San Bernardino National Forest Land Management Plan - Part 2

September 2005 Land Management Plan Part 2
San Bernardino National Forest Strategy
reauthorizations backlog (see Lands 2 - Non-Recreation Special Use Authorizations), including
acquiring available water rights or relocating diversions to the national forest perimeter where
there is a demonstrated need for riparian species management.
Minerals and Non-Renewable Energy Resources:
The national forest maintains its role in a viable, healthy
minerals industry in an environmentally
sound manner by administering its Mineral Program to facilitate the orderly exploration,
development, and production of mineral and energy resources.
Nondiscretionary activities are sanctioned under the General Mining Act of 1872, as amended.
These activities include exploration and development of all locatable
hard rock minerals such as
gold, silver, lead, zinc and other minerals. Discretionary activities, such as exploration and
development of oil, gas, geothermal, sand, gravel, building stone, and common clay, are
permitted under various minerals leasing acts and disposal authorities.
Utility corridor, Cajon
Pass
The minerals staff administers activities related to mining, leasing, identifying and closing
abandoned mines, and reclaiming mined lands while protecting other resources.
The Minerals and Energy Program will emphasize processing and administration of exploration
and development proposals and operations while providing adequate protection of
surface
resources, wildlife habitat, scenery and recreation settings (ME 1 - Minerals Management).
Permits, leases, and Plans of Operation will require that adverse environmental effects are
minimized, or mitigated, and that mined lands are reclaimed in a timely manner to regain surface
production and use. Reasonable access for approved mineral operations will be allowed. The
emphasis will be consistent with the requirements of the Carbonate Habitat Management
Strategy to sustain mineral production by providing refugia for resource protection (ME 1 -
Minerals Management, and Lands 4 - Mineral Withdrawals). Staff expect to increase the
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