United States Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Environmental Assessment UT- 010-08-046

August 28, 2008

Project Title
April Fool Cave EA

Fillmore Field Office

(435) 743-3100
UT_FFO@BLM.GOV
http://www.ut.blm.gov/

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management
Fillmore Field Office
35 E. 500 N.
Fillmore, Utah 84631
Phone: (435) 743-3100
FAX: (435) 743-3135
UT_FFO@BLM.GOV
http://www.ut.blm.gov/

Page
 PURPOSE and NEED
1.0 Introduction………………………………………………………………….. 3
1.1 Authority……………………………………………………………………… 3
1.2 Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities……………………………………... 3
1.3 Conformance with BLM Land Use Plan(s)………………………………. 3
1.4 Relationship to Statues, Regulations, or other Plans…………………….. 3

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES, INCLUDING PROPOSED ACTION

2.0 Proposed Action – Alternative A………………………………………….. 4
2.1 No Action – Alternative B …………………………………………………. 4
2.2 Alternative B – No Action…………………………………….……………. 4

AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
3.0 Introduction and General Setting…………………………………………. 4
3.1 Resources Present and Brought Forward for Analysis………………... 4

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

4.0 Direct & Indirect Impacts…………………………………………………… 5
4.1 Proposed Action -Alternative A……………………………………………. 5
4.2 No Action – Alternative B………………………………………………….. 5
4.3 Cumulative Impacts ……………………………………………………….. 6
4.4 Monitoring & Mitigation……………………………………………………. 6

5.0 CONSULTATION & COORDINATION

5.1 Persons, Groups, & Agencies Consulted………………………………… 6
5.2 List of Preparers……………………………….…………………………… 6
5.3 Summary of Public Participation……………………………………..….. 7

APPENDICES
Appendix A – Interdisciplinary Team Analysis Record Checklist…………… 8
 CHAPTER 1 - Purpose and Need

1.0 Introduction

The purpose of this project is to secure, protect, and preserve April Fool Cave for future use,
enjoyment, and benefit of the public. Specifically, the plan will enhance the protection of April Fool
Cave’s sensitive cave resources. Over the past few years, fragile and unique formations in April
Fool Cave have been damaged and illegally removed by uncontrolled visitor use. A gate coupled
with a permit system will allow the BLM to control access and also provide an opportunity to educate
the public on the need to protect the cave resources.

The April Fool Cave Management Plan will set forth direction for long-range management, planning,
and oversight of this important resource and identify specific management actions for recreation use
at April Fool Cave. The plan will emphasize recreational use while providing for natural resource
protection and the enhancement of the visitor experience.

1.1 Authority

The FCRPA (16 U.S.C. 4301-4309) requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to protect and
maintain cave and karst resources. Specifically, the stated purposes of the FCRPA are “to secure,
protect, and preserve significant caves on Federal lands for the perpetual use, enjoyment, and
benefit of all people…” The Act further authorizes the Interior Department to “take such actions as
may be necessary to further the purposes of this Act. These actions shall include (but not be limited
to)…regulation or restriction of use of significant caves…” The Fillmore Field Office (FFO)
determined that April Fool Cave meets three of the six criteria of significance required under the
provisions of FCRPA, and therefore listed April Fool Cave as a significant cave resource in 1994.

The authority for management of April Fool Cave is further delineated in the BLM Instruction
Memorandum, #84 – 541, and subject: Cave Management Policy, June 12, 1984. It states that…

“Caves are a natural resource, which have important scientific, recreational,

and educational values. As cave resources are non-renewable resources,
easily destroyed or permanently damaged. The role of the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) is to protect and manage those resources when they occur
on public land…”

1.2 Issues, Concerns, and Opportunities

The identification of issues for this assessment was accomplished by considering any resources that
could be affected by implementation of one of the alternatives, as well as through input from the
BLM interdisciplinary team. (Public involvement consisted of posting the proposal on the Fillmore
Field Office Environmental Notification Bulletin Board on August 28, 2008.) Resources which were
considered for analysis are listed in the Interdisciplinary Team Review Records in Appendix A.
Resources identified as potentially impacted are carried forward for detailed analysis in chapters 3 &
4.

