SAM E. HADDON, District Judge.
This case arises from the Bureau of Land Management's approval of the Resource Management Plan ("Plan") for the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument ("Monument") and from renewal of the Woodhawk Allotment Grazing
The Court granted BLM's motion to dismiss Count VII in Cause No. CV 10-04-GF-SEH, which alleged that BLM failed to complete supplemental analysis of the Plan and Woodhawk Allotment Grazing Permit Environmental Assessment The Court also struck, upon motion of BLM, extra-record evidence contained in summary judgment filings of Montana Wilderness Association and Western Watersheds Project. Refiling of the briefs in support of summary judgment without the stricken material was ordered and was carried out. All parties ultimately filed motions for summary judgment. The issues have been fully briefed and a hearing conducted. All motions are ripe for ruling. The Court has jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1331.
On January 17, 2001, President Clinton issued a Proclamation under the Antiquities Act of 1906, establishing the Monument and designating BLM as managing agency. The Monument consists of some 377,346 acres of BLM land in north central Montana. It spans four counties—Blaine, Chouteau, Fergus, and Phillips. A checkerboarding of other land ownerships, including approximately 80,000 acres of private land and 39,000 acres of state land, is intermingled with the federal lands within the Monument BLM has no authority over the private or state lands and minerals.
On April 24, 2002, BLM announced that it would develop a Plan for the Monument. A Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("Draft") was issued in September 2005, roughly three and one-half years later. It then issued a proposed Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement in January 2008. The proposed Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement contained six alternatives. Alternative F was designated as the preferred alternative and was described as one that balanced objectives of the Monument, best met the diverse interests of all involved stakeholders,
Numberous management decisions were made as a result of adoption of the Plan. Some 146 miles of the Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River was closed to jet ski and float plane use. Four of ten backcountry airstrips were closed. Previously allowed landings on roadways were prohibited. New, specific conditions to protect Monument objects were placed on drilling natural gas wells on existing leases. Range conditions for livestock grazing permits or leases were required to exceed the Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management. Of the 605 miles of roads located within the Monument, the Plan closed 201 miles (approximately 33%) year-round. Another 120 miles (approximately 20%) were seasonally closed. Each and all the decisions were challenged by Plaintiffs.
The issues before the Court may be summarized as follows:
The standards for administrative agency action review are well-settled. A court shall "hold unlawful and set aside agency action, findings, and conclusions found to be . . . arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or otherwise not in accordance with law." 5 U.S.C. § 706(2). Review of agency decisions is narrow. Earth Is. Inst. v. USFS, 442 F.3d 1147, 1156 (9th Cir. 2006), overruled on other grounds, Winter v. Nat. Resources Def. Council, Inc., 555 U.S. 7, 21-22, 129 S.Ct. 365, 172 L.Ed.2d 249 (2008). Courts are ill-equipped to substitute their judgment for that of agencies. Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe, 401 U.S. 402, 416, 91 S.Ct. 814, 28 L.Ed.2d 136 (1971), overruled on other grounds, Califano v. Sanders, 430 U.S. 99, 105, 97 S.Ct. 980, 51 L.Ed.2d 192 (1977).
Summary judgment is appropriate if there are no genuine disputes of material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a mater of law. Fed.R.Civ.P. 56(a); Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317, 322-23, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986). Final agency actions are particularly susceptible to summary judgment because the issues for resolution are those of law. See Occidental Engr. Co. v. INS, 753 F.2d 766, 770 (9th Cir.1985).
The Monument Proclamation directed BLM to reserve all lands owned or controlled by the United States for protection of Monument objects. 66 Fed.Reg. 7359, 7361 (Jan. 17, 2001). BLM operations are also governed by FLPMA. Columbia Basin Land Protec. Assn. v. Schlesinger, 643 F.2d 585, 607 (9th Cir. 1981) (stating FLPMA is BLM's organic act). Plaintiffs argue that BLM subordinated directives of protection to multiple use principles.
The Proclamation required BLM to refer to "applicable legal authorities" to implement intent behind designation of the Monument. 66 Fed.Reg. at 7361; see also id. ("Laws, regulations, and policies followed by the [BLM] in issuing and administering grazing permits or leases on lands under its jurisdiction shall continue to apply with regard to the lands in the [M]onument"). One such applicable authority was the concept of multiple use, which declared that its principles govern except when designated otherwise, 43 U.S.C. § 1732(a).
