern California's urban areas, where 85 percent of these visitors live. Recreationists now tally up over 1 5 million visitor i* use days per year, a number that will grow with increasing population, affluence, appreciation of the Desert's resources, and increasing energy costs and shortages that will force recreation trips of shorter distance and longer duration. The Desert Plan provides for the full range of recreation opportunities which attract these visitors. The BLM's man- agement is committed to helping resolve the conflicts among recreationists and between recreationists and other desert users. Programs of interpretation and environmental aware- ness will complement other measures to protect the qualities of the Desert which most visitors value. Among the recreation opportunities which management serves are: Open Space. Open space opportunities will continue to ^*be abundant, even including two dry lakebeds designated exclusively for non-motorized vehicle activities such as land sailing and model airplane flying. Natural Study and Resource-Oriented Recreation. Sight- seers, campers, hikers, and others will be rewarded by the Plan's provisions to protect a variety of unspoiled settings, natural processes, and cultural resources. A keystone of the Plan is that access to important recreation spots, such as rockhounding and hunting areas, is maintained. Wilderness Recreation. Those who seek primitive and unconfined forms of recreation will enjoy a wilderness system accessible from urban areas and designed to represent the gamut of desert landforms and ecosystems. Vehicle Play. Half a million acres in Class I have been selected to provide a variety of challenges and opportunities for motorized-vehicle operation. A consideration in the "open" designation of these areas was their proximity to urban populations. These are also areas of traditional moto- rized-vehicle use, they have recognizable boundaries, and there are few conflicts with sensitive resources. Competitive Vehicle Events. Competitive event courses which provide a variety of terrain and challenges to partici- pants will be allowed in Class I and on existing routes in Class M. Courses may also be permitted to cross Class L lands on approved routes after a permitting process is completed which evaluates environmental values, other resources, and safety requirements. Three point-to-point routes between open areas have been provided. The Plan's recreation program is coordinated with several other Plan programs. Recreation access, for example, was a significant criterion in the design of the Motorized-Vehicle Access element. The recreation program also oversees the inclusion of environmental design principles to protect scenic quality in all of the Bureau's management plans. Visitor information needs will be served by environmental education and interpretation programs, maps and brochures, and a planned Public Information Office program. Campgrounds, parking loops, and other facilities may be developed where needed to meet the goals of this element, although they will be kept to a minimum. Helping recreationists of all kinds to enjoy the sense of freedom and independence that the Desert provides is a major concept in, and goal of, this Plan. 20 ~ 21 PLAN ELEMENTS ' Motorized-Vehicle Access Access throughout the California Desert has traditionally been the key to use of the region's resources. As use of these resources has grown, so too has the need for access to them. In a region which remains relatively undeveloped and fraught with natural hazards, the motorized vehicle has emerged as the essential tool of access, tied inextricably to needs as varied as mineral development, wilderness recreation, and access for private landowners. Routes of travel have expanded to include 45,000 miles of routes ranging from paved and maintained roads to dirt roads and trails, and vehicle-accessible washes; these are generally well distrib- uted and serve current land-use and resource-management goals. There are some exceptions where an unnecessary proliferation of vehicle routes is degrading the desert envir- onment. The Plan's system of access is designed to meet the full range of access demands, reduce conflicts between users, and avoid or minimize damage to sensitive natural and cultu- ral values. Specific route approval will be part of Plan imple- mentation and will involve further public input. The success of these goals is largely the burden of informed and responsible desert users. Access rules and route designations must be clear and easy to follow. Three major designations apply to all public lands in the desert: Open — vehicles may travel anywhere within the area; Closed — vehicle use is not allowed; Limited — vehicle use is allowed on routes of travel: "approved routes" in areas of sensitive resource values, and "existing routes" in all other areas of the CDCA. Generally, the multiple-use class determines which of these designations applies: Class C (Wilderness) Closed, when designated by Congress Class L Limited to "approved routes of travel" Class M Limited to "existing routes of travel" Class I Limited to "existing routes of travel"; Open where designated. Management objectives of individual Areas of Critical Environmental Concern may require either closure of the area to vehicles or limitation of their use to "approved routes." Identified sand dunes and dry lakes, which have no identifia- ble routes, are designated as either open or closed, regardless of the multiple-use class in which they occur. Over the next two years, the permanent "approved" and "existing routes of travel will be selected and preparation of maps and on-the-ground identification will proceed, all with the help of users. The approval and on-the-ground identifica- tion of routes in Class L, Areas of Critical Environmental Concern, and Special Areas are planned to be completed by the end of 1982. In the meantime, the applicable rules govern- ing access in the "Interim Critical Management Program for Vehicle Use on the California Desert" will apply. This access system is not static. The Desert remains one of the most accessible regions of its size and character any- where in the world, and the Plan's rational pattern of vehicle access will be continually revised to serve new, legitimate needs. 