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RECORD OF DECISION
U.S.D.A. FOREST SERVICE

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
GILLIBRAND SOLEDAD CANYON MINING OPERATIONS
ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

I. INTRODUCTION

This Record of Decision (ROD) documents my selection of Alternative l, the
proposed action, for the Gillibrand Soledad Canyon Mining Operations on the
Angeles National Forest as described in the Final Environmental Impact
Statement (FEIS). The Alternatives considered and my rationale for selecting
Alternative 1 are described. The Environmentally preferred alternative is
identified.

During the past two years, the Forest Setvice has completed its environmental
review process for the Gillibrand Soledad Canyon Mining project that will
result in the development and production phase of the project. This EIS
displays and analyzes the environmental impacts and mitigation measures with
respect to the following issues and concerns: air, soils, water, biological
resources, cultural and paleontological resources, land use, noise, property
values, recreation, transportation, public health and safety, visual
resources, and cumulative impacts.

I. THE DECISION

My decision is to select Alternative 1. The revised plan of operation and
reclamation plan is found in Appendix C. This revised plan of operation
incorporates the requirements of the selected alternative and will be signed
by the Forest Setvice responsible official and the required reclamation bond
posted prior to beginning operations.

In making my decision I have reviewed the environmental consequences of the ·
Project, proposed mitigation measures, and the alternatives which are
disclosed in the Final EIS. A major component of the Final EIS and my decision
are implementation of the mitigation measures, found at the end of each
resource area discussion. 1 gave particular attention to public and agency
comments on the Draft EIS, for which detailed responses were given and which
are contained Chapter 8.0 of the Final EIS. All practicable means to avoid or
minimize environmental harm have been adopted with the selection of
Alternative 1.

Alternative 4, No Action, is the environmentally preferred alternative.

The EIS was developed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act
("NEPA"), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations, Title 40, Code
of Federal Regulations, Parts 1500-1508 (40 CFR 1500-1508). In addition, the
EIS also complies with the Forest Service's Revised Implementing Procedures
for NEPA. Federal Register, Vol. 50, No. 121, Monday, June 24, 1985, pgs.
26078-26104.

II PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The Forest Service conducted an active public involvement program. The Forest
Service determined that an EIS would be required for the proposed Project. The
Forest Setvice became the Lead Agency under NEPA and subsequently prepared a

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