1.3 CONFORMANCE WITH BLM LAND USE PLAN

The proposed action and alternative are subject to the House Range Resource Area (HRRA),
Resource Management Plan which was approved in October 1987. Although April Fool Cave is not
specifically identified in the plan, the concept of cave protection utilizing cave gates is recognized
and identified in the plan on a number of other caves. A goal/objective of the HRRA recreation
program is to continue management of important recreational resources in Federal ownership, to
preserve those values, and make them available for appropriate recreation enjoyment by the public.
The proposed action is in line with the plan objectives and decisions.

1.4 RELATIONSHIPS TO STATUTES, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PLANS

The proposed action and alternative are consistent with federal, state and local laws, regulations,
plans and the Millard County General Plan.

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The alternatives are in compliance with the Fundamentals of Rangeland Health (43 CFR 4180) and
Utah’s Standards for Rangeland Health which address watersheds, upland soils, riparian/wetlands,
desired and native species and water quality. These resources are either analyzed later in this
document or, if not impacted, are listed in the attached Interdisciplinary Team Review Record
(Appendix 1).

CHAPTER 2 – DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVES

2.0 Introduction

This chapter focuses on the proposed action and the no action alternative. All potential impacts
identified within the Interdisciplinary Team Analysis Record Checklist (Appendix A) have been
mitigated within the proposed action. The no action alternative is presented for the purpose of
providing a baseline for comparison of the impacts of the proposed action. No other alternatives
are necessary to address unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources.

2.1 PROPOSED ACTION – Alternative A

The proposed action is to secure, protect, and preserve April Fool Cave by installation of a metal
gate. The gate would be installed near the entrance of April Fool Cave where the cave passage
naturally restricts to an opening of approximately two by four feet. The gate coupled with a permit
system will allow the BLM to control access and also provide an opportunity to educate the public on
the need to protect cave resources. The gate would be prefabricated and installed by staff from
Timpanogos National Monument, BLM, and local caving organizations. All of the required
equipment and supplies would be carried to the cave from the existing access road.

2.2 NO ACTION – Alternative B

In the No Action Alternative, the cave would remain open and unrestricted visitation would occur.
Continued deterioration of the cave resources would most likely occur.

CHAPTER 3 - AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT

3.0 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL SETTING

April Fool Cave is located in a semi-arid region, with an annual rainfall of about eight to ten inches.
Major vegetation includes salt desert shrubs, sagebrush, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and
native/seeded grasslands. Wildlife species found in the area include mule deer, antelope, elk,
bighorn sheep, mountain lion, chukars, sage grouse, and raptors. The area lies in the Great Basin
physiographic province within the House Range.

3.1 RESOURCES PRESENT AND BROUGHT FORWARD FOR ANALYSIS

Resources which were considered for analysis are listed in the Interdisciplinary Team Review
Record in Appendix A. The following resources have been identified as having potential impacts,
conflicts or issues.

Mineral Resources
• A number of different types of speleothem deposits are found in April Fool Cave. Recently
many of these deposits have been damaged, broken, and in some cases removed from the
cave.

Recreation
Access
• Presently access to the cave is open and unobstructed.
Information and Interpretation
• Presently there are no signs or other interpretive information at the parking area or cave
entrance.

Visitor Permit System

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 • No permit system is presently in place for April Fool Cave.

CHAPTER 4 - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

4.0 DIRECT AND INDIRECT IMPACTS – Alternative A

This section discloses the potential consequences or effects of each alternative described in
Chapter 2. The intent of this chapter is to provide the scientific and analytical basis for comparison
of the effects of each alternative.

4.1 PROPOSED ACTION – Alternative A

Mineral Resources
Geological formations would be protected and preserved.

