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United States Department of the InteriorBureau of Land Management

Environmental Assessment UT- 010-08-046

August 28, 2008

Project TitleApril Fool Cave EA

Fillmore Field Office

(435) [email protected]

http://www.ut.blm.gov/

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land ManagementFillmore Field Office

35 E. 500 N.Fillmore, Utah 84631

Phone: (435) 743-3100FAX: (435) [email protected]

http://www.ut.blm.gov/

Page
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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PURPOSE and NEED1.0 Introduction.. 31.1 Authority 31.2 Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities... 31.3 Conformance with BLM Land Use Plan(s). 31.4 Relationship to Statues, Regulations, or other Plans.. 3

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING PROPOSED ACTION2.0 Proposed Action Alternative A.. 42.1 No Action Alternative B . 42.2 Alternative B No Action.. 4

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT3.0 I ntroduction and General Setting. 43.1 Resources Present and Brought Forward for Analysis... 4

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS4.0 Direct & Indirect Impacts 54.1 Proposed Action -Alternative A. 54.2 No Action Alternative B.. 5

4.3 Cumulative Impacts .. 64.4 Monitoring & Mitigation. 6

5.0 CONSULTATION & COORDINATION5.1 Persons, Groups, & Agencies Consulted 65.2 List of Preparers. 65.3 Summary of Public Participation.... 7

APPENDICES

Appendix A Interdisciplinary Team Analysis Record Checklist 8


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CHAPTER 1 - Purpose and Need

1.0 Introduction

The purpose of this project is to secure, protect, and preserve April Fool Cave for future use,enjoyment, and benefit of the public. Specifically, the plan will enhance the protection of April FoolCaves sensitive cave resources. Over the past few years, fragile and unique formations in AprilFool Cave have been damaged and illegally removed by uncontrolled visitor use. A gate coupledwith a permit system will allow the BLM to control access and also provide an opportunity to educatethe public on the need to protect the cave resources.

The April Fool Cave Management Plan will set forth direction for long-range management, planning,and oversight of this important resource and identify specific management actions for recreation useat April Fool Cave. The plan will emphasize recreational use while providing for natural resourceprotection and the enhancement of the visitor experience.

1.1 Authority

The FCRPA (16 U.S.C. 4301-4309) requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to protect andmaintain cave and karst resources. Specifically, the stated purposes of the FCRPA are to secure,protect, and preserve significant caves on Federal lands for the perpetual use, enjoyment, andbenefit of all people The Act further authorizes the Interior Department to take such actions asmay be necessary to further the purposes of this Act. These actions shall include (but not be limited

to)regulation or restriction of use of significant caves The Fillmore Field Office (FFO)determined that April Fool Cave meets three of the six criteria of significance required under theprovisions of FCRPA, and therefore listed April Fool Cave as a significant cave resource in 1994.

The authority for management of April Fool Cave is further delineated in the BLM InstructionMemorandum, #84 541, and subject: Cave Management Policy, June 12, 1984. It states that

Caves are a natural resource, which have important scientific, recreational,and educational values. As cave resources are non-renewable resources,easily destroyed or permanently damaged. The role of the Bureau of LandManagement (BLM) is to protect and manage those resources when they occuron public land

1.2 Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities

The identification of issues for this assessment was accomplished by considering any resources thatcould be affected by implementation of one of the alternatives, as well as through input from theBLM interdisciplinary team. (Public involvement consisted of posting the proposal on the FillmoreField Office Environmental Notification Bulletin Boardon August 28, 2008.) Resources which wereconsidered for analysis are listed in the Interdisciplinary Team Review Records in Appendix A.Resources identified as potentially impacted are carried forward for detailed analysis in chapters 3 &4.

1.3 CONFORMANCE WITH BLM LAND USE PLAN

The proposed action and alternative are subject to the House Range Resource Area (HRRA),Resource Management Plan which was approved in October 1987. Although April Fool Cave is not

specifically identified in the plan, the concept of cave protection utilizing cave gates is recognizedand identified in the plan on a number of other caves. A goal/objective of the HRRA recreationprogram is to continue management of important recreational resources in Federal ownership, topreserve those values, and make them available for appropriate recreation enjoyment by the public.The proposed action is in line with the plan objectives and decisions.

1.4 RELATIONSHIPS TO STATUTES, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PLANS

The proposed action and alternative are consistent with federal, state and local laws, regulations,plans and the Millard County General Plan.

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The alternatives are in compliance with the Fundamentals of Rangeland Health (43 CFR 4180) andUtahs Standards for Rangeland Health which address watersheds, upland soils, riparian/wetlands,desired and native species and water quality. These resources are either analyzed later in thisdocument or, if not impacted, are listed in the attached Interdisciplinary Team Review Record(Appendix 1).

CHAPTER 2 DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES

2.0 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the proposed action and the no action alternative. All potential impactsidentified within the Interdisciplinary Team Analysis Record Checklist (Appendix A) have beenmitigated within the proposed action. The no action alternative is presented for the purpose ofproviding a baseline for comparison of the impacts of the proposed action. No other alternativesare necessary to address unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources.

2.1 PROPOSED ACTION Alternative A

The proposed action is to secure, protect, and preserve April Fool Cave by installation of a metalgate. The gate would be installed near the entrance of April Fool Cave where the cave passagenaturally restricts to an opening of approximately two by four feet. The gate coupled with a permitsystem will allow the BLM to control access and also provide an opportunity to educate the public onthe need to protect cave resources. The gate would be prefabricated and installed by staff from

Timpanogos National Monument, BLM, and local caving organizations. All of the requiredequipment and supplies would be carried to the cave from the existing access road.2.2 NO ACTION Alternat ive B

In the No Action Alternative, the cave would remain open and unrestricted visitation would occur.Continued deterioration of the cave resources would most likely occur.

CHAPTER 3 - AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

3.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL SETTING

April Fool Cave is located in a semi-arid region, with an annual rainfall of about eight to ten inches.Major vegetation includes salt desert shrubs, sagebrush, pinyon-juniper woodlands, andnative/seeded grasslands. Wildlife species found in the area include mule deer, antelope, elk,bighorn sheep, mountain lion, chukars, sage grouse, and raptors. The area lies in the Great Basinphysiographic province within the House Range.

3.1 RESOURCES PRESENT AND BROUGHT FORWARD FOR ANALYSIS

Resources which were considered for analysis are l isted in the Interdisciplinary Team ReviewRecord in Appendix A. The following resources have been identified as having potential impacts,conflicts or issues.

Mineral Resources

A number of different types of speleothem deposits are found in April Fool Cave. Recentlymany of these deposits have been damaged, broken, and in some cases removed from the

cave.

RecreationAccess

Presently access to the cave is open and unobstructed.

Information and Interpretation

Presently there are no signs or other interpretive information at the parking area or cave

entrance.

Visitor Permit System

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No permit system is presently in place for April Fool Cave.

CHAPTER 4 - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

4.0 DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS Alternative A

This section discloses the potential consequences or effects of each alternative described inChapter 2. The intent of this chapter is to provide the scientific and analytical basis for comparisonof the effects of each alternative.

4.1 PROPOSED ACTION Alternative A

Mineral ResourcesGeological formations would be protected and preserved.

Recreation- Access

A steel gate would provide relatively easy access for authorized users, but at the same timeprovide for maximum durability and security to protect fragile resources from unauthorizedaccess.

- Information and Interpretation No signing is recommended at the parking area to avoid drawing attention to the cave. A

small information panel with contact information is recommended at the cave gate. Thiswould allow interested parties to contact the BLM and obtain access through an establishedpermit system. Permit information would include environmental interpretation andeducation to provide for public health & safety, to promote responsible caving ethics, andminimize visitor impacts.

- Visitor Permit System

An appropriate amount of visitor access would be determined to balance resource

protection and visitor enjoyment of April Fool Cave.

Administration of visitor permits would ensure public health and safety.

The appropriate group size and number of permits allowed in the cave would be established

to minimize resource impacts and provide for a safe and enjoyable visitor experience.

Monitoring and Mitigation

BLM law enforcement would increase patrols in this area to ensure the integrity of the gate

is maintained.

Regular monitoring and visitor post-use reports would be utilized to maintain resource

protection and minimize vandalism to the both the cave and gate.Regular maintenance and repairs may be required to maintain safe and effective access tothe cave.

4.2 NO ACTION Alternat ive B

Mineral Resources

Unrestricted visitor access to the cave could contribute to continued disturbance, damageand unauthorized removal of cave speleothems.

Recreation

There would be no change from the present status. Consequently no impacts or issues are

identified in this alternative.

4.3 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

All resource values have been evaluated for cumulative impacts. It has been determined that

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cumulative impacts would be negligible as a result of the proposed action. Currently there are no otherscheduled projects proposed for this site or the adjacent area. All future projects are speculative andtherefore are not analyzed.

4.4 MONITORING AND MITIGATION

Regular monitoring and visitor post-use reports should be utilized to maintain resource protection

and minimize vandalism to the both the cave and gate.

Regular maintenance and repairs may be required to maintain safe and effective access to the

cave.

