IX. EXPLANATION OF IMPACTS TO THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 



(Please refer to the attached Socio-Economic Assessment for additional analysis of 

 impacts on the human environment.) 



LOCAL AND STATE TAX BASE AND TAX REVENUE 



The Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks will make annual in-lieu-of payments to 

 Judith Basin County in an amount equal to the normal level of property taxes for 

 the project area. There are no cultivated croplands or taxable building 

 improvements on the property. A slight reduction in taxes relative to the 

 livestock production may occur. However, the sellers have indicated they will 

 not reduce their livestock numbers as a result of the sale, but rather compensate 

 for the lost animals units with improved management of existing land or 

 replacement of the disposed land with other land elsewhere. Additionally, it is 

 the intent of MFWP to incorporate livestock grazing into the management of the 

 project area when feasible and necessary. The addition of the project property 

 to the JRWMA base will increase recreation opportunities, which will increase 

 income to local merchants and businesses. This will create a positive effect on 

 tax revenues. 



AGRICULTURE OR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION 



Reduction in agriculture production will ultimately be limited to a slight reduction 

 of livestock grazing. Depending on vegetation recovery and production, 

 expected loss of livestock animal unit months could be 100-350 per year. 



ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF RECREATIONAL AND WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES 



Significantly improved recreational opportunities will occur as a result of public 

 ownership of the project area. 



X. DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION OF REASONABLE ALTERNATIVES 

 1. No Action Alternative: 



The "No Action" alternative would not preserve the diversity of wildlife habitats in 

 perpetuity. If the Department does not acquire the property, Hughes Livestock 

 Company v^ll likely consider other options for disposition of property, including 

 either selling to another private party or subdividing portions of it. Residential 

 development occurring nearby (Sapphire Village) could easily move onto the 

 property. Important public access to both private and public lands would likely 

 be lost along with critical wildlife habitat. 



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