Jack Morrow Hills CAP & Green River RMP Amendment
Q&As for the ROD

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Q. Now that the JMH CAP Record of Decision has been signed, when does the implementation phase begin?
A. The implementation phase begins immediately upon signing of the ROD.

Q. What happens after the ROD is issued?
A. The approved JMH CAP will be in effect, and BLM will begin implementing the new plan.

Q. How can I continue to be involved in the implementation of the JMH CAP?
A. We encourage you to remain actively involved and provide information and input during implementation of the JMH CAP. There will be many public participation opportunities through the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation strategy.

Q. How can I get a copy of the ROD?
A. The ROD is available on the BLM website at www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/field_offices/Rock_Springs/jmhcap/rod.html or on compact disk. To request a CD, call 307-352-0256 or send an email to: rock_springs_wymail@blm.gov .

Q. Is there a Summary available ?
A. The Summary is available on the BLM website: www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/field_offices/Rock_Springs/jmhcap.html .

Q. Are there Fact Sheets available on various issues related to the JMH CAP?
A. Yes, please visit the JMH CAP website at: www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/field_offices/Rock_Springs/jmhcap.html .

Q. What is the purpose of the ROD and how does it tie to the environmental impact statement (EIS)?
A. Land management agencies develop environmental impact statements to disclose to the public the estimated environmental, economic, and social impacts on existing resources of implementing various management alternatives. This information assists the decision maker in making an informed decision that provides a balance in multiple uses. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires this disclosure.

Q. What is the total acreage involved in the JMH CAP ROD?
A. The planning area is approximately 622,000 acres with about 574,800 acres of Federal land and Federal mineral estate. For more information, there is a link available at the BLM website: www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/field_offices/Rock_Springs/jmhcap.html .

Q. How does this document relate to the Green River Resource Management Plan (RMP)?
A. The JMH CAP represents a portion of the Green River RMP. Certain segments of the Green River RMP will now be amended to reflect the JMH CAP Record of Decision.

Q. What is a Cooperating Agency?
A. A Cooperating Agency is an official designation provided for in the Council of Environmental Quality regulations for preparing NEPA analyses and documentation in cooperation with State and local governments and other agencies. In part, a Cooperating Agency has special expertise, provides staff support, or has legal jurisdiction for resources or lands in the project area. Cooperating Agencies assist in the preparation of the EIS by providing special expertise, information, and/or data. The success of the JMH CAP can largely be attributed to the contributions, collective efforts and collaboration from the cooperators. The cooperators represented an eclectic composite of ideas, concerns and values of their respective communities.

Q. Who were the Cooperating Agencies on this project?
A. The BLM Wyoming State Director granted Cooperating Agency status to:

Q. How many protests were received and how were responses provided?
A . All 1,011 protests are reviewed and resolved by the BLM Washington Office. The BLM Washington Office responded to each letter.

Q. How does this ROD affect the wild horse population in the JMH area?
A. The JMH CAP includes only a small portion of a Herd Management Area (HMA). The HMAs are used by the BLM to measure and monitor wild horse populations. At any given time, generally there are usually 50-75 horses that traverse through the area. There is no threat to their existence or movement from any potential development.

Q. How will the ROD impact big game in the area, such as elk?
A. A key feature of the plan is the connectivity area, identified to facilitate migration between key ranges (crucial winter and parturition) for elk and mule deer. The connectivity area is paramount to sustaining the elk and mule deer herds. The crucial winter range for mule deer, elk, and antelope covers approximately 40 percent of the JMH CAP area. Most of the parturition (calving and/or fawning) ranges overlap with the winter ranges. Protection of key wildlife habitat is provided through appropriate mitigation, such as seasonal restrictions, habitat protection, and avoidance.

Q. How will the ROD affect greater sage-grouse?
A. The plan provides management for protection of greater sage-grouse and sagebrush habitat. Areas will be unavailable for future oil and gas leasing (about 179, 800 acres). Other areas limit the amount, degree, and timing of activities to meet the needs of the greater sage-grouse. Measures include No Surface Occupancy and controlled surface use stipulations for areas available to oil and gas leasing, developing transportation plans to reduce roads and traffic, and limiting activities during crucial time periods for the grouse such as nesting and brood rearing. Information provided in recent studies will be incorporated into the plan through the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation process. The anticipated level of energy development for the JMH CAP area is low and does not forecast large amounts of oil and gas well drilling like the amount noted in the recent greater sage-grouse study areas.

Q. How much oil and gas is expected to be drawn from the JMH CAP area?
A. The area contains leasable minerals (oil and gas), locatable minerals (mining claims), and salable minerals (sand and gravel). The National Energy Plan calls for renewed domestic development. The Jack Morrow Hills area has been identified as a potential source for renewed energy development on a limited basis. Oil and gas extraction has been a part of the Jack Morrow Hills area for more than 50 years. New energy development technology allows for fluid mineral extraction with a smaller impact than in the past. The JMH CAP includes a comprehensive balanced approach to meeting national energy development needs the protection of natural resources.

The JMH CAP recognizes existing leases and valid existing rights and 179,800 acres (29%) are not available for oil and gas leasing under this plan. Oil and Gas Lease stipulations are applied to leases to protect sensitive and important resources. Acreage (including overlapping areas) affected by lease stipulations in the JMH CAP area include: