Under contract with the Federal Highway Administration, ERO completed the environmental studies and prepared an EIS for the proposed reconstruction of Beartooth Highway in Wyoming, the longest segment of alpine highway in the U.S. and one of the nation's most scenic highways. The National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) were cooperating agencies. The Beartooth Team was awarded the Land Stewardship award for producing a project that minimized impacts to sensitive natural resources. ERO was responsible for completing all environmental resources studies; developing and monitoring revegetation test plots; and preparing a draft and final EIS, a BA, a biological evaluation, a Record of Decision, and permit applications and other clearance documents.

The National Park Service (NPS) contracted with ERO Resources to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) prior to a planned reconstruction and widening of Bear Lake Road from its intersection with Trail Ridge Road to its terminus at the Bear Lake parking lot. Bear Lake Road is one of the most popular scenic roads in Rocky Mountain National Park, and provides year-round visitor access to a variety of recreational opportunities. Planned road improvements were designed to increase pedestrian and vehicle safety, formalize and improve parking areas, correct structural deficiencies in the roadway, and facilitate existing and future shuttle bus operation.

ERO prepared the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the reconstruction project. Primary resource issues associated with the proposed project included potential impacts to wetlands, wilderness, visual quality, changes in the visitor experience, and safety and maintenance considerations. ERO assisted with public meetings, development and analysis of alternatives, wetland mapping, and preparation of all NEPA documentation. The initial phase of construction was completed in 2004.

ERO is currently assisting the NPS in preparing a second EA to address the possibility of rerouting a portion of Bear Lake Road and adding about five miles of new bike/hike trail.

ERO Resources is preparing an environmental impact statement on behalf of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Kootenai National Forest regarding Mine Management, Inc.'s permit application to operate the proposed Montanore Project. The Project consists of a 20,000 ton-per-day mine beneath the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, a mill, a 994-acre tailings impoundment, water disposal areas, and a 17-mile, 230-kV electrical transmission line.

Key issues examined by the ERO project team with respect to the mine and mill complex include:

• Ground and surface water resources and treatment
• Roads and transportation
• Threatened and endangered wildlife species and other wildlife
• Wetlands
• Vegetation
• Cultural resources
• Geology and soils
• Recreation
• Air quality
• Land use, aesthetics, and noise

ERO is working under the direction of the Corps for the preparation of an EIS for the proposed NISP that would provide a new water supply to 15 participants in northeastern Colorado. The proposed project also involves realignment of 5-7 miles of U.S. 287 and potentially a contract with the Bureau of Reclamation. ERO is responsible for overall project management; producing the EIS; and addressing all natural resource issues including wetlands; threatened, endangered, and sensitive plant and wildlife species; wildlife; Migratory Bird Treaty Act compliance; cultural resources; hydrology; and socioeconomics.

ERO is completing an EA for three multi-well pads (directional drilling) near Collbran, Colorado, in an area with complex split estate (BLM and private surface, BLM and private minerals) ownership and management. A subsequent EA will cover the remainder of the POD that requires BLM approval or actions tied to BLM approval (connected actions). In addition to the EA, ERO is completing 404 permitting activities for the project proponent. The EA is scheduled for completion by the end of 2006 to allow drilling to begin in spring 2007. Required surveys, including wetland delineations, wildlife assessments, cultural resource surveys, and accompanying the proponent on the BLM site walk, were completed in fall 2006.