22 Geology-Energy-Minerals Processes ranging from the geologically young volcanism of the Coso Range to the still-active faulting of the San Andreas system have shaped one of the most geologically diverse regions in the United States. The Desert's sparse vegetation exposes these features for excellent scientific research and educational opportunities. In turn, these fea- tures enclose significant energy and mineral resources, some of which are nationally and internationally important. A min- eral economc evaluation of 25 of the CDCA's 46 known min- eral quantities revealed a mineral estate estimated at over $200 billion. Presently the California Desert produces 15 per- cent of the Nation's talc, 10 percent of its gypsum, and 5 percent of its iron. The majority of the U.S. borax and most of the world's rare earth elements are produced here. Active leasing and exploration for energy resources have revealed prime geothermal areas, particularly in Imperial County. The CDCA Plan recognizes and supports access and opportunities for mineral exploration and development on public lands. The Bureau will work with mineral interests to develop techniques which enhance the productive capacity of the Desert's mineral and energy resources, while minimiz- ing or avoiding environmental damage. As outlined in the multiple-use class guidelines, mineral exploration and mining operations are subject to the Bureau's surface-mining regulations, 43 CFR 3802 and 43 CFR 3809. These regulations require operators to prevent "undue deg- radation" of public lands and to provide adequate environ- mental safeguards. The "3802 regulations" outline require- ments to prevent impairment of wilderness suitability in Wil- derness Study Areas awaiting Congressional decision on designation. The "3809 regulations" apply to all public lands not under wilderness review by the BLM. The regulations which cover the CDCA, and all other public lands, distinguish between casual use and operations which are large enough to cause definite surface disturbances and are conducted under an approved plan of operations. The Bureau will assess the plans of operations for environmental impacts and for adequacy of reclamation measures. The State of California, county governments in the Califor- nia Desert, and the Bureau of Land Management will coordi- nate the application of the Bureau's regulations with those of the State Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 to ensure the simplest possible uniform process ("one-stop shopping") for miners seeking an operating permit, and proper reclamation of the public lands. 23 .1 VI .1 >l V-J Energy Production and Utility Corridors - = Surrounded by either ocean or desert, the urban megalopo- lis of southern California is essentially an island, isolated from the resources needed to sustain its 121/2 million people. Its history and growth are defined by the massive engineering projects devised to create transportation, water, communica- tion, and energy transmission links to resources often hundreds of miles away. Currently, regulatory constraints to control air pollution and powerplant siting in the Los Angeles Basin have increased pressures on utility companies in sup- plying anticipated increases in demand. The Plan meets the challenge of projected utility demands to the Year 2000 by providing a network of 16 planning corri- dors which would be used jointly by electrical transmission towers and cables of 1 61 kilovolts or more, major water aque- ducts, pipelines with diameters of 12 inches or greater, and coaxial cables for interstate communications. These planning corridors, which range from 2 to 5 miles wide, are usually based on existing rights-of-way and are located to ensure engineering feasibility, to avoid or minimize damage to natu- ral, cultural, and scenic values, and to comply with the plans and programs of local governments, the California Energy Commission, and the Joint Utilities Advisory Committee. Powerplant sites may be located in Classes M and I once the State and Federal regulatory and environmental review processes have been successfully completed. Class L lands are available for geothermal, solar, and wind-power genera- tion facility siting; however, fossil fuel and nuclear powerplant sites will not be considered in this class except upon a Plan amendment to change the class designation. The BLM's eval- uation of these projects will be coordinated with the California Energy Commission, which has the primary responsibility for determining site locations. The Plan also identifies locations for probable new com- munication sites and it includes provisions for land for associated maintenance facilities and access to the towers and related structures. 24 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern /Special Areas The Desert has many places which startle, delight, and inform us. The graceful lines and rare lifeforms of the Eureka Dunes, the beautifully grotesque Trona Pinnacles, the prehis- toric remnants of human life at Calico are among the many sites which are paid heed by the third type of management direction provided by the Desert Plan. Areas of Critical Envi- ronmental Concern (ACECs) and Special Areas complement the broad regional management of the multiple-use classes and the resource and activity specific perspective of the Plan Elements. Seventy-five sites, totalling over 600,000 acres, have been designated as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern to provide the priority management attention FLPMA requires for areas having "important historic, cultural, orscenic values, fish and wildlife resources, or other natural systems or pro- cesses." The ACEC designation commits the Bureau to initiate immediate measures to protect, or prevent irreparable harm to, the resources. However, the ACEC is not a "lock-up" designation. The protection measures specified in ACEC activity plans will also be designed to provide for other uses in compatible ways. The degree of threat to critical resources will determine the priority of activity plan preparation and implementation. Other areas which possess rare, unique, or unusual quali- ties of scientific, educational, cultural, or recreational signifi- cance may have one or more of 1 1 types of "Special Area" designations applied to them. Among these types are Research Natural Areas, National Historic Landmarks, and National Scenic Trails. Fourteen such areas are identified in the Plan, including Panamint City, Mojave Road, and Cima Dome. One of the most significant of these Special Areas is the eastern Mojave region of the Desert, which has long been recognized as containing numerous unique natural, cultural, scenic, and recreation values. The East Mojave National Scenic Area has been designated and will be managed to assure maintenance of the region's scenic qualities. r\ 25 IMPLEMENTATION Sharing Responsibility The Plan is a blueprint for wisely planned and managed resources; it is designed to efficiently marshall energies in service of its goals. If the Plan is to succeed, its implementa- tion must be the responsibility of both the land managers and the public they serve. The Plan is designed to be implemented for a fraction of the "per acre" cost of other Federal, State, and local land managing activities. The Bureau of Land Management has begun to meet these responsibilities. An aggressive implementation program has begun under the aegis of the newly formed California Desert District and its five Resource Area Offices. This decentralized structure improves efficiency, assures on-site public service, and increases the Bureau's ability to monitor the Plan. Design and implementation of a desertwide monitoring program is among the first tasks of the new District. The California Desert District is also coordinating the shift in management emphasis to activity planning, the "finish work" on the framework of the Plan. Funds and personnel will be committed to ACEC and Wilderness Study Reports, desig- nation of "approved routes of travel" in Class L, completion of grazing decisions and rangeland improvements, removal and adoption of excess burros, land exchanges with the State, and other activities identified as high priority by the Plan. Concur- rently, services and operations will be refined to provide expedient processing of right-of-way applications; grazing permits; mining plans; mineral sales, leases, and permits; and leases for oil and gas and geothermal exploration and devel- opment. Ongoing functions include withdrawal review, realty actions, fire management, abatement of unauthorized use, and general surveillance and patrol. A wide variety of services will be provided to visitors to the Desert, from maps and information to protection and assist- ance in emergency situations. A skilled and dedicated Desert District staff will be com- plemented by the development of a program to use volunteers in all phases of District operations. Since a pervasive management presence is neither feasible nor desirable, development of an interpretation and educa- tion program is a paramount task. Informed and responsible desert users are the key to the public's role in fulfilling its portion of the Desert Plan contract. Additionally, individuals and organizations have many opportunities to become involved in the ongoing decision- making processes of the Plan, ranging from review of environ- mental assessments of land-use requests to participation in the various citizens' advisory groups established or main- tained by the Plan. For example, the Desert District Multiple- Use Advisory Council will advise managers on various activi- ties from a broad perspective. Finally, BLM will maintain and strengthen the working con- tacts established during formulation of the Plan with local counties and cities, Native American tribal governments and groups, State agencies, and other Federal agencies. A major goal of intergovernmental coordination is the integration of BLM studies, inventories, and management plans for the Desert's soil, air, and water resources with those of other responsible agencies and governments in the Desert. Coordination will also be pursued on such topics as local community needs for such activities as sand and gravel extraction, cultural resource management plans and Native American concerns, energy projects, wildlife management, and land management in areas adjacent to military bases and National Monuments. 26 Amending the Plan The condition and nature of resources, the public expres- sion of concern about and demand for these resources, and the mandates of FLPMA and other laws were thoroughly studied and incorporated into the direction and guiding prin- ciples of the Desert Plan. The integrity of these principles must remain intact in implementation of the Plan's decisions. However, the certainty of increasing knowledge of resources and changing human priorities requires that the Plan be able to adjust to unanticipated future needs. The purpose of the Plan amendment process is to provide this flexibility, while ensuring that the Plan retains its essential stability. Applications and petitions for rights-of-way, leases, per- mits, and other land and resource uses will be analyzed for their conformance to the Plan and processed according to established procedures. Any person or organization, private or governmental, may suggest changes in the Plan. The amendment process describes how to make these requests and how they will be analyzed and decided upon. Although the Bureau's planning process normally allows consideration of land-use plan amendments every five years, BLM will consider the need for amendments to the California Desert Plan annually for at least the first five years of its implementation. The Bureau's own review of the need for amendment will be based upon the information derived from the desertwide resource monitoring program and the advice of the Desert District Multiple-Use Advisory Council. The amendment process provides opportunities for public comment and review of all Plan amendments. Amendments will be carefully evaluated for their effect upon the Plan's obligation to achieve and maintain a firm, desertwide balance between resource use and resource protection. 27 inn -* r -- _a» IMPLEMENTATION Investment for the Future One issue of utmost importance, raised time and again during all phases of development and public review of this Plan, was the commitment to implement the Desert Plan. This concern was expressed by a wide spectrum of desert users: representatives of utility companies and mining interests, wildlife groups, recreation-oriented organizations, and envi- ronmental groups, to name just a few. The U.S. Congress, in the legislation that initiated this major planning effort, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, indicated how important it felt implementation to be; Section 601 (a) (6) states that ". . . additional management authority must be provided to the Secretary to facilitate effective implementa- tion of such planning and management." Implementation of the Plan depends on funds appropriated annually by Congress. Those appropriations are directly related to the importance that Congress and the American people place on this effort, particularly in relation to other, similar projects. The Plan identifies realistic costs of implementation: over the next three years the cost must gradually increase to $1 .50 per acre per year. Consider a portrait of the California Desert in the Year 2000 if this investment is made and the Desert's wide diversity of values and resources remains available for the use and enjoyment of future generations. The population of southern Calfiornia will have grown to 1 61/4 million people, a number capable of exerting tremendous pressures on desert resources. However, the public will be an active partner in the management of public lands and more aware of desert resources through programs of education and interpretation. People escaping from increased urban stresses will find a wide variety of recreation opportunities, ranging from a wil- derness system with its opportunities for solitude and primi- tive and unconfined types of activities to vehicle play areas containing the gamut of terrain challenges. Economic stresses and energy shortages will make these areas espe- cially valuable because of their proximity to urban popula- tions. 