Medford Record of Decision and Resource Management Plan

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Glossary

Medford Record of Decision

Medford District Resource Management Plan Table of Contents:

- Tables

- Maps

- Appendices

Appendix G. Restrictions on Mineral and Energy Exploration and Development Activity


This appendix discusses the leasing stipulations as they would be applied to BLM-administered lands in the planning area under each alternative. Operating standards pertinent to the locatable and saleable minerals program are also described. Mineral exploration and development on federal lands must also comply with laws and regulations administered by several agencies of the State of Oregon, however, these requirements are not discussed in this document.

Leasable Mineral Resources

Oil and Gas Leasing

The Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (as amended) provides all publicly-owned oil and gas resources be open to leasing unless a specific land order has been issued to close the area. Through the land use planning process, the availability of these resources for leasing is analyzed taking into consideration development potential and surface resources. Constraints on oil and gas operations are identified and placed in the leases as notices and stipulations. Oil and gas leases are then issued from the BLM Oregon State Office in Portland. Specific proposed notices and stipulations are listed by alternative in this appendix.

The issuance of a lease conveys to the lessee an authorization to actively explore and/or develop the lease in accordance with the attached stipulations and the standard terms outlined in the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act (FOOGLRA). Restrictions on oil and gas activities in the planning area will take the form of timing limitations, controlled surface use (CSU), or no surface occupancy (NSO) stipulations used at the discretion of the Authorized Officer to protect identified surface resources of special concern.

Stipulations would be attached to each lease before it is offered for sale by the field office, which reviews the lease tract. The review would be conducted by consulting the direction given in this resource management plan. In addition, all BLM-administered land within the planning area will be subject to the lease notices as shown on the following pages. All federal lessees or operators are required to follow procedures set forth by: Onshore Oil and Gas Orders, Notice to Lessee, the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act (as amended), the Federal Onshore Oil and Gas Leasing Reform Act, and Title 43 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 3100.

Oil and Gas Operations

Geophysical Explorations

Geophysical operations may be conducted regardless of whether the land is leased or not. Notices to conduct geophysical operations on BLM-surface are received by the resource area. Administration and surface protection are accomplished through close cooperation of the operator and BLM. Seasonal restrictions may be imposed to reduce fire hazards, conflicts with wildlife, and watershed damage, etc. An operator is required to file a "Notice of Intent to Conduct Oil and Gas Exploration Operations" for all geophysical activities on BLM-administered land. The notice should adequately show the location and access routes, anticipated surface damages, and time frames. The operator is required to comply with written instructions and orders given by the Authorized Officer and must be bonded. Signing of the "Notice of Intent" by the operator signifies agreement to comply with the terms and conditions of the notice, regulations, and other requirements prescribed by the Authorized Officer. A prework conference and/or site inspection may be required. Periodic checks during and upon completion of the operations will be conducted to ensure compliance with the terms of the "Notice of Intent", including reclamation.

Drilling Permit Process

The federal lessee or operating company selects a drill site based on spacing requirements, subsurface and surface geology, geophysics, topography, and economic considerations. Well spacing is determined by the Authorized Officer after considering topography, reservoir characteristics, protection of correlative rights, potential for well interference, interference with multiple use of lands, and protection of the surface and subsurface environments. Close coordination with the state would take place. Written field spacing orders are issued for each field. Exceptions to spacing requirements involving federal lands may be granted after joint State and BLM review.

Notice of Staking

Once the company makes the decision to drill, they must decide whether to submit a "Notice of Staking" (NOS) or apply directly for a permit to drill. The NOS is an outline of what the company intends to do, including a location map and sketched site plan. The NOS is used to review any conflicts with known critical resource values and to identify the need for associated rights-of-way and special use permits. BLM utilizes information contained in the NOS and obtained from the on-site inspection to develop stipulations to be incorporated into the application for permit to drill. Upon receipt of the NOS, pertinent information about the proposed well is posted in the district office for a minimum 30-day public comment period.

