Staff Report

REPORT ON MANAGEMENT OF THE MOQUITH MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS STUDY AREA WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE CORAL PINK SAND DUNES

JULY 1998

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Introduction and Purpose

II. Background

A. Setting and Management of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Past and Present

B. Resource Values in the Coral Pink Sand Dunes

1. Wilderness Values

2. Special Status Species

3 Other Resource Values

III. Team Findings Regarding Implementation of 1994 Moquith Mountain WSA Management Guidance and Schedule

IV. Affect on Resource Values From Implementation of 1994 Management Guidance and Schedule

A. Wilderness Values

B. Special Status Species

C. Other Resource Values

V. Alternatives Considered For Immediate Action

A. No Temporary Action to Limit or Close the Coral Pink Sand Dunes to OHV Use

B. Temporary Closure of the Sand Dunes North and West of the Allotment Fence the Exception of Designated Access Routes

C. Temporary OHV Closure of the Entire WSA Including the BLM Portion of the Sand Dunes

VI. Recommendation/Rational for Immediate Action

VII. Possible Considerations for the Plan Amendment

References

Photographs