Q_ _A.docx

Q/A

AG-82BH-S-14-0048

Santa Fe Trail Cultural Resource Survey

Question: In Sections 1.1, 1.2, 4.1, 4.2, 6.3, and 6.7 of the Performance Work Statement and Specifications, reference is made to the area of potential effects. What is the proposed undertaking that has initiated the Section 106 process? Knowing the nature and scope of the proposed undertaking will be critical to conducting the view shed analysis.

Answer: The purpose of the cultural resource inventory is to document the trail segment to standards consistent with Section 106 NHPA requirements. A specific undertaking is not planned at this time but it is expected that future oil and gas development as well as other management activities may occur in the vicinity. A complete documentation of the trail will enable the USFS to better manage this resource and prevent accidental impacts to the trail during future management activities.

The VRM analysis is will provide existing condition VRM data and will be used for management and planning purposes for a variety of future undertakings/projects that have not yet been defined. It is expected that the future undertakings will be related to oil and gas development (well pads, utility lines, associated access roads), rangeland management (stock tanks, utility lines, fences, and access roads), recreation use (unmanaged recreation, roads, facilities in developed recreation sites), wildlife management projects, and special use permitting (may include cell phone towers, wind energy, gravel quarries).