environmental assessment us border patrol, tucson sector

3-21234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647Wild and Scenic RiversThe construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed FOB would not affect any stretchof river designated as Wild and Scenic.Unique and Sensitive AreasThere is no designated Wilderness in the San Bernardino Valley, and the construction, operation,and maintenance of the proposed FOB would not affect any unique and sensitive areas becauseno areas designated as such are located within or near the project area. However, the SanBernardino National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located approximately 3 miles southwest of theproject area and is discussed in Section 3.7.1.3 of this EA.Prime FarmlandThe construction, operation, and maintenance of the proposed FOB would not affect any PrimeFarmlands, as none of the soils found at the alternative sites are considered Prime Farmland soils(NRCS 2011). Thus, the development of any of the alternative sites would be in compliancewith the Farmland Protection Policy Act (7 CFR 4201-4209 Part 658.2) and would not requirecompletion of a Farmland Conversion Impact Rating assessment.3.2 LAND USE3.2.1 Affected EnvironmentCurrently, land uses within the project area are directly and indirectly affected by cross borderviolator (CBV) pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and consequent law enforcement activities.Natural desert areas experience damage to native vegetation and soil compaction. The effect ofillegal cross-border activities within the project area has a negative impact on vegetation,wildlife, recreation, and residents living in the San Bernardino Valley. Additionally,unauthorized vehicle routes and unauthorized trails, and man-caused fires (CBV warming firesand signal fires) disturb or destroy native vegetation and wildlife habitat. Further, illegal crossborderactivities destroy fences resulting in livestock trespassing, which results in additionaldamage to natural resources.General land use in the vicinity of the four alternative sites is predominately privately owned orleased scrub and brush ranch land and state lands. The land in the vicinity of the alternative sitesis zoned as rural, and the primary land use is cattle grazing (Cochise County 2011).3.2.1.1 Preferred AlternativeThe 10-acre property is currently state-owned, undeveloped, desert scrubland (see Photograph 2-1). Land use surrounding the property consists of additional undeveloped scrub and brush.Geronimo Trail, a county-improved dirt/gravel road abuts the eastern side of the parcel, andoverhead electrical service lines exist along Geronimo Trail. Evidence of cattle grazing ispresent on the property.3.2.1.2 Alternative 2The 10-acre parcel is state-owned land that is currently undeveloped, natural desert scrubland(see Photograph 2-2). Geronimo Trail, a county-improved dirt/gravel road abuts the eastern sideof the parcel, and overhead electrical service lines exist along Geronimo Trail. East Lazy JRanch Road forms the northern boundary of the parcel. Undeveloped desert scrubland surroundsDouglas FOB EADraftAugust 2011