BLM interpreted how to best integrate multiple use with the Proclamation as follows:
AR 44 (emphasis added); see also AR 64 ("Guidelines for Livestock Grazing Management practices will be followed to protect the objects of the Monument and rangeland resources and, where necessary, to mitigate conflicts with other Monument uses and values."); AR 1011 (stating new management is needed because management prior to designation may not sufficiently protect Monument objects).
BLM did not denigrate the Proclamation by choosing to also abide by multiple use principles. Rather, it instead sought to reconcile the two authorities. Compare 43 U.S.C. § 1732(a) with 66 Fed.Reg. at
Plaintiffs argue BLM has failed to protect objects of the Monument. As the examples which follow demonstrate, the failure-to-protect-objects' argument fails.
The Proclamation states;
66 Fed.Reg. at 7360. BLM addressed protection of objects within the Bullwhacker area by reducing roads, by committing to monitoring aircraft if use should increase, and by restricting motorized use on the Missouri River. See also AR 26 (The Plan provides for "diverse visitor use in a manner consistent with protecting Monument resources and values."); cf. Hells Canyon Alliance v. USFS, 227 F.3d 1170, 1178 (9th Cir.2000) (deference given to agency's determination of which uses are inconsistent with protection). Moreover, the interpretation that the Bullwhacker area itself is not a Monument object is supported by the Listing of Significant Objects that accompanied the Monument. AR 37203-21 (not listing the Bullwhacker area). The agency's interpretation is reasonable. Cf. Udall, 380 U.S. at 16-18, 85 S.Ct. 792, Protection of objects within and around the Bullwhacker has been accomplished. Nothing more is required.
BLM likewise protected sage grouse, riparian and upland habitats, and cottonwood galleries. See AR 51-53, 60-61, 1383, 44839, 44852-53, 44859-60. To the extent Plaintiffs argue that decisions in the Plan and Woodhawk Allotment Grazing Permit violated the "non-degradation" standard in FLPMA, no such requirement exists. FLPMA instead requires that "[i]n managing the public lands the Secretary shall, by regulation or otherwise, take any action necessary to prevent unnecessary or undue degradation of the lands." 43 U.S.C. § 1732(b) (emphasis added). Not only was this claim misstated and waived for failure to raise it in opening briefing, no such unnecessary or undue degradation has been demonstrated. Even if such degradation could occur, BLM will monitor the potential impacts under adaptive management to ensure that no such degradation arises. See AR 59-60; Gardner v. USBLM, 638 F.3d 1217, 1222 (9th Cir. 2011).
The Proclamation provides:
66 Fed.Reg. at 7361. Plaintiffs argue that BLM should have verified the validity of oil and gas leases rather than deem them valid by virtue of the Proclamation. Such verification of validity was not required.
BLM addressed the leases. AR 29249 ("In February 2002, all the leases within the Monument were reviewed and were determined that they remain in good standing."). Even were this not the case, nothing in the Proclamation or other legal authority required the agency to determine validity of the leases. At most, the Proclamation required that such rights be managed to prevent new, adverse impacts on Monument objects. 66 Fed. Reg. at 7361. Although it is argued BLM deemed all leases to be valid, the Record of Decision did not formally determine the validity of such leases. See AR 21 (not listing validity determination of oil and gas leases as an implementation-level decision). At best, a challenge has been levied against a non-existent validity determination. See 5 U.S.C. § 704 (requiring "final agency action" for review); see also Norton v. S. Utah Wilderness Alliance, 542 U.S. 55, 63-64, 124 S.Ct. 2373, 159 L.Ed.2d 137 (2004). BLM action, or lack thereof, with respect to oil and gas leases was not arbitrary and capricious.
The Proclamation states, "[f]or the purpose of protecting the objects identified above, the Secretary shall prohibit all motorized and mechanized vehicle use off road, except for emergency or authorized administrative purposes." 66 Fed.Reg. at 7361. No definition for "road" is provided. BLM therefore defined road as follows: "a linear route segment that can be created by the passage of vehicles (two-track); constructed; improved; or maintained for motorized travel." AR 93. The fact that unmaintained two-tracks are included in the definition is at the heart of the dispute.