Recreation
- Access
• A steel gate would provide relatively easy access for authorized users, but at the same time
provide for maximum durability and security to protect fragile resources from unauthorized
access.
- Information and Interpretation
• No signing is recommended at the parking area to avoid drawing attention to the cave. A
small information panel with contact information is recommended at the cave gate. This
would allow interested parties to contact the BLM and obtain access through an established
permit system. Permit information would include environmental interpretation and
education to provide for public health & safety, to promote responsible caving ethics, and
minimize visitor impacts.
- Visitor Permit System
• An appropriate amount of visitor access would be determined to balance resource
protection and visitor enjoyment of April Fool Cave.
• Administration of visitor permits would ensure public health and safety.
• The appropriate group size and number of permits allowed in the cave would be established
to minimize resource impacts and provide for a safe and enjoyable visitor experience.

Monitoring and Mitigation

• BLM law enforcement would increase patrols in this area to ensure the integrity of the gate
is maintained.

• Regular monitoring and visitor post-use reports would be utilized to maintain resource
protection and minimize vandalism to the both the cave and gate.
Regular maintenance and repairs may be required to maintain safe and effective access to
the cave.

4.2 NO ACTION – Alternative B

Mineral Resources
• Unrestricted visitor access to the cave could contribute to continued disturbance, damage
and unauthorized removal of cave speleothems.

Recreation
• There would be no change from the present status. Consequently no impacts or issues are
identified in this alternative.

4.3 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

All resource values have been evaluated for cumulative impacts. It has been determined that

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cumulative impacts would be negligible as a result of the proposed action. Currently there are no other
scheduled projects proposed for this site or the adjacent area. All future projects are speculative and
therefore are not analyzed.

4.4 MONITORING AND MITIGATION

• Regular monitoring and visitor post-use reports should be utilized to maintain resource protection
and minimize vandalism to the both the cave and gate.
• Regular maintenance and repairs may be required to maintain safe and effective access to the
cave.

CHAPTER 5 - PERSONS, GROUPS AND AGENCIES CONSULTED

Table 5.1. List of Persons, Agencies and Organizations Consulted

Purpose & Authorities for
Name Agency or Organization Consultation or Coordination
Dale Green Salt Lake Grotto General Material/Project
Requirements

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Confederated Tribe of
the Goshute Reservation
Consultation as required
by the American Indian
Religious Freedom Act of
1978 (42 USC 1531) and
NHPA (16 USC 1531)
A letter was sent to the
Tribe on 08/11/08. The
Tribe has not responded
identifying any concerns.

Kanosh Band of the

Paiute Tribe
Consultation as required
by the American Indian
Religious Freedom Act of
1978 (42 USC 1531) and
NHPA (16 USC 1531)
A letter was sent to the
Tribe on 08/11/08. The
Tribe has not responded
identifying any concerns.

Paiute Tribe of Utah

Consultation as required
by the American Indian
Religious Freedom Act of
1978 (42 USC 1531) and
NHPA (16 USC 1531)
A letter was sent to the
Tribe on 08/11/08. The
Tribe has not responded
identifying any concerns.

Skull Valley Goshute

Tribe
Consultation as required
by the American Indian
Religious Freedom Act of
1978 (42 USC 1531) and
NHPA (16 USC 1531)
A letter was sent to the
Tribe on 08/11/08. The
Tribe has not responded
identifying any concerns.

Ute Tribe
Consultation as required
by the American Indian
Religious Freedom Act of
1978 (42 USC 1531) and
NHPA (16 USC 1531)
A letter was sent to the
Tribe on 08/11/08. The
Tribe has not responded
identifying any concerns.

