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Francis E. Federspiel

Publications and source records attributed to Francis E. Federspiel.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Mineral Resources of the Hells Canyon Study Area, Wallowa County, Oregon, and Idaho and Adams Counties, Idaho

Field studies supporting the evaluation of the mineral potential of the Hells Canyon study area were carried out by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Bureau of Mines in 1974-76 and 1979. The study area includes (1) the Hells Canyon Wilderness; (2) parts of the Snake River, Rapid River, and West Fork Rapid River Wild and Scenic Rivers; (3) lands included in the second Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (RARE II); and (4) part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The survey is one of a series of studies to appraise the suitability of the area for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System as required by the Wilderness Act of 1964. The spectacular and mineralized area covers nearly 950 mi2 (2,460 km2) in northeast Oregon and west-central Idaho at the junction of the Northern Rocky Mountains and the Columbia Plateau.

Scientific Investigations Report↗

Snow Mountain Wilderness Study Area, California

The Snow Mountain Wilderness study area, located about 120 mi north of San Francisco and on the divide between the Sacramento and Eel Rivers, contains some of the highest terrain in the Coast Ranges. Its mineral-resource potential was evaluated by interpreting data from geologic field studies, from an aeromagnetic survey, from geochemical sampling of stream sediments, rocks, and springs, and from the examination and sampling of prospects. These investigations indicated that there was little promise for the occurrence of mineral or energy resources within the wilderness. New discoveries of unforeseen resources in other parts of the California Coast Ranges or in similar geologic settings elsewhere could prompt renewed study of Snow Mountain, but the nature of such studies cannot be determined now.

California↗

Mineral resource potential map of the Mokelumne Wilderness and contiguous roadless areas, central Sierra Nevada, California

Under the provisions of the Wilderness Act (Public Law 88-577, September 3, 1964) and the Joint Conference Report on Senate Bill 4, 88th Congress, the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Bureau of Mines have been conducting mineral surveys of wilderness and primitive areas. Areas officially designated as "wilderness," "wild," or "canoe" when the act was passed were incorporated into the National Wilderness Preservation System, and some of them are presently being studied. The act provided that areas under consideration for wilderness designation should be studied for suitability for incorporation into the Wilderness System. The mineral surveys constitute one aspect of suitability studies. The act directs that the results of such surveys are to be made available to the public and be submitted to the President and the Congress. This report discusses the results of a mineral survey of the