28 Wildlife populations will be improving or stabilizing and wild horses and burros will be maintained at stable, healthy levels. Rangelands throughout the CDCA will be in good condi- tion or better, providing more forage for wildlife and domestic livestock. The Desert's mineral potential will be better understood and more intensively used, providing vital minerals for the Nation's economy and security. Rehabilitation and restora- tion will be an integral part of all mining activities. Continuing its policy of being a good neighbor, the BLM will have completed major land-tenure adjustments. Every- one will benefit from a more lucid pattern of land ownership and administration. Valid existing uses of public lands will be maintained, including military uses, key access, and rights-of-way. Areas of Critical Environmental Concern will be intensively managed to protect special resource values while allowing compatible uses. The rate of cultural resource destruction and degradation will have been greatly reduced and the resources will be better understood. We will be better able to contemplate Man's long, continuous history in the Desert. A rational system of well-distributed motorized-vehicle access will serve the full range of human demands. New routes of travel will be considered and instituted in an orderly process. New powerplants and transmission lines will be added to meet demands for energy. Geothermal resources will be har- nessed and wind and solar generation plants will be produc- ing electricity in the Desert. In summary, the CDCA will be managed under a dynamic land-use plan that allows for the Desert's use and enjoyment by Man while protecting its sensitive resources and values. The Desert will be in better resource condition than it is today. Consumptive uses will occur in a wise and stable manner. The goals of Congress and the American people of multiple use, sustained yield, and maintenance of environmental quality will have been achieved in the California Desert Conservation Area. All of us, the BLM and the Desert's users, who have worked so hard to develop this Plan can make this future a reality. n ~ *& ?3 b' et» o©tc ■ A] 3* ' D (/) Q u w 1) > W & t> h^ u Q H c 0 W -a K g c c o W u > U •"■.; 1 ** :.-.: o '"> j L— Q rr: a: : ":••■ < •J— : _:— - u . i/> :•""• :~ : :":": ■> Li .: is.' '•-••^ a r-":. LLI ." *■ ■•:• : GPO 791-357 %. *■%, a *>& 0/ ~ .-^:_ Nw 118° CALIFORNIA DESERT CONSERVATION AREA Mono Counly PLAN ISHOP Management 37° INDEPENDENCE 36° 35° cm Cou n ly Anii-loic Denver FederalCenter Denver, CO 80225. MULTIPLE -USE CLASSES CLASS t CONTROLLED 117° CLASS L CLASS M CLASS I LIMITED MODERATE INTENSIVE C 37° (4 4 ^12 DEATH PUBLIC LANDS NOT WITHIN SPECIFIC MULTIPLE-USE CLASSES PRIVATE, STATE. AND OTHER FEDERALLY MANAGED LANDS PLANNING UNIT NATIONAL SCENIC AREA AREA OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN I ACEC COMPETITIVE EVENT CORRIDOR -—•^^-» ACEC DESIGNATIONS Map Nwnbn Hunt 1. WHITE MOUNTAIN CITY 2- WEST RAND MOUNTAINS 3- EUREKA VALLEY OUNES 4- SALINE VALLEY •> CERRO GORDO 8- DARWIN FALLS 7- ROSE SPRINGS 5- SURPRISE CANYON 9- GREENWATER CANYON 10- FOSSIL FALLS U- SANO CANYON 12- OREAT FALLS BASIN / ARGUS RANGE 13. AMARGOSA RIVER 'GRIMSHAW LAKE 15/ NATIONAL 1 16° 10 CHINA LAKE W E APONS CENTER 46 36c V 48 _RJDG_EGREST .0 ~ X, 6ti\ c y^Ts •' 00 Inyo Counly > i _ S.m l(> nuul ri.. 1 i -'"bwlnhcad | t"nl> 161 \ NAVAL c Minn 53 OB", - XF^ F /jr3 '49 51 18 115° WEAPONS 17 '23 FORT IRWIN MILITARY 15 MESOUITE LAKE IS- TRONA PINNACLES 17- OENNING SPRINGS IB- SALT CREEK (Dumontl IS- CLARK MOUNTAIN 20- JAWBONE /BUTTEHBRE AD AREA 21- LAST CHANCE CANYON 22- DESERT TORTOISE nimiiti Njiufti Am 23- CHRISTMAS CANYON 24- BEDROCK SPRINGS 25- STEAM WELL 28- SQUAW SPRING 27- GOLOSTONE 28- CAMP IRWIN MILITARY BOUNDARY 29- HALLORAN WASH 30- MOUNTAIN PASS 33- FORT PIUTE 34- OEAO MOUNTAINS 35- BLACK MOUNTAIN 3S- NORTH HARPER ORY LAKE 37- SOUTH HARPER ORY LAKE IS- KRAMER HILLS 39- RAINBOW BASIN / OWL CANYON 40- CALICO EARLY MAN SITE 41- FORT SODA Mohm Chub 42 MESOUITE HILLS/ CRUCERO 43- AFT0N CANYON 44- SILVER MOUNTAIN VICINITY 45. JUNIPER FLATS 40- UPPER JOHNSON VALLEY 47- SOGGY ORY LAKE C>mau Rlnsi 48- MARBLE MOUNTAINS Fon.1 B*d 49- WHITEWATER CANYON 60- BIG MORONGO CANYON 51- DALE LAKE 52 PATTONS IRON MOUNTAIN 0h>Uon4l Camp 53- WHIPPLE MOUNTAINS 54- SIOEWINOER WELL 55- PALEN ORY LAKE 57- CHUCKWALLA VALLEY 68- MULE MOUNTAINS 69- CHUCKWALLA BENCH 60- SALT CREEK Puplah / Riu Hihiui 61- SAN SEBASTIAN MARSH / SAN FELIPE CREEK 62- COYOTE MOUNTAINS Fom.1 StU 63 COYOTE MOUNTAINS 64- YUHA BASIN 65- LAKE CAHUILLA NO 2 66- LAKE CAHUILLA NO 3 67 GOLO BASIN / RAND InugDn 68^ INOIAN PASS 69- LAKE CAHUILLA NO. 8 70- EAST MESA Fill UUtd Honwd UlM Hibir. 71- LAKE CAHUILLA NO 6 72- PLANK ROAO 73. PILOT KNOB 74- CRONESE LAKE 75. MOPAH SPRINGS s-7 X 27 T37,LIFJ&RNIA ITY 2b R ESERV ATION BAKER^ 60 74 61 EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE UANCAfr J ER X* \^k^l 33 -'-\ Kusmc r Newbcity MtnN 43^ ELSO | J J A, NEEDLE x. I %i 77 1& Js-t- P* 1^ E S E R T 74 76 %* /ICTOR- Vlli , 37" ■fr* Johnson Valley toParket MARINE CORPS BASE^OUfe 29 PALMS 35° "T* M .d \(**\ X ««fe> Cms 50 ^ Multiple Use Class Guidelines 1. AGRICULTURE 2. AIR QUALITY 3. WATER QUALITY MULTIPLE-USE CLASS C Controlled Use (Wilderness Management) (Note: Class C identifies areas "pre- liminarily recommended" (or wild- erness designation by Congress. These guidelines sumarize the kinds of management likely to be used in these areas alter formal designation of wilderness by Congress.) MULTIPLE-USE CLASS L Limited Use Agricultural uses (excluding livestock grazing) are not allowed. MULTIPLE-USE CLASS M Moderate Use MULTIPLE-USE CLASS I Intensive Use Agricultural uses may be allowed on suitable land classified for these pur- poses. Prospective leases for potential desert crops, e.g.. joioba, guayule, or others, may be allowed only after NEPA requirements shall do mei These areas will be managed to protect their air quality and visibility in accordance with Class II objectives of Part C of the Clean Air Act Amendments unless otherwise designated another class by the State of California (see 42 USC 7474, and the final regulations, if and when promulgated) as a result of recommendations developed by any BLM air-quality management plan. These areas will be managed to maintain and enhance both surface and groundwater resources. 4. CULTURAL AND PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES 5. NATIVE AMERICAN VALUES 6. ELECTRICAL GENERATION FACILITIES Nuclear and Fossil Fuel Powerplants Wind/Solar Powerplants Geothermal Powerplants 7. TRANSMISSION FACILITIES Areas designated in this class will be managed to minimize degradation of the water resources. Best management practices, developed by the Bureau dur- ing the planning process outlined in the Clean Water Act, Section 208, and subsequently, will be used to avoid degradation and to comply with Executive Order 12088. Areas designated in this class will be managed to minimize degradation of water resources Best manage- ment practices, developed by the Bureau during the planning process outlined in the Clean Water Act, Sec- tion 208, and subsequently, will be used to keep impacts on water qual- ity minimal and to comply with Executive Order 12088. Archaeological and paleontological values will be preserved and protected. Procedures described in 36 CFR 800 will be observed where applicable. A Memorandum of Agreement has been signed by the BLM, the California State Historic Preservation Officer, and for cultural resources the President's Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to protect cultural resource values. Native American cultural and religious values will be preserved where relevant and protected where applicable. Native American group(s) shall be consulted. Memorandums of Agreement and Understanding have been signed between BLM and the Native American Heritage Commission pertaining to Native American concerns and cultural resources. Electrical