Application for Permit to Drill

The operator may or may not choose to submit a NOS; in either case, an Application for Permit to Drill (APD) must be submitted prior to drilling. An APD consists of a 12-point surface plan, which describes any surface disturbances, and is reviewed by resource specialists for adequacy with regard to lease stipulations designed to mitigate impacts to identified resource conflicts with the specific proposal and an 8-point subsurface plan, which details the drilling program and is reviewed by the staff petroleum engineer and geologist. This plan includes provisions for casing, cementing, well control, and other safety requirements.

For the APD option, the on-site inspection is used to assess possible impacts, and develop stipulations to minimize these impacts. If the NOS option is not utilized, the 30-day posting period begins with the filing of the APD. Private surface owner input is actively solicited during the APD stage.

Geothermal Leasing

The Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (as amended) provides for the issuance of leases for the development and utilization of geothermal steam and associated geothermal resources. Geothermal leasing and operational regulations are contained in Title 43 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 3200. Through the land use planning process, the availability of the geothermal resources for leasing is analyzed, taking into consideration development potential and surface and subsurface resources. Constraints on geothermal operations are identified and placed in the leases as stipulations. Geothermal leases are then issued by the BLM Oregon State Office.

Geothermal resource within a known geothermal resource area (KGRA) are offered by competitive sale. Outside of KGRAs, leases can be issued noncompetitively (over-the-counter). Prior to a competitive lease sale or the issuance of a noncompetitive lease, each tract would be reviewed and appropriate lease stipulations would be included. The review would be conducted by consulting the direction given in this resource management plan.

The issuance of a lease conveys to the lessee authorization to actively explore and/or develop the lease in accordance with regulations and lease terms and attached stipulations. Subsequent lease operations must be conducted in accordance with regulations, Geothermal Resources Operational Orders, and any Conditions of Approval developed as a result of site-specific NEPA analysis. In the planning area, restrictions in some areas would include timing limitations, controlled surface use, or NSO stipulations used at the discretion of the Authorized Officer to protect identified surface resources of special concern.

In addition to restrictions related to the protection of surface resources, the various stipulations and conditions could contain requirements related to protection of subsurface resources. These may involve drainage protection of geothermal zones, protection of aquifers from contamination, or assumption of responsibility for any unplugged wells on the lease.

Development of geothermal resources can be done only on approved leases. Orderly development of a geothermal resource from exploration to production involves several major phases that must be approved separately. Each phase must undergo the appropriate level of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance before approved and authorization issued.

Leasing Stipulation Summary

On the following pages, the mineral leasing notices and stipulations are listed, which would be attached to any lease having special resource values. The tracts of land these apply to will in many cases differ by alternative (see Table G-1). Those notices and stipulations shown as common for all alternatives are considered to be the minimum necessary in order to issue leases in the operating area. Under all alternatives, the standard leasing stipulations (Form 3100-11) alone would be utilized on most lands. The powersite stipulation (Form 3730-1) would be used on all lands included within powersite withdrawals, and the stipulation found on Form 3109-2 would be utilized for all lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers.

Lease notices to protect threatened and endangered plant and animal species and cultural resources would apply to all BLM-administered land in the planning area. A controlled surface use special stipulation would be utilized to protect fragile granitic, schist, pyroclastic soils and control visual impacts on VRM Class II areas. NSO special stipulations would be utilized on the following areas:

  • lands included within R&PP and FLPMA leases;
  • developed recreation sites;
  • special areas (ACECs and EEAs);
  • progeny plantation sites;
  • the Provolt Seed Orchard;
  • lands classified as VRM Class I;
  • bald eagle nest sites and nesting habitat; and
  • northern spotted owl nest sites.

Each stipulation also include waivers, exceptions, and modifications defined as follows:

Waiver. The lifting of a stipulation from a lease which constitutes a permanent revocation of the stipulation from that time forward. This is usually a substantial change and requires a 30-day posting of the action for public involvement before the permitting activity associated with the process can be approved.

Exception. This is a one-time lifting of the stipulation to allow a permitting activity for a specific proposal. It has no permanent effect on the lease stipulation and would not constitute a substantial change to the stipulation and requires no posting.

Modification. This is a change to a stipulation which either temporarily suspends the stipulation requirement or permanently lifts the application of the stipulation on a given portion of the lease. It may or may not require posting based on whether or not the change is determined to be substantial by the Authorized Officer.