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 Table 5.2. List of Preparers
BLM Preparers

Name Title Responsible for the Following Section(s) of this

Document
Doug Powell Utah BLM Cave Specialist Preparation and review
Steve Bonar Recreation Planner Preparation and review
Matt Rajala NEPA Coordinator NEPA Compliance
Paul Caso Rangeland Management Water Quality
Spec.
Brent Crosland Range Tech Woodland/Forestry, Waste (hazardous or solid)
Misti Haines Archaeologist Cultural Resources, Native American Religious
Concerns
Justin Johnson Fuels Program Lead Fuels/ Fire Management
Jerry Mansfield Geologist Minerals, Resource Energy production
RB Probert Weeds Specialist Invasive, Non-Native Species
Traci Allen Biologist Threatened, Endangered or Candidate Animal Species
Eric Reid Wild Horse & Burro Specialist Wild Horse & Burros
Clara Stevens Realty Specialist Lands/Access
Bill Thompson Rangeland Management Rangeland Health Standards and Guidelines, Livestock
Spec. Grazing, Wetlands/Riparian Zones
David Whitaker Rangeland Management Threatened Endangered or Candidate Plant Species,
Spec. Vegetation including Special Status Plant Species other
than FWS candidate or listed species.

5.3 Summary of Public Participation:

Information regarding this project was posted in the Fillmore Field Office Environmental Notification
Bulletin Board on August 27, 2008. No inquiries or comments were received regarding the proposed
action.

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 APPENDICES

INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM ANALYSIS RECORD CHECKLIST

Project Title: April fool’s Cave Charge Code: 1220

NEPA Log Number: UT-010-08-046

File/Serial Number:

Project Leader: Doug Powell, Steve Bonar

Project Description:

PURPOSE AND NEED

The purpose of this project is to secure, protect, and preserve April Fool Cave for the future use, enjoyment, and
benefit of the public. Specifically, the plan will enhance the protection of April Fool Cave’s sensitive cave
resources. Over the past few years, fragile and unique formations in April Fool Cave have been damaged and
illegally removed by uncontrolled visitor use. A gate coupled with a permit system will allow the BLM to control
access and also provide an opportunity to educate the public on the need protect cave resources.

PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed action is to secure, protect, and preserve April Fool Cave by installation of a metal gate. A metal
gate would be installed near the entrance of April Fool Cave where the cave passage naturally restricts to an
opening of approximately two by four feet. The gate coupled with a permit system will allow the BLM to control
access and also provide an opportunity to educate the public on the need to protect cave resources. The gate would
be prefabricated by staff from Timpanogos National Monument and installed by BLM, NPS, and local caving
organizations. All of the required equipment and supplies would be carried to the cave from the existing access
road.

LOCATION INFORMATION
April Fool Cave is located in the House Range within Millard County.
Please be aware that the location information is confidential and protected by the Federal Cave Resources
Protection Act.

MANAGEMENT REVIEW OF PROPOSAL:

Field Office Manager Date Reviewed Comments

DETERMINATION OF STAFF: (Choose one of the following abbreviated options for the left column)

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 NP = not present in the area impacted by the proposed or alternative actions
NI = present, but not affected to a degree that detailed analysis is required
PI = present with potential for significant impact analyzed in detail in the EA; or identified in a DNA as
requiring further analysis
NC = (DNAs only) actions and impacts not changed from those disclosed in the existing NEPA documents cited in
Section C of the DNA form.

Determi-
Resource Rationale for Determination* Signature Date
nation

The nature of the proposed action presents no impacts to air

NI Air Quality /s/Matt Rajala 8/26/2008
quality.
Areas of Critical Environmental
NP There are no ACEC’s in the area or near the cave site. /s/SBonar 8-05-08
Concern

NI Cultural Resources No historic properties were identified in the project area. /s/MHaines 08/15/08

NI Environmental Justice There are no disproportionately affected groups within the area. /s/ Matt Rajala 8/26/2008

There are no prime or unique farmlands within the proposed

NI Farmlands (Prime or Unique) /s/Matt Rajala 8/26/2008
project area.
The nature of the proposed action presents no impacts to
NI Floodplains /s/Matt Rajala 8/26/2008
floodplains.

