POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON HUMAN ENVIRONMENT (Continued) 



TRANSPORTATION 

 NETWORKS & TRAFFIC FLOWS 



IX. EXPLANATION OF IMPACTS TO THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT 



LOCAL AND STATE TAX BASE AND TAX REVENUE 



MFWP will make annual tax payments to Fergus County in an amount equal to the 

 normal level assessed for land in the area. A slight reduction in the number of 

 cattle grazed in the county may occur, though private agricultural operators who 

 lease grazing on the property may actually increase their livestock numbers. An 

 increase in the production of hay and small grains is expected. Having the project 

 property open to public recreation will increase income to local merchants and 

 businesses. Cumulatively, this will be a minor positive effect on tax revenues. 



AGRICULTURAL OR INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION 



Even with a planned increase in hay/grain production, and the anticipated improve- 

 ment in range condition and production, there will be a minor reduction in animal 

 unit months in the short term. 



ACCESS TO AND QUALITY OF RECREATIONAL AND WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES 



Improved recreational opportunities will occur as a result of public ownership of the 

 project area. Compared to past recreational opportunities, the impact will be a 

 major improvement. 



QUANTITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF EMPLOYMENT 



The project property will no longer be a single family ranch. Other than specialized 

 services, past management seldom employed additional people. It's unlikely that 

 public ownership will result in increased employees, even though specialized, 

 contracted services will increase. MFWP employees may be stationed on the 

 propeny seasonally. Local agricultural operators that lease the property's grazing 

 or haying may increase their work force. The total impacts will be minor. 



Sea 