Leasing Notices & Stipulations

Standard Leasing Stipulations.

a) Standard stipulations for oil and gas are listed in Section 6 of "Offer to Lease and Lease for Oil and Gas" Form 3100-11. They are:

Lessee shall conduct operations in a manner that minimizes adverse impacts to land,air, water, cultural, biological, visual and other resources, and to other land uses or users. Lessee shall take reasonable measures deemed necessary by lessor to accomplish the intent of this section. To the extent consistent with lease rights grants, such measures may include, but are not limited to, modification to siting or design of facilities, timing of operations, and specification of interim and final reclamation measures. Lessor reserves the right to continue existing uses and to authorize future uses upon or in the leased lands including the approval of easement or rights-of-way. Such uses shall be conditioned to prevent unnecessary or unreasonable interference with rights to lessee.

Prior to disturbing the surface of leased lands, lessee shall contact BLM to be apprised of procedures to be followed and modifications or reclamation measure that may be necessary. Areas to be disturbed may require inventories or special studies to determine the extent of impacts to other resources. Lessee may be required to complete minor inventories or short-term special studies under guidelines provided by lessor. If in the conduct of operations, threatened or endangered species, objects of historic or scientific interest or substantial unanticipated environmental effects are observed, lessee shall immediately contact lessor. Lessee shall cease any operations that would result in the destruction of such species or objects until appropriate steps have been taken to protect the site or recover the resources as determined by BLM in consultation with other appropriate agencies.

b) Standard stipulations for geothermal leasing can be found on Offer to Lease and Lease for Geothermal Resources (Form 3200-24), Section 6, and are very similar to those described above for oil and gas leasing.

Powersite stipulation.

Form No. 3730-1 is to be utilized on all lands within powersite reservations.

Stipulation for lands under jurisdiction of Department of the Army Corps of Engineers (Form No. 3109-2).

  • All areas within 2,000 feet of any major structure including, but not limited to, dams, spillways, or embankments are restricted areas. the lessee, his operators, agents, or employees should not disturb the surface or subsurface estates of the restricted area. If the commander or the authorized representative discovers an imminent danger to safety or security which would allow no time to consult BLM, that person may order such activities stopped immediately. The Authorized Officer of BLM should review the order and determine the need for further remedial action. Platform drilling over water areas (flood pool/drawdown zone) is prohibited. The method of drilling should be directional from an off-site base. This restriction is required because occupancy would negatively affect or interfere with authorized project purposes and/or operational needs as listed:

    Fish and Wildlife Habitat - Power Production
    Flood Control - Recreation
    Irrigation - Water Quality
    Navigation - Water Supply
    Other Legislative Authorities

  • Land surface occupancy may be permitted within the lease area; however, directional drilling from an off-site base may be required. The Secretary of the Army or designee reserves the right to require cessation of operations if a national emergency arises. Upon request of approval from higher authority, the Commander will give the lessee written notice, or if time permits, request BLM to give notice of the required cessation.

Lease Notices.

The following Notices are to be issued with each lease for all BLM-administered land within the planning area. Lease notices are attached to leases in the same manner as stipulations; however, there is an important distinction between lease notices and stipulations. Lease notices do not involve new restrictions or requirements. Any requirements contained in a lease notice must be fully supported in either laws, regulations, policy, or onshore oil and gas orders.

NOTICE-Wildlife

Northern spotted Owl Nest Sites and Nesting Habitat

  • The lease lands are in an area suitable for the habitat of the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina), an animal species officially listed as a threatened species.

  • All viable habitat will be identified for the lessee/operator by the Authorized officer of BLM during the preliminary environmental review of the proposed surface use plan. If the field examination indicates that the proposed activity may effect these species, then consultation will be conducted with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service pursuant to Sec. 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The consultation will determine whether or not the proposed activity would jeopardize the continued existence of the species, and if so, the extent if any, the proposed activity will be allowed.

Authority: The Endangered Species Act of 1973.

American Peregrine Falcon and Nesting Habitat

  • The lease lands are in an area suitable for the habitat of the American Peregrine Falcon (Falso peregrinus anatum), an animal species officially listed as a threatened species.

  • All viable habitat will be identified for the lessee/operator by the Authorized officer of BLM during the preliminary environmental review of the proposed surface use plan. If the field examination indicates that the proposed activity may effect these species, then consultation will be conducted with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service pursuant to Sec. 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The consultation will determine whether or not the proposed activity would jeopardize the continued existence of the species, and if so, the extent if any, the proposed activity will be allowed.

Authority: The Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Threatened and Endangered Animal Species

  • The lease lands are in an area suitable for the habitat of the _____________ , an animal species (officially listed/proposed for listing) as a (threatened/endangered) species.

  • All viable habitat will be identified for the lessee/operator by the Authorized officer of BLM during the preliminary environmental review of the proposed surface use plan. If the field examination indicates that the proposed activity may affect these species, then consultation will be conducted with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service pursuant to Sec. 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. the consultation will determine whether or not the proposed activity would jeopardize the continued existence of the species, and if so, the extent if any, the proposed activity will be allowed.

Authority: The Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Threatened and Endangered Plant Species

  • The lease lands are in an area suitable for the habitat of the (Common Name (scientific Name), a plant species (officially listed/proposed for listing) as a(n) (threatened/endangered) species.

  • All viable habitat will be identified for the lessee/operator by the Authorized officer of BLM during the preliminary environmental review of the proposed surface use plan. If the field examination indicates that the proposed activity may effect these species, then consultation will be conducted with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service pursuant to Sec. 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The consultation will determine whether or not the proposed activity would jeopardize the continued existence of the species, and if so, the extent if any, the proposed activity will be allowed.

Authority: The Endangered Species Act of 1973.

NOTICE-Cultural Resources

An inventory of the leased lands may be required prior to surface disturbance to determine if cultural resources are present and to identify needed mitigation measures. Prior to undertaking any surface-disturbing activities on the lands covered by this lease, the lessee or operator should contact the Surface Management Agency (SMA) to determine if a cultural resource inventory is required. If an inventory is required:

  • The SMA will complete the required inventory, or the lessee or operator at their option may engage the services of a cultural consultant acceptable to the SMA to conduct a cultural resource inventory of the area of proposed surface disturbance. The operator may elect to inventory an area larger then the standard 10-acre minimum to cover possible site relocation which may result from environmental or other considerations. An acceptable inventory report is to be submitted to the SMA for review and approval no later than that time when an otherwise complete application for approval of drilling or subsequent surface-disturbing operation is submitted.

  • Important mitigation measures required by the SMA. Mitigation may include the relocation of proposed lease-related activities or other protective measures such as data recovery and extensive recordation. Where effects to cultural resources cannot be mitigated to the satisfaction of the SMA, surface occupancy on that area must be prohibited. The lessee or operator shall immediately bring to the attention of the SMA any cultural resources discovered as a result of approved operations under this lease and shall not disturb such discoveries until directed to proceed by the SMA.

Authorities: Compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is required for all actions which may affect cultural properties eligible to the National Register of Historic Places. Section 6 of the Oil and Gas Lease Terms (Form 3100-11) requires that operations be conducted in a manner that minimizes adverse effects to cultural and other resources.

Leasing Stipulations

The following special stipulations are to be utilized on specifically designated tracts of land as described under the RMP.

NSO-Land Use Authorizations

Stipulation: Surface occupancy and use is prohibited on Recreation and Public Purposes (R&PP) and Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) leases.

Objective: To protect uses on existing R&PP and FLPMA leases.

Exception: An exception to this Stipulation may be modified by the Authorized Officer if the land use authorization boundaries are modified.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived by the Authorized Officer if all land use authorizations within the leasehold have been terminated, canceled, or relinquished.

NSO-Recreation

Stipulation: Surface occupancy and use is prohibited within developed recreation areas.

Objective: To protect developed recreation areas.

Exception: An exception to this Stipulation may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan demonstrating effects from the proposed action are acceptable or can be adequately mitigated.

Modification: The boundaries of the stipulated area may be modified by the Authorized Officer if the recreation area boundaries are changed.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived if the Authorized Officer determines that the entire leasehold no longer contains developed recreation areas.