CHAPTER 5 - PERSONS, GROUPS AND AGENCIES CONSULTED

Table 5.1. List of Persons, Agencies and Organizations Consulted

Name Agency or OrganizationPurpose & Authorities forConsultation or Coordination

Dale Green Salt Lake Grotto General Material/ProjectRequirements

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Confederated Tribe ofthe Goshute ReservationConsultation as requiredby the American IndianReligious Freedom Act of1978 (42 USC 1531) andNHPA (16 USC 1531)A letter was sent to theTribe on 08/11/08. TheTribe has not responded

identifying any concerns.

Kanosh Band of thePaiute TribeConsultation as requiredby the American IndianReligious Freedom Act of1978 (42 USC 1531) andNHPA (16 USC 1531)A letter was sent to theTribe on 08/11/08. TheTribe has not respondedidentifying any concerns.

Paiute Tribe of UtahConsultation as requiredby the American IndianReligious Freedom Act of1978 (42 USC 1531) andNHPA (16 USC 1531)A letter was sent to theTribe on 08/11/08. TheTribe has not respondedidentifying any concerns.

Skull Valley GoshuteTribe

Consultation as requiredby the American IndianReligious Freedom Act of1978 (42 USC 1531) andNHPA (16 USC 1531)A letter was sent to theTribe on 08/11/08. TheTribe has not respondedidentifying any concerns.

Ute TribeConsultation as requiredby the American Indian

Religious Freedom Act of1978 (42 USC 1531) andNHPA (16 USC 1531)A letter was sent to theTribe on 08/11/08. TheTribe has not respondedidentifying any concerns.

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Table 5.2. List of Preparers

BLM Preparers

Name Title Responsible for the Following Section(s) of thisDocument

Doug Powell Utah BLM Cave Specialist Preparation and reviewSteve Bonar Recreation Planner Preparation and reviewMatt Rajala NEPA Coordinator NEPA CompliancePaul Caso Rangeland Management

Spec.

Water Quality

Brent Crosland Range Tech Woodland/Forestry, Waste (hazardous or solid)Misti Haines Archaeologist Cultural Resources, Native American Religious

ConcernsJustin Johnson Fuels Program Lead Fuels/ Fire ManagementJerry Mansfield Geologist Minerals, Resource Energy productionRB Probert Weeds Specialist Invasive, Non-Native SpeciesTraci Allen Biologist Threatened, Endangered or Candidate Animal SpeciesEric Reid Wild Horse & Burro Specialist Wild Horse & BurrosClara Stevens Realty Specialist Lands/AccessBill Thompson Rangeland Management

Spec.Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines, LivestockGrazing, Wetlands/Riparian Zones

David Whitaker Rangeland Management

Spec.

Threatened Endangered or Candidate Plant Species,

Vegetation including Special Status Plant Species otherthan FWS candidate or listed species.

5.3 Summary of Public Participation:

Information regarding this project was posted in the Fillmore Field Office Environmental NotificationBulletin Board on August 27, 2008. No inquiries or comments were received regarding the proposedaction.

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APPENDICES

INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM ANALYSIS RECORD CHECKLIST

Project Title: April fools Cave Charge Code: 1220

NEPA Log Number: UT-010-08-046

File/Serial Number:

Project Leader: Doug Powell, Steve Bonar

Project Description:

PURPOSE AND NEED

The purpose of this project is to secure, protect, and preserve April Fool Cave for the future use, enjoyment, and

benefit of the public. Specifically, the plan will enhance the protection of April Fool Caves sensitive cave

resources. Over the past few years, fragile and unique formations in April Fool Cave have been damaged and

illegally removed by uncontrolled visitor use. A gate coupled with a permit system will allow the BLM to control

access and also provide an opportunity to educate the public on the need protect cave resources.

PROPOSED ACTION

The proposed action is to secure, protect, and preserve April Fool Cave by installation of a metal gate. A metal

gate would be installed near the entrance of April Fool Cave where the cave passage naturally restricts to an

opening of approximately two by four feet. The gate coupled with a permit system will allow the BLM to control

access and also provide an opportunity to educate the public on the need to protect cave resources. The gate would

be prefabricated by staff from Timpanogos National Monument and installed by BLM, NPS, and local caving

organizations. All of the required equipment and supplies would be carried to the cave from the existing access

road.

LOCATION INFORMATION

April Fool Cave is located in the House Range within Millard County.

Please be aware that the location information is confidential and protected by the Federal Cave ResourcesProtection Act.

MANAGEMENT REVIEW OF PROPOSAL:

DETERMINATION OF STAFF: (Choose one of the following abbreviated options for the left column)

Field Office Manager Date Reviewed Comments

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NP = not present in the area impacted by the proposed or alternative actionsNI = present, but not affected to a degree that detailed analysis is requiredPI = present with potential for significant impact analyzed in detail in the EA; or identified in a DNA as

requiring further analysisNC = (DNAs only) actions and impacts not changed from those disclosed in the existing NEPA documents cited in

Section C of the DNA form.

Determi-nation

Resource Rationale for Determination* Signature Date

NI Air QualityThe nature of the proposed action presents no impacts to air

quality./s/Matt Rajala 8/26/2008

NPAreas of Critical Environmental

ConcernThere are no ACECs in the area or near the cave site. /s/SBonar 8-05-08

NI Cultural Resources No historic properties were identified in the project area. /s/MHaines 08/15/08

NI Environmental Justice There are no disproportionately affected groups within the area. /s/ Matt Rajala 8/26/2008

NI Farmlands (Prime or Unique)There are no prime or unique farmlands within the proposed

project area./s/Matt Rajala 8/26/2008

NI FloodplainsThe nature of the proposed action presents no impacts to

floodplains./s/Matt Rajala 8/26/2008

NI Invasive, Non-native Species See attachment for mitigation /s/R.B. Probert 8/26/08

NINative American Religious

ConcernsLetters have been sent for tribal consultation and waiting for

replies./m/MHaines 8/11/08

NPThreatened, Endangered or

Candidate Plant SpeciesThere are no known federally-listed plant species at the

proposed project at the cave./s/DWhitaker 8/5/08

NPThreatened, Endangered orCandidate Animal Species

There are no known federally-listed animal species at theproposed project at the cave.

/s/ Traci Allen 8/25/2008

NI Wastes (hazardous or solid)There are no wastes issues in the project area (hazardous or

solid)/b/BCrosland 8-18-08

NI Water Quality (drinking/ground) The proposed action would not affect water quality. /s/PCaso 8/26/08

NP Wetlands/Riparian ZonesThere are no wetlands or riparian areas in the vicinity of the

project./s/ Bill Thompson 7/31/2008

NP Wild and Scenic RiversThere are no Wild & Scenic rivers in the Fillmore Field Office

or in the cave area./s/SBonar 8-05-08

NI Wilderness/WSAsThis cave site is outside of the Howell Peak and Notch Peak

WSAs. Permitted use and monitoring would eliminate and/orreduce any impacts to these WSAs.

/s/SBonar 8-05-08

NIRangeland Health Standards and

Guidelines

The proposed action would not affect rangeland health norwould it cause the area to be in noncompliance with the

standards and guidelines for grazing management./s/ Bill Thompson 7/31/2008

NI Livestock GrazingLivestock grazing would not be affected by the proposed action.

Cattle do not graze in caves./s/ Bill Thompson 7/31/2008

NI Woodland / Forestry No impacts to area. /s/Bcrosland 8-18-08

NPVegetation including Special

Status Plant Species other thanFWS candidate or listed species

There are no known special status plant species at April FoolsCave.

/s/DWhitaker 8/5/08

NP

Fish and Wildlife IncludingSpecial Status Species other thanFWS candidate or listed species

e.g. Migratory birds.

The cave does not support any BLM or Utah State Sensitiveanimal species. A survey was conducted for wildlife use

8/3/2008. No sign of bat, bird or big game use wasdocumented.

/s/ Traci Allen 8/25/2008

NI SoilsThe nature of the proposed project presents no foreseeable

impacts to soils./s/ Matt Rajala 8/26/2008

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Determi-

nationResource Rationale for Determination* Signature Date

PI RecreationTo control the recreation use this cave will be gated with accessby permit only. This will be a positive impact to assist in the

management of this cave./s/SBonar 8-05-08

NI Visual Resources There would be no impacts to the VRM Class IV. /s/SBonar 8-05-08

PIGeology / Mineral

Resources/Energy Production

Geologic Resources would be protected by controlling access tothe cave. No claims or mineral activities in the area. A gate

installation at this cave is of minimal size and would not effectenergy production activivties.

/s/ J Mansfield 8/25/2008

NI Paleontology No impacts. /s/JMansfield 8/25/08

NI Lands / Access

As described, the proposed action would not affect access topublic land. Proposed project would be subject to valid priorexisting rights-of-way. Existing roads and trails should be usedfor travel unless otherwise authorized. Generated trash/debris

should be removed from public land and discarded at anauthorized facility. No ROWs were identified on MTP.

CStevens 8/19/2008

NI Fuels / Fire Management There would be no impacts to Fuels /s/JJohnson 8-05-08

NI Socio-economics

Although it is recognized that tourism is a major part of the

local economy, gating the cave will not have a potentiallysignificant impact on socioeconomics within the area.

/s/ Matt Rajala 8/26/2008

NP Wild Horses and Burros There are no HMAs within project area /s/EReid 8/12/08

NP Wilderness characteristics There are no wilderness characteristics in the cave area. /s/SBonar 8-05-08

FINAL REVIEW:

Reviewer Title Signature Date Comments

NEPA / Environmental Coordinator

Authorized Officer

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