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Regional Programs - Mineral Policy
The Federal Government's policy for minerals resource
management is expressed in the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970,
"foster and encourage private enterprise in the development of economically
sound and stable industries, and in the orderly and economic development
of domestic resources to help assure satisfaction of industrial, security,
and environmental needs." Within this context, the National Forests
and Grasslands have an essential role in contributing to an adequate and
stable supply of mineral and energy resources while continuing to sustain
the land's productivity for other uses and it's capability to support
biodiversity goals.
OBJECTIVES. Exploration, development, and production
of mineral and energy resources and reclamation of activities are part
of the Forest Service ecosystem management responsibility. The Forest
Service will administer its minerals program to provide commodities for
current and future generations commensurate with the need to sustain the
long term health and biological diversity of ecosystems. Accordingly,
the Forest Service will strive to:
* Ensure that exploration, development, and production
of mineral and energy resources are conducted in an environmentally sensitive
manner and that these activities are integrated with the planning and
management of other resources using the principles of ecosystem management.
* Facilitate the orderly exploration, development, and
production of mineral and energy resources within the National Forest
System on lands open to these activities or on withdrawn lands consistent
with valid existing rights.
* Maintain opportunities to access mineral and energy
resources which are important to sustain viable rural economies and to
contribute to the national defense and economic growth.
* Ensure that lands disturbed by mineral and energy activities,
both past and present, are reclaimed using the best scientific knowledge
and principles and returned to other productive uses.
POLICY. The Forest Service will administer its minerals
program within the overall context of the principles of ecosystem management.
Accordingly, the Forest Service will:
* Ensure that mineral-related activities are in accordance
with our legal and regulatory authority.
* Coordinate and cooperate with other Federal and State
agencies having authority and expertise in mineral-related activities.
* Coordinate and cooperate in a collaborative manner
with interested public, industry, and community representatives. Foster
partnerships with industry to increase knowledge of development potential
of the mineral estate.
* Ensure the integration of mineral resource programs
and activities with the planning and management of renewable resources
through the land and resource management planning process, recognizing
that mineral development may occur concurrently or sequentially with other
resource uses.
* Maintain an effective professional, technical, and
managerial work force that is knowledgeable of (a) the geologic characteristics
of mineral deposits, (b) the techniques of mineral exploration and development,
(c) the principles of ecosystem management, and (d) mineral laws, regulations,
policy, and guidance.
* Ensure that only certified mineral examiners perform
investigations and prepare reports which require the examination of the
mineral or geologic character of the land.
* Certify personnel who perform or oversee the analysis,
review and administration of plans of operations for mineral and energy
operations and their reclamation.
* Require reclamation plans for all proposed surface-disturbing
activities to return the land to productive uses consistent with the ecological
capability of the area and in accordance with land management goals.
* Process mineral applications, operating plans, leases,
licenses, permits, and other use authorizations efficiently and in a timely
manner. Deal with applicants and operators in accordance with the principles
of customer service.
* Plan and provide for access to and occupancy of National
Forest System lands for mineral resource activities, consistent with the
overall management objectives and the rights granted through statutes,
leases, licenses, and permits. Eliminate or prevent occupancy that is
not reasonably incident to and required for the mineral operation.
* Ensure that mineral or energy activities conducted
in congressionally-designated or other withdrawn areas are supported by
valid existing rights.
* Prior to initiating the administrative withdrawal of
National Forest System lands from mineral entry, ensure the full consideration
of (a) the national interest in rural community development, (b) the value
of the mineral resource foregone, (c) the value of the resource or improvement
being protected, and (d) the risk that the renewable resources cannot
be adequately protected pursuant to application of the Minerals Surface
Use Regulations.
* Ensure private rights are respected in all resource
management decisions.
* Ensure the uniform application of resource protection
and reclamation standards for mineral-related exploration and development
projects.
Jack Ward Thomas Chief, Forest Service
August 3, 1995
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USDA Forest Service - Northern Region |