NSO-Special Areas

Stipulation: Surface occupancy and use is prohibited within areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs), research natural areas (RNAs), and environmental education areas (EEAs).

Objective: To protect important historic, cultural, scenic values, natural resources, natural systems or processes, threatened and endangered plant species, and/or natural hazard areas.

Exception: An exception to this Stipulation may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan demonstrating that effects from the proposed action are acceptable or can be adequately mitigated.

Modification: The boundaries of the stipulated area may be modified by the Authorized Officer if the ACEC or EEA boundaries are changed.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived if the Authorized Officer determines that the entire leasehold no longer contains designated ACECs or EEAs.

NSO-Progeny plantation sites.

Stipulation: Surface occupancy and use is prohibited within progeny plantation sites.

Objective: To protect progeny plantation sites.

Exception: None.

Modification: The boundaries of the stipulated areas may be modified by the Authorized Officer if the progeny plantation site boundaries are changed.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived if the Authorized Officer determines that the entire leasehold no longer contains progeny plantation sites.

NSO-Provolt and CASSO Seed Orchards.

Stipulation: Surface occupancy and use is prohibited within the Provolt and CASSO seed orchards.

Objective: To protect the Provolt and CASSO seed orchards.

Exception: An exception to this Stipulation may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan demonstrating that effects from the proposed action are acceptable or can be adequately mitigated.

Modification: The boundaries of the stipulated area may be modified by the Authorized Officer if the seed orchard site boundaries are changed.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived if the Authorized Officer determines that the entire leasehold no longer contains a developed seed orchard.

NSO-Visual Resource Management Class I

Stipulation: Surface occupancy and use is prohibited in VRM Class I areas.

Objective: To preserve the existing character of the landscape.

Exception: An exception to this Stipulation may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan demonstrating effects from the proposed action are acceptable or can be adequately mitigated.

Modification: The boundaries of the stipulated area may be modified by the Authorized Officer if the boundaries of the VRM Class I area are changed.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived by the Authorized Officer if all VRM Class I ares within the leasehold are reduced to a lower VRM Class. Ares reduced to a lower VRM Class will be subject to the Controlled Surface Use Stipulation for visual resources.

NSO-Wildlife

Bald Eagle Nest Sites and Nesting Habitat

Stipulation: Surface occupancy and use is prohibited within 1/2-mile of known bald eagle nest sites which have been active within the past seven years and within bald eagle nesting habitat in riparian areas.

Objective: To protect bald eagle nesting sites and/or nesting habitat in accordance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Exception: An exception may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan which demonstrates that the proposed action will not affect the bald eagle or its habitat. If the Authorized Officer determine that the action may or will have an adverse effect on the species, the operator may submit a plan demonstrating that the effects can be adequately mitigated. This plan must be approved by BLM in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USF&WS).

Modification: The boundaries of the stipulated area may be modified if the Authorized Officer, in consultation with USF&WS, determines that portion of the area can be occupied without adversely affecting bald eagle nest sites or nesting habitat.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived if the Authorized Officer, in consultation with USF&WS, determines that the entire leasehold can be occupied without adversely affecting bald eagle nest site or nesting habitat, or if the bald eagle is declared recovered and is no longer protected under the ESA.

NSO-Wildlife

Peregrine Nest Sites

Stipulation: Surface occupancy and use is prohibited within 1-mile of known Peregrine nest sites which have been active within the past seven years.

Objective: To protect peregrine nest sites.

Exception: an exception may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan which demonstrates that the proposed action will not affect the peregrine or its nest site. If the Authorized Officer determines that the action may or will have an adverse effect on the species, the operator may submit a plan demonstrating that the effects can be adequately mitigated. This plan must be approved by BLM.

Modification: The boundaries of the stipulated area may be modified if the Authorized Officer determines that portion of the area can be occupied without adversely affecting the peregrine or its nest site.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived if the Authorized Officer determines that the entire leasehold can be occupied without adversely affecting peregrine or peregrine nest sites.

NSO-Riparian Management Areas

Stipulation: Unless otherwise authorized, drill site construction and access through riparian management areas within this leasehold will be limited to established roadways.

Objective: To protect riparian vegetation and reduce erosion adjacent to water courses.

Exception: An exception to this Stipulation may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan which demonstrates effects from the proposed action are acceptable or can be adequately mitigated.

Modification: The area affected by this Stipulation may be modified by the Authorized Officer if it is determined that portions of the area do not include riparian areas, flood plains, or water bodies.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived by the Authorized Officer if it is determined that the entire leasehold does not include riparian management areas (RMAs).

Timing Limitation-Wildlife

Raptor Nests

Stipulation: Surface use is prohibited from March 1 to August 1, with 1/4-mile of raptor nest sites which have been active within the past two years. This Stipulation does not apply to the operation and maintenance of production facilities.

Objective: To protect nest sites of raptors which have been identified as species of special concern in Oregon.

Exception: An exception to this Stipulation may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan which demonstrates that impacts from the proposed action are acceptable or can be adequately mitigated.

Modification: The boundaries of the stipulated area may be modified if the Authorized Officer determines that portions of the area are no longer within 1/2-mile of raptor nests which have been active within the past two years. The dates for the timing restriction may be modified if new information indicates that the March 1 to August 1 dates are not valid for the leasehold.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived if the Authorized Officer determines that the entire leasehold no longer is within 1/2-mile of raptor nest sites which have been active within the past two years.

Crucial Winter Range

Stipulation: Surface use is prohibited from December 1 to March 31 within crucial winter range for wildlife. This Stipulation does not apply to the operation and maintenance of production facilities.

Objective: To protect crucial deer and elk winter range from disturbance during the winter season and to facilitate long-term maintenance of wildlife populations.

Exception: An exception to this Stipulation may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan which demonstrates that impact from the proposed action are acceptable or can be adequately mitigated.

Modification: The boundaries of the stipulated area may be modified if the Authorized Officer determines that portions of the area no longer contain crucial winter range for wildlife. The dates for the timing restriction may be modified if new wildlife use information indicates that the December 1 to March 31 dates are not valid for the leasehold.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived if the Authorized Officer determines that the entire leasehold no longer contains crucial winter range for wildlife.

Controlled Surface Use

Soils

Stipulation: Prior to disturbance of slopes over 60 percent, an engineering/reclamation plan must be approved by the Authorized Officer. Such plan must demonstrate how the following will be accomplished:

  • site productivity will be restored;
  • surface runoff will be adequately controlled;
  • off-site areas will be protect from accelerated erosion such as rilling, gullying, piping, and mass wasting;
  • water quality and quantity will be in conformance with State and Federal water quality laws;
  • surface-disturbing activities will not be conducted during extended wet period; and
  • construction will not be allowed when soils are frozen.

Objective: To maintain soil productivity, provide necessary protection to prevent excessive soil erosion on steep slopes, and to avoid areas subject to slope failure, mass wasting, piping, or having excessive reclamation problems.

Exception: An exception to this Stipulation may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan which demonstrates the effects from the proposed action are acceptable or can be adequately mitigated.

Modification: The area affected by this Stipulation may be modified by the Authorized Officer if it is determined that portions of the area do not include slopes over 60 percent.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived by the Authorized Officer if it is determined that the entire leasehold does not include slopes over 60 percent.

Visual Resource Management (VRM) Class II

Stipulation: All surface-disturbing activities, semi-permanent, and permanent facilities in VRM Class II areas may require special design including location,painting, and camouflage to blend with the natural surroundings and meet the visual quality objectives for the area.

Objective: To control the visual effects of activities and facilities within acceptable levels.

Exception: None.

Modification: None.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived if the Authorized Officer determines that there are no VRM Class II areas in the leasehold.

Special Recreation Management Area

Stipulation: Unless otherwise authorized, drill site construction and access through special recreation management areas within this leasehold will be limited to established roadways.

Objective: To protect recreational qualities of the lands involved and recreational facilities as well as enhance recreational opportunities within the designated boundary of the special recreation management areas (SRMAs).

Exception: An exception to this Stipulation may be granted by the Authorized Officer if the operator submits a plan which demonstrates that impacts from the proposed action are acceptable or can be adequately mitigated.

Waiver: This Stipulation may be waived by the Authorized Officer if it is determined that the entire leasehold does not include SRMAs.