generation plants are not allowed. Electrical generation plants may be allowed (see wind/solar/geothermal, below). All types of electrical generation plants may be allowed in accordance with State, Federal, and local laws. Existing facilities may be maintained and upgraded or improved in accordance with special-use permits or by amendments to rights-of-way. Not allowed. May be allowed in accordance with Federal, State, and local laws. Not allowed. Not allowed. Distribution Facilities New transmission facilities for elec- tricity, gas, water, and telecommun- ications are not allowed and new licenses or rights-of-way for these purposes will not be granted, except as provided for in the Wilderness Act of 1964- 16 USC 1133(d)(4). or as may be specified by Congress. Existing facilities may be maintained subject to Wilderness Management Plan. 8. COMMUNICATION SITES New licenses or rights-of-way for distribution facilities to serve private properties will not be granted. Exist- ing facilities may be maintained or improved but not expanded. May be allowed after NEPA requirements shall oe met May be allowed pursuant to licenses issued under 43 CFR Section 3250, et. seq. An EIS will be required. May be allowed pursuant to licenses issued under 43 CFR Section 3250, et seq. NEPA requiremtnts will be met. New gas, electric, and water transmission and trans-desert telecommunications facilities may be allowed only within designated corridors (see Energy Production and Utility Corridors Element). NEPA requirements will be met. Existing facilities within designated corridors may be maintained and upgraded or improved in accordance with existing right-of-way grants or by amendments to right-of-way grants. Existing facilities outside designated corridors may only be maintained but not upgraded or improved. Existing facilities may be maintained and upgraded or improved in accordance with existing right-of-way grants. New communication sites are not allowed unless required for protec- tion of wilderness values or visitors. 9. FIRE MANAGEMENT 10. VEGETATION Harvesting (Native Plant) Harvesting by Mechanical Equipment Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species, State and Federal Sensitive Plant Species (including candidates lor Maintenance and operation of exist- ing sites and facilities may be allowed subject to Wilderness Man- agement Plan. Fire suppression measures will be taken in accordance with specific wilderness fire management plans to be followed by the authorized officer, and may include use of mo- torized vehicles, aircraft, and fire retardant chemicals. New distribution systems may be allowed and will be placed under- ground where feasible except where this would have a more detrimental effect on the environment than sur- facealignment. In addition, newdis- tribution facilities shall be placed within existing rights-of-way where they are reasonably available. New communication sites may be allowed in designated areas (see map in Utility Element). EA required. New distribution facilities may be allowed and shall be placed within existing rights-of-way where they are reasonably available. NEPA requirements will be met. New sites may be allowed NEPA requirements will be met. __ Existing facilities may be maintained and utilized in accordance with right-of-way grants and applicable regulations. Fire suppression measures will be taken in accordance with specific fire management plans subject to such conditions as the authorized officer deems necessary, such as use of motorized vehicles, aircraft, and fire retardant chemicals. Removal of vegetation, non-com- mercial, may be allowed by permit only after an EA or EIS is prepared and after development of necessary stipulations. Not allowed. Removal of vegetation, commercial or non-commercial, may be allowed by permit only after NEPA requirements have been met and after development of necessary stipulations. Harvesting by mechanical equipment may be allowed by permit only. 12. LIVESTOCK GRAZING ( Cont ) 13. MINERAL EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT 14. MOTORIZED- VEHICLE ACCESS/ TRANSPOR- TATION Railroads All state and federally listed species will be fully protected. Actions which may jeopardize the continued existence of federally listed species will require consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Identified sensitive species will be given protection in management decisions consistent with wilder- ness values and BLM nnlicies Identified species will be given protection in management decisions consistent with BLM policies. Aircraft 15. RECREATION MULTIPLE-USE CLASS C Controlled Use (Wilderness Management) Manipulation of vegetation by chem- ical or mechanical means will not be allowed. These guidelines summarize the- kinds of management likely to be used in these areas after formal designation of wilderness by Con- gress. Congressional enactment of wilder- ness will prescribe mining rules and possible cutoff dates for mineral entry. The information below indi- cates the possible restriction after enactment. The following summarizes possible significant provisions of the Wilder- ness Act as it applies to mineral exploration and development after Congress officially designates the areas as wilderness. (For more detailed information, see the G-E-M Element or the Wilderness Act of Sept. 3. 1964) Minerals Prospecting and Exploration Prospecting and exploration for the purpose of gathering information about mineral resources are allowed, provided such activitiesare carried on in a manner compatible with the preservation of the wilder- ness environment. Mineral Development All designated wilderness areas may be withdrawn from mineral entry at some time subsequent to Congres- sional designation. Following with- drawal, no new mining claims may be located, and no new permits, leases, or material sales contracts may be issued subject to deadlines established by Congress. Valid existing mining operations may continue pursuant to submis- sion and approval of operational plans which will prevent unneces- sary or undue degradation of wil- derness qualities. MULTIPLE-USE CLASS L Limited Use Manipulation of vegetation by chem- ical or mechanical means will not be allowed, except for site-specific needs (See Vegetation Element .) Motorized-vehicle use is generally not allowed unless provided for in individual wilderness legislation and management plans or if necessary to serve valid existing rights, and for emergency use for public safety, or protection of wilderness values. Leasable Minerals Except as provided in Appendix 5.4, 516 DM 6, NEPA Procedures titled "Categorical "Exclusions," prior to issuing any mineral leases, an envir- onmental assessment will be pre- pared on the proposed mineral leas- ing action. As this class is an area of significant public concern, 60 days' public comment will be provided on the EA. An EIS will be prepared if the proposal would significantly impact the quality of the human environ- ment and this should be expected in areas of especially sensitive surface resources. Mitigation measures as appropriate, subject to technical, ecological, wildlife, vegetation, and culturtal values. Prior to any operations upon min- eral leases, the operator shall submit the appropriate notices or applica- tions to BLM or the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), as appropriate, as specified in 43 CFR 3100, 3200, 3500. All applications submitted to the USGS shall be treated under exist- ing joint BLM/USGS procedures (i.e., S.0. 