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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 3 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Affected Environment PAGE 3-158 Saddle Mountain Private Hang Gliding Launch Site A privately owned hang gliding and paragliding launch site is located in the Saddle Mountains. The site is owned by the Maughan Family, and yearly permits are negotiated between the owners and the Cloudbase County Club (CBCC) which allows any United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association member to access the property to fly. Hang gliders launch from the area northeast of the existing communication towers, and land in the Beverly Sand Dunes OHV Park (see above; Maughan 2011; CBCC 2011). 3.5.3 Current Management Considerations The USFWS is currently developing a “Comprehensive Conservation Plan” for the Columbia NWR to guide management of the refuge for the next 15 years and beyond. The degree of recreational use of the refuge is being considered under the plan alternatives (USFWS 2011). The HRNM/Saddle Mountains NWR is managed for recreational use under the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (USFWS 2008). The plans recreational focus is for the development of recreational facilities along highways and in perimeter areas of the HRNM. However, the plan states that fishing (on the Columbia River) accounts for 67 percent of the total annual visitor days. Recreational activities associated with the HRNM in the Project study area are limited to Columbia River wildlife observation, fishing, and boating activities. BLM manages the Saddle Mountain MA and the Yakima River Canyon MA under the current Spokane District RMP and Record of Decision (ROD; BLM 1987) and the 1992 RMP (BLM 1992) Amendment and ROD. The Saddle Mountains MA and the Yakima River Canyon MA are also managed under the Recreation Management/Implementation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Saddle Mountains MA (BLM 1997) and the Yakima River Canyon Recreation Management Plan (BLM 1988), respectively. As part of these plans, OHV usage in the open area are limited and the acquisition of property or easements to enhance trails use and access to petrified wood collecting sites is emphasized. The BLM has not identified any special recreation management areas (SRMAs) or extensive recreation management areas (ERMAs) under the current Spokane District 1987 RMP and 1992 RMP Amendment and ROD. The Columbia Basin State Wildlife Area, which includes the Lower Crab Creek and Priest Rapids Units in the Project study area, is managed under the 2006 management plan (WDFW 2006). Recreation resources are considered under the plan as an Agency Objective. The objective is related to biological resource management “to provide sustainable fish and wildlife related recreational and commercial opportunities compatible with maintaining healthy fish and wildlife populations and habitats.” The 2008, Yakima County Trails Plan (Yakima County 2008) focuses on unincorporated areas of the county and addresses current activities, trends, and opportunities for trail expansion. Relevant programs policies and regulations were evaluated and recommendations made with regard to recreation facility types, service levels, design guidelines, trail standards safety, education, and enforcement. Transportation linkage opportunities with consideration of bicycle and pedestrian friendliness and recognition of off- street travel corridor benefits were considered. Plan implementation strategies were developed addressing capital improvement, right-of-way (ROW) acquisition, development, maintenances and administration. Goals, policies, and statements identified in the plan address the trail system establishment, design standards, public safety, alternative transportation, regional development, and adjacent ownership. The Yakima County Comprehensive Plan (Yakima County 2007) identifies goals, objectives, and policies to guide resource protection and development within the county. The Parks and Open Space Element serves two purposes. The first is to determine the type and level of park and recreational services the county should provide. The second purpose is to clarify the broader functions and benefits of the