NI Invasive, Non-native Species See attachment for mitigation /s/R.B. Probert 8/26/08

Native American Religious Letters have been sent for tribal consultation and waiting for
NI /m/MHaines 8/11/08
Concerns replies.
Threatened, Endangered or There are no known federally-listed plant species at the
NP /s/DWhitaker 8/5/08
Candidate Plant Species proposed project at the cave.
Threatened, Endangered or There are no known federally-listed animal species at the
NP /s/ Traci Allen 8/25/2008
Candidate Animal Species proposed project at the cave.
There are no wastes issues in the project area (hazardous or
NI Wastes (hazardous or solid) /b/BCrosland 8-18-08
solid)

NI Water Quality (drinking/ground) The proposed action would not affect water quality. /s/PCaso 8/26/08

There are no wetlands or riparian areas in the vicinity of the

NP Wetlands/Riparian Zones /s/ Bill Thompson 7/31/2008
project.
There are no Wild & Scenic rivers in the Fillmore Field Office
NP Wild and Scenic Rivers /s/SBonar 8-05-08
or in the cave area.
This cave site is outside of the Howell Peak and Notch Peak
NI Wilderness/WSA’s WSAs. Permitted use and monitoring would eliminate and/or /s/SBonar 8-05-08
reduce any impacts to these WSAs.
The proposed action would not affect rangeland health nor
Rangeland Health Standards and
NI would it cause the area to be in noncompliance with the /s/ Bill Thompson 7/31/2008
Guidelines
standards and guidelines for grazing management.
Livestock grazing would not be affected by the proposed action.
NI Livestock Grazing /s/ Bill Thompson 7/31/2008
Cattle do not graze in caves.

NI Woodland / Forestry No impacts to area. /s/Bcrosland 8-18-08

Vegetation including Special
There are no known special status plant species at April Fool’s
NP Status Plant Species other than /s/DWhitaker 8/5/08
Cave.
FWS candidate or listed species
Fish and Wildlife Including The cave does not support any BLM or Utah State Sensitive
Special Status Species other than animal species. A survey was conducted for wildlife use
NP /s/ Traci Allen 8/25/2008
FWS candidate or listed species 8/3/2008. No sign of bat, bird or big game use was
e.g. Migratory birds. documented.
The nature of the proposed project presents no foreseeable
NI Soils /s/ Matt Rajala 8/26/2008
impacts to soils.

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Determi-
Resource Rationale for Determination* Signature Date
nation

To control the recreation use this cave will be gated with access
PI Recreation by permit only. This will be a positive impact to assist in the /s/SBonar 8-05-08
management of this cave.
NI Visual Resources There would be no impacts to the VRM Class IV. /s/SBonar 8-05-08
Geologic Resources would be protected by controlling access to
Geology / Mineral the cave. No claims or mineral activities in the area. A gate
PI /s/ J Mansfield 8/25/2008
Resources/Energy Production installation at this cave is of minimal size and would not effect
energy production activivties.
NI Paleontology No impacts. /s/JMansfield 8/25/08
As described, the proposed action would not affect access to
public land. Proposed project would be subject to valid prior
existing rights-of-way. Existing roads and trails should be used
NI Lands / Access CStevens 8/19/2008
for travel unless otherwise authorized. Generated trash/debris
should be removed from public land and discarded at an
authorized facility. No ROWs were identified on MTP.
NI Fuels / Fire Management There would be no impacts to Fuels /s/JJohnson 8-05-08
Although it is recognized that tourism is a major part of the
NI Socio-economics local economy, gating the cave will not have a potentially /s/ Matt Rajala 8/26/2008
significant impact on socioeconomics within the area.

NP Wild Horses and Burros There are no HMAs within project area /s/EReid 8/12/08

NP Wilderness characteristics There are no wilderness characteristics in the cave area. /s/SBonar 8-05-08

FINAL REVIEW:

Reviewer Title Signature Date Comments

NEPA / Environmental Coordinator

Authorized Officer

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