2948) and other applicable regulations. Reclamation require- ments are contained within these procedures. Locatabled Minerals Location of mining claims is nondis- cretionary. Operations on mining claims are subject to the 43 CFR 3809 Regulations and applicable State and local law In most instan- ces, plans of operation shall be required and treated as specified in the above regulation. An EA shall be prepared on the pro- posed plans of operations. As this class is a sensitive area of public concern, a 60-day public review period shall be held on all mining and reclamation plans filed in this class. BLM will review plans of operations for potential impacts on sensitive reesources identified on lands in this class. Mitigation, subject to techni- cal and economic feasibility, will be required. Saleable Minerals Except as provided in Appendix 5 4, 516 DM 6. NEPA Procedures titled "Categorical Exclusions," for new sites less than 5 acres in size, and EA shall be required for all material sales locations, including sand and gravel. For new sites greater than 5 acres, or in sites less than 5 acres where the EA indicates a significant level of adverse impacts, an EIS shall be required. MULTIPLE-USE CLASS M Moderate Use MULTIPLE-USE CLASS I Intensive Use Manipulation of vegetation by chemical or mechanical means may be allowed and may be designed, developed, and managed for intensive livestock use. Leasable Minerals Except as provided in Appendix 5.4, 516 DM 6, NEPA Procedures titled "Categorical Exclusions," prior to issuing any mineral leases, an EA will be prepared on the proposed leasing action. Mitigation measures will be required to protect sensitive scenic, ecological, wildlife, vegetative, and cultural values. Prior to any operations upon mineral leases, the operator shall submit the appropriate notices or applications to BLM or the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), as appropriate, as specified in 43 CFR 3100. 3200. 3500. All applications submitted to the USGS shall be treated under existing joint BLM/USGS procedures (i.e., SO 2948) and other applicable regulations. Reclamation requirements are contained within these procedures Locatable Minerals Location of mining claims is nondiscretionary Operations on mining claims are sub|ect to the 43 CFR 3809 Regulations and applicable State and local law. In most instances, plans of operations shall be required and treated as speci- fied in the above regulation. NEPA requirements shall be met. BLM will review plans of operations for potential impacts on sensitive resour- ces identified on lands in this class. Mitigation, subject to technical and economic feasibility, will be required. Saleable Minerals Except as provided in Appendix 5.4. 516 DM 6, NEPA Procedures titled "Categorical Exclusions." new material sales locations, including sand and gravel sites, will require an EA Continued use of existing areas of sand and gravel extractions is allowed subject to BLM permits, as specified in 43 CFR 3600. New roads and ways may be devel- oped under right-of-way grants or pursuant to regulations or approved plans of operation. Motorized-vehicle use is allowed on approved routes of travel. This means that existing routes of travel are closed unless specifically desig- nated open. Motorized-vehicle use will be allowed on existing routes of travel unless designated closed by the authorized officer New routes may be allowed upon approval of the authorized officer. Same as Class M. In addition, the vehicle open areas are available for unrestricted vehicle access (see Recreation Element). Vehicle use on some major dunes and dry lakebeds may be allowed (see Motorized-Vehicle Access Element) Periodic or seasonal closure of routes of travel may be required. Compliance with Executive Orders 11644 and 11989 as applied to motorized-vehicle access will be assured. No new railroads and trams will be allowed. Existing railroads and trams may be operated and main- tained subject to non-impairment of wilderness values. Aircraft facilities are not allowed. This class is suitable for nonme- chanical types of recreational experi- ence which generally involve low to very low user densities. Recreational opportunities provided include, but are not limited to, the following characteristic activities. backpacking primitive, unimproved site camping hiking horseback riding nature study and observation photography and painting rockclimbing spelunking hunting rockhounding Railroads and trams may be allowed to serve authorized uses if no other viable alternative is possible. Temporary landing strips may be allowed by permit. This class is suitable for recreation which generally involves low to moderate user densities. Recreation opportunities include those permit- ted in Class C plus: —land-sailing on dry lakes —non-competitive vehicle touring and events only on "approved" routes of travel All organized vehicle events, com- petitive or not. require a permit spec- ifying the conditions of use; these conditions will include, but are not limited to: —approved routes —no pitting, start, finish, or specta- tor areas. Railroads and trams may be allowed. Airports and landing strips may be allowed by lease subject to conformance with county or regional airport plans and FAA and DOD approval. This class is suitable for a wide range of recreation activities which may involve moderate to high user densities. Recreational opportuni- ties include those permitted in Class L. Competitive motorized vehicle events are limited to "existing" routes of travel and must be approved by the authorized officer Pit, start, and finish areas rnust be designated by the authorized officer. All competitive events and organi- zed events having 50 or more vehi- cles require permits. This class is suitable for recreation activities which generally involve high user densities. A wide array of recreational opportunities will be found in this class. Off-road-vehicle play will be allowed where appro- ved in open areas. Uses permitted are the same as Class M; in addition, motorized- vehicle play is allowed in areas designated "open" All aspects of competitive events will be permitted except where specific mitigations are stipulated by the authorized officer. FACILITIES Distribution Facilities 8. COMMUNICATION SITES 9. FIRE MANAGEMENT 10. VEGETATION Harvesting (Native Plant) Harvesting by Mechanical Equipment Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species, State and Federal Sensitive Plant Species (including candidates (or listing by FWS; FWS Species of Concern; Species on List 2, CNPS, 1980) Unusual Plant Assemblages (UPAs) Vegetation Manipulation 1. Mechanical Control 2. Chemical Control 3. Exclosures 4. Prescribed Burning tricity, gas, water, and telecommun- ications are not allowed and new licenses or rights-of-way for these purposes will not be granted, except as provided for in the Wilderness Act of 1964- 16 USC 1133(d)(4), or as may be specified by Congress. Existing facilities may be maintained subject to Wilderness Management Plan. New licenses or rights-of-way for distribution facilities to serve private properties will not be granted. Exist- ing facilities may be maintained or improved but not expanded. designated corridors (see Energy Production ana unnty uornaors tiemenij. iNcr« requirement * Existing facilities within designated corridors may be maintained and upgraded or improved in accordance with existing right-of-way grants or by amendments to right-of-way grants. Existing facilities outside designated corridors may only be maintained but not upgraded or improved. Existing facilities may be maintained and upgraded or improved in accordance with existing right-of-way grants. New communication sites are not allowed unless required for protec- tion of wilderness values or visitors. Maintenance and operation of exist- ing sites and facilities may be allowed subject to Wilderness Man- agement Plan. Fire suppression measures will be taken in accordance with specific wilderness fire management plans to be followed by the authorized officer, and may include use of mo- torized vehicles, aircraft, and fire retardant chemicals Removal of vegetation, non-com- mercial, may be allowed by permit only after an EA or EIS is prepared and after development of necessary stipulations Not allowed. New distribution systems may be allowed and will be placed under- ground where feasible except where this would have a more detrimental effect on the environment than sur- face alignment. In addition, new dis- tribution facilities shall be placed within existing rights-of-way where they are reasonably available. New communication sites may be allowed in designated areas (see map in Utility Element) EA required. New distribution facilities may be allowed and shall be placed within existing rights-of-way where they are reasonably available. NEPA requirements will be met. New sites may be allowed. NEPA requirements will be met. Existing facilities may be maintained and utilized in accordance with right-of-way grants and applicable regulations. Fire suppression measures will be taken in accordance with specific fire management plans subject to such conditions as the authorized officer deems necessary, such as use of motorized vehicles, aircraft, and fire retardant chemicals. Removal of vegetation, commercial or non-commercial, may be allowed by permit only after NEPA requirements have been met and after development of necessary stipulations. 14. MOTORIZED- VEHICLE ACCESS/ TRANSPOR- TATION Harvesting by mechanical equipment may be allowed by permit only. All state and federally listed species will be fully protected. Actions which may jeopardize the continued existence of federally listed species will require consultation with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. Identified sensitive species will be given protection in management decisions consistent with wilder- ness values and BLM policies Identified UPAs will be given protec- tion in mangement decisions con- sistent with wilderness values and BLM policies. Identified species will be given protection in management decisions consistent with BLM policies. Motorized-vehicle use is generally not allowed unless provided for in individual wilderness legislation and management plans or if necessary to serve valid existing rights, and for emergency use for public safety, or protection of wilderness values. Railroads Aircraft for potential impacts on sensitive reesources identified on lands in this class. Mitigation, subject to techni- cal and economic feasibility, will be required. Saleable Minerals Except as provided in Appendix 5.4, 516 DM 6, NEPA Procedures titled "Categorical Exclusions," for new sites less than 5 acres in size, and EA shall be required for all material sales locations, including sand and gravel For new sites greater than 5 acres, or in sites less than 5 acres where the EA indicates a significant level of adverse impacts, an EIS shall be required. Saleable Minerals Except as provided in Appendix 5.4, 516 DM 6, NEPA Procedures titled "Categorical Exclusions," new material sales locations, including sand and gravel sites, will require an EA. Continued use of existing areas of sand and gravel extractions is allowed subject to BLM permits, as specified in 43 CFR 3600. New roads and ways may be devel- oped under right-of-way grants or pursuant to regulations or approved plans of operation. Motorized-vehicle use is allowed on approved routes of travel. This means that existing routes of travel are closed unless specifically desig- nated open. Motorized-vehicle use will be allowed on existing routes of travel unless designated closed by the authorized officer New routes may be allowed upon approval of the authorized officer. Same as Class M. In addition, the vehicle open areas are available for unrestricted vehicle access (see Recreation Element). Vehicle use on some major dunes and dry lakebeds may be allowed (see Motorized-Vehicle Access Element). Periodic or seasonal closure of routes of travel may be required Compliance with Executive Orders 11644 and 11989 as applied to motorized-vehicle access will be assured. No new railroads and trams will be allowed. Existing railroads and trams may be operated and main- tained subject to non-impairment of wilderness values. Aircraft facilities are not allowed. 15. RECREATION Identified UPAs will be considered when conducting all site-specific environmental impact analyses to minimize impact. See also Wetland/Riparian Areas guidelines. Mechanical control will not be allowed. Mechanical control may be allowed, but only after consideration of possible impacts. Aerial broadcast application of chemical controls will not be allowed. 11. LAND-TENURE ADJUSTMENT Spot application will not be allowed. Exclosures will not be allowed. Prescribed burning will not be allowed. Noxious weed eradication may be allowed after site-specific planning. Types and uses of pesticides, in par- ticular herbicides, must conform to Federal, State, and local regulations (see Vegetation Element). Spot applications will be allowed after site-specific planning. Types and uses of pesticides, in particular herbicides, must conform to Federal, State, and local regulations (see Vegetation Element). Exclosures may be allowed. Prescribed burning may be allowed after development of a site-specific management plan. 12. LIVESTOCK GRAZING Lands will be acquired, disposed of. or exchanged in accordance with FLPMA and other applicable Federal laws and regulations, to assure more efficient management of the public lands and to reduce conflicts with other public and private landowners to provide more consistency and logic in desert-wide lano-use patterns. Grazing will be allowed subject to limitations to preserve wilderness characteristics and the protection of sensitive resources, except that existing grazing will only be subject to the protection of sensitive resour- ces Grazing will be allowed subject to the protection of sensitive resources. Major support facilities, such as permanent corrals, loading chutes, and significant water development, will not be allowed except for exist- ing facilities pursuant to valid exist- ing leases, licenses, and permits. Maintenance of such facilities will be controlled to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of wilderness values. 