BLM used definitions of road similar to the one currently under challenge before the definition utilized in the Monument was selected. See, e.g., AR 15, 32070, 33282. More restrictive definitions of road cited by Plaintiffs are, in fact, applicable to regulatory schemes for wilderness. See, e.g., 43 C.F.R. § 19.2(e). There is no suggestion, however, that the President intended BLM to define a road based upon definitions outlined by Plaintiffs. BLM was free to choose the definition as it deemed most appropriate. No showing has been made that the chosen definition is unreasonable, rendering it arbitrary and capricious.
The assertion is made that BLM violated the Proclamation's prohibition on off-road travel by allowing a vehicle to pull off the road up to fifty feet on each side. The argument fails.
The Plan allows vehicles to pass each other by providing for a fifty-foot buffer on each side of a road. In order for two vehicles to pass on narrow roads, one, and possibly even both, must drive off the road. The Proclamation has allowed for vehicle passage, inclusive of activities consistent with such passage and parking, as an administrative purpose to provide for safety. See AR 98 ("Outside of the WSAs, motorized or mechanized vehicles may park adjacent to a road to provide a reasonable safe distance for the public to pass."); AR 222 (clarifying that "the monitoring and management of road safety within the Monument is an administrative purpose"). This interpretation is reasonable, see Kester, 652 F.2d at 15-16, and does not violate the Proclamation against "off road" travel, "except for emergency or authorized administrative purposes." 66 Fed. Reg. at 7361.
Under the terms of the FLPMA, Congress mandated that the Secretary "review those roadless areas of five thousand acres or more and roadless islands of the public lands. . . ." 43 U.S.C. § 1782(a). Congress could then designate the land as wilderness or not. During the interim, "the Secretary shall continue to manage such lands . . . in a manner so as not to impair the suitability of such areas for preservation as wilderness. . . ." Id. at § 1782(c) (emphasis added).
The legislative history explains that the term road "refers to the absence of roads which have been improved and maintained by mechanical means to insure relatively regular and continuous use." H.R. Rpt. 94-1163 at § 311 (emphasis added). By this definition, a "vehicle way," meaning "[a] way maintained solely by the passage of vehicles," does not qualify as a road. Id.
Plaintiffs argue that BLM violated the above non-impairment standard by roading previously unroaded wilderness study areas. This assertion mischaracterizes the thrust of BLM's decision. First, motorized travel in wilderness study areas has always been allowed. See AR 37294. Second, BLM interpreted the term "roads" under the Proclamation to include "vehicle ways." It does not follow, however, that the wilderness study areas have become "roaded" under different statutory schemes, namely FLPMA and the non-impairment mandate. When referring to FLPMA and the non-impairment mandate, "roads," as that term is understood to mean in the Proclamation, will remain as unmaintained "vehicle ways." Congress remains entitled to designate these areas as wilderness if it so chooses. Further, BLM has repeatedly stated that it will refer to its Interim Management Policy to ensure that no wilderness study areas in the Monument
Congress passed the WSRA to protect outstandingly remarkable values of selected rivers for the enjoyment of current and future generations. 16 U.S.C. §§ 1271, 1281(a). The Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River, 149 miles of which flows within the Monument, has been designated as such an area. 16 U.S.C. § 1274(a)(14). The designating Act mandated BLM to manage the river under the WSRA, Taylor Grazing Act, and multiple use and sustained yield. Pub.L. No. 94-486 at § 203(a) (Oct. 12, 1976). To carry out the mandate, BLM classified the river into three wild, two scenic, and two recreational segments. See 16 U.S.C. § 1273(b) (discussing distinctions between wild, scenic, and recreational).
All parties agree that solitude is an outstandingly remarkable value.
Recreation is likewise an outstandingly remarkable value. In 1975, the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation recommended designation of the river based, in part, on the available recreational opportunities. A Senate Report issued in connection with the WSRA also acknowledged the importance of recreation, even stating that all uses except impoundment would continue "without significant interference." Sen. Rpt. 94-502 at 5-6, 9 (Dec. 1, 1975). BLM has consistently interpreted recreation to include motorized recreation. See, e.g., AR 35740 (recognizing in 1978 that "[b]oth motorized and non-motorized watercraft will be permitted in all river segments"); AR 30314 (recognizing in 1993 that "[c]hances for recreational activities will be available to . . . motorized watercraft users"); AR 2234 (permitting motorboat use existing at the time of designation).