16. WASTE DISPOSAL Support facilities such as corrals, loading chutes, water develop- ments, and other facilities, perman- ent or temporary, may be allowed consistent with protection of sensi- tive resources. Support facilities such as corrals, loading chutes, water developments, and other facilities, permanent or temporary, will be allowed. 17. WILDLIFE SPECIES AND HABITAT Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species (both State and Federal) Sensitive Species Predator and Pest Control Habitat Manipulation Reintroduction or Introduction of Established Exotic Species This class is suitable for nonme- chanical types of recreational experi- ence which generally involve low to very low user densities Recreational opportunities provided include, but are not limited to, the following characteristic activities: backpacking primitive, unimproved site camping hiking horseback riding nature study and observation photography and painting rockclimbing spelunking hunting rockhounding Railroads and trams may be allowed to serve authorized uses if no other viable alternative is possible. Temporary landing strips may be allowed by permit. This class is suitable for recreation which generally involves low to moderate user densities. Recreation opportunities include those permit- ted in Class C plus: —land-sailing on dry lakes —non-competitive vehicle touring and events only on "approved" routes of travel. All organized vehicle events, com- petitive or not, require a permit spec- ifying the conditions of use: these conditions will include, but are not limited to: —approved routes —no pitting, start, finish, or specta- tor areas. Railroads and trams may be allowed. Airports and landing strips may be allowed by lease subject to conformance with county or regional airport plans and FAA and DOD approval. This class is suitable for a wide range of recreation activities which may involve moderate to high user densities Recreational opportuni- ties include those permitted in Class L. Competitive motorized vehicle events are limited to "existing routes of travel and must be approved by the authorized officer. Pit, start, and finish areas must be designated by the authorized officer. All competitive events and organi- zed events having 50 or more vehi- cles require permits. This class is suitable for recreation activities which generally involve high user densities. A wide array of recreational opportunities will be found in this class. Off-road-vehicle play will be allowed where appro- ved in open areas. Uses permitted are the same as Class M, in addition, motorized- vehicle play is allowed in areas designated "open" All aspects of competitive events will be permitted except where specific mitigations are stipulated by the authorized officer. Permanent or temporary facilities for resource protection and public health and safety may be allowed at the discretion of the authorized officer or in accordance with approved Wilderness Management Plans. Permanent or temporary facilities for resource protection and public health and safety are allowed. Trails are open for non-vehicular use and new trails for non-motorized access may be allowed Waste disposal sites will not be allowed in this class. Hazardous waste disposal sites will not be allowed. New non-hazardous waste disposal sites will not be allowed. Public lands managed by BLM may not be used for hazardous waste disposal. Where locations suitable for such disposal are found on BLM-managed lands, consideration will be given to transfer of such sites to other ownership for this use. Non-hazardous waste disposal sites may be allowed All State and federally listed species and their critical habitat will be fully protected. Actions which may affect or jeopardize the continued existence of federally listed species will require formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in accordance with Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. 18. WETLAND/ RIPARIAN AREAS 19. WILD HORSES AND BURROS Identified sensitive species will be given protection in management decisions consistent with wilder- ness values and BLM policies. Predator and pest control will not be allowed except to alleviate public health hazards or to protect endan- gered species. Identified species will be given protection in management decisions consistent with BLM policies. Control of depredating wildlife and pests will be allowed in accordance with existing State and Federal laws. Projects to improve wildlife habitat may be allowed subject to environmental assessment. Reintroduction of native species is allowed. Same as Classes C and L, except that chemical and mechanical vegetation manipulation may be allowed. Reintroduction or introduction of native species or established exotic species is allowed. , c.Q„c ,»/iii ho takpn to orovide that these unique characteristics and ecological Wetland/riparian areas will be considered in all proposed land-use ; action ^»^*™£ 2 CFR 26951) legislative and Secretarial direction, and BLM requirements are managed in accordance with Executive Order 1 1990, Protection ot wetianas ( * urn «wo ,,. »»y Manual 6740, "Wetland-Riparian Area Protection and Management" (10/1/79), as outlined in the Vegetation Element. Populations of wild and free-roam- ing horses and burros will be main- tained in accordance with the Wild and Free-Roaming Horse and Burro Act of 1971 but will be subject to controls to protect sensitive resour- ces as provided for in management plans for wilderness areas. (See Wild Horse and Burro Element.) Pronations of wild and free-roaming horses and burros will be maintained in healthy, stable herds, in accordance with tofX^^wWon* and Burro Ac, of 1971 bu, will be subject to controls to protect sens.t.ve resources. (See Wild Horse and Burro Element.) OREGON BLM AREA OFFICES > n ►— * n San Franc isco O ^ ^ CALIFORNIA STATE OFFICE Bureau of Land Management Federal Office Building 2800 Cottage Way, Room E-2841 Sacramento, CA 95825 Telephone: (916) 484-4724 CALIFORNIA DESERT DISTRICT Bureau of Land Management 1695 Spruce Street Riverside, CA 92507 Telephone: (714) 787-1462 <5> Ridgecrest Resource Area Office c Bureau of Land Management 1415 Norma — P.O. Box 219 Ridgecrest, CA 93555 Telephone: (714) 446-4526 Barstow Resource Area Office Bureau of Land Management 831 Barstow Road Barstow, CA 92311 Telephone: (714) 256-3591 Indio Resource Area Office Bureau of Land Management 3623 — No. 101 Canyon Crest Drive Riverside, CA 92507 Telephone: (714) 787-1630 D Needles Resource Area Office Bureau of Land Management 121 "F" Street, Suite 2 P.O. Box 305 — Needles, CA 92363 Telephone: (714) 326-3896 El Centro Resource Office Bureau of Land Management 333 S. Waterman Avenue El Centro, CA 92243 Telephone: (714) 352-5842 CALIFORNIA DESERT CONSERVATION AREA ME X I C O