BLM's decision on how best to balance the values of solitude and recreation is entitled to deference. See River Runners for Wilderness v. Martin, 593 F.3d 1064, 1080 (9th Cir.2010). The agency attempted to provide diverse recreational opportunities while at the same time preserving other outstandingly remarkable values of the river. AR 1423. It arrived at its decision by recognizing that "beauty and the solitude along the [river] are highly important to many visitors" and acknowledged that "the sight, sound and smell of motorized craft . . . may detract from [a] primitive experience. . . ." AR 1240, 1423; see also AR 1415-22, 1424, 1428, 1430-33. Motorized opportunities allowed prior to designation of the Monument were discontinued near the river, including seasonal
The remaining complaints directed to the existence of roads, grazing, and airstrips are without merit. Such uses and features are inconspicuous, lawfully existed prior to enactment of WSRA, and are not currently prohibited in wild segments of the river. See 16 U.S.C. § 1273(b)(1); 47 Fed.Reg. 39454, 39457-58 (Sept. 7, 1982): cf. Wilderness Watch v. USFS, 143 F.Supp.2d 1186, 1195, 1204-07 (D.Mont. 2000). BLM concluded its analysis by pointing out where non-motorized experiences of solitude were available and determined that it had accomplished the goal of providing "diverse recreation experiences to the most people while preserving the outstanding remarkable values of the river." AR 1423; see also AR 1512-13, 1898, 1904, 1907, 1945. The propriety of the decision was reaffirmed in the Plan. BLM undertook and carried out the unenviable task of balancing solitude and recreation. Its decision was not arbitrary and capricious.
WSRA requires that agencies address user capacities on designated rivers. 16 U.S.C. § 1274(d). If the river was designated on or after January 1, 1986, the governing agency must address user capacities within three Ml fiscal years after designation. Id. at § 1274(d)(1). Rivers designated before January 1, 1986, were given a grace period often years for compliance. Id. at § 1274(d)(2). The Missouri received its designation in 1976. AR 35721.
BLM set out to comply with the mandate of § 1274 by developing a River Management Plan ("River Plan") in 1978. The River Plan was updated in 1993 ("Update"),
AR 79. The River Plan will be updated again after the Monument Plan and EIS have been finalized. AR 14330.
BLM has complied with the statutory requirement to address user capacities through the River Plan and Update. To the extent the Monument Plan amended management of the river, it did so only to comply with the Proclamation: "There is a need for this . . . [Monument] Plan because the existing management of the Monument, governed by the . . . Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River Management Plan Update . . . may not always . . . sufficiently protect the objects as identified in the Proclamation." AR 34, These actions did not require BLM start afresh and address user capacities at this specific juncture. Cf. Friends of Yosemite Valley v. Norton, 348 F.3d 789, 796-97 (9th Cir.2003) (not reviewing resource management plan). BLM's decision to not address user capacities in the Monument Plan was not arbitrary and capricious.
NEPA is a procedural statute. Inland Empire Pub. Lands Council v.
Courts review the scope and consideration of alternatives set forth by the agency as required by NEPA under a "rule of reason." City of Carmel-By-The-Sea v. USDOT, 123 F.3d 1142, 1150-51 (9th Cir.1997). The purpose and need of an environmental impact statement confines the appropriate range of alternatives, 40 C.F.R. § 1502.13.
The purpose and need stated in the proposed Plan and Final EIS was creation of a comprehensive plan for transportation and visitor use that also protected Monument objects. AR 1011, 1134. Six alternatives based upon that purpose were considered. Alternative A preserved the status quo, allowing all ten existing airstrips to remain open. Alternative B allowed all ten airstrips to remain open and authorized additional airstrips to open after further environmental review. Alternative C allowed seven airstrips to remain open, restricted three of the remaining seven to seasonal use, and closed three. Alternative D allowed six airstrips to remain open, restricted four to seasonal use, and closed four. Alternative E closed all ten airstrips. Alternative F, which was ultimately selected, allowed six airstrips to remain open, restricted one to seasonal use, and closed four.
The considered alternatives provided a reasonable range. Plaintiffs' demand that BLM consider a "middle ground" alternative is prohibited. See Vt. Yankee Nuclear Power Corp., 435 U.S. at 549, 98 S.Ct. 1197, Even were the Court tempted to impose a "middle ground" requirement, it is clear BLM considered such an alternative. The closing of none, three, four, and all ten backcountry airstrips was analyzed. A reasonable range of alternatives was considered.
Plaintiffs argue that BLM failed to take a hard look at the impacts on objects of the Monument, inclusive of those on the river, elk, bighorn sheep, sage brush obligates, and the Bullwhacker area. Again, the argument falls short in light of the record.
Plaintiffs have failed to identify any other past, present, or reasonably foreseeable
BLM also took the required hard look at direct and indirect impacts.
BLM also analyzed the Monument's elk, bighorn sheep, and sagebrush obligates.
While BLM readily admits that it did not conduct an analysis of the impacts on the Bullwhacker area in one portion of the EIS, it was not required to do so. See, e.g., 40 C.F.R. § 1502.10. Moreover, the Bullwhacker area is not itself a Monument object, as already noted. The agency has taken a hard look at the impacts within, as well as outside, the Bullwhacker area. No more is necessary.
Finally, BLM took a hard look at the impacts of grazing. The detail recorded in an EIS depends upon the nature and scope of the action proposed by the agency. Cal. v. Block, 690 F.2d 753, 761 (9th Cir.1982). BLM deemed the programmatic administration of grazing to be outside the scope of the Plan. See Kleppe v. Sierra Club, 427 U.S. 390, 414, 96 S.Ct. 2718, 49 L.Ed.2d 576 (1976). Its decision was not political, but rather was based on the plain language of the Proclamation. See 66 Fed. Reg. at 7361. BLM therefore only analyzed the impacts of grazing as applied to all alternatives.
While it may have been possible to explore impacts more vigorously and discuss them more thoroughly, reality of process requires the agency to make a decision. It has done so here. Plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate that the impacts analysis' within the over 1,200-page FEIS failed to take the requisite hard look.
BLM prepared an Environmental Assessment for the renewal of the Woodhawk Allotment Grazing Permit. Plaintiffs challenge that decision, arguing BLM should have prepared an EIS.
Agencies must develop EISs for "major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment...." 42 U.S.C. § 4332(2)(C). If the agency determines that no significant effects exist, it is to issue a Finding of No Significant Impact and not prepare an EIS. 40 C.F.R. § 1508.9(a)(1).
None of the factors listed in the regulation defining significant are present. See 40 C.F.R. § 1508.27. Additionally, BLM, relying upon its expertise, found that its additional restrictions would "improve riparian and water quality conditions that are currently not in conformance with Standards for Rangeland Health and Guidelines for Livestock Management while maintaining or improving conditions on the allotment that are already in conformance." AR 44839. BLM has convincingly demonstrated that the impacts of the Woodhawk Allotment Grazing Permit are insignificant. No EIS was required.
NHPA requires agencies to consider impacts of an undertaking on objects eligible for inclusion in the National Register, 16 U.S.C. § 470f. An undertaking occurs when an agency having direct or indirect jurisdiction funds in whole or in part a project, activity, or program. 36 C.F.R. § 800.16(y).
An agency engaging in an undertaking must consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer ("Officer"). 36 C.F.R. §§ 800.3(c)(3), 800.16(v). Consultation occurs when an agency has consulted with the Officer "in a manner appropriate to the agency planning process for the undertaking and to the nature of the undertaking and its effects on historic properties." 36 C.F.R. § 800.3(c)(3). BLM and the Officer previously agreed that consultation was "appropriate" when the following occurred;
AR 37250.
BLM conceded that it was appropriate to provide further documentation that consultation, indeed, took place with the Officer.
Plaintiffs argue that BLM violated NHPA by not conducting a Class II or III inventory
An agency engaging in such an inventory must make a reasonable and good faith effort to inventory the area's historical properties within the area of potential effects. 16 U.S.C. § 470f; 36 C.F.R. § 800.4(b)(1). Cultural resource specialists from Northwind here identified 383 sites.
Plaintiffs have failed to carry their burden under the Administrative Procedure Act. See 5 U.S.C. § 706(2)(A). All requirements of law have been met.
ORDERED:
1. BLM's Motion for Summary Judgment
2. Missouri River Stewards' Motion for Summary Judgment
3. Aviation Group's Motion for Summary Judgment
4. Plaintiffs' Motions for Summary Judgment
5. The Clerk is directed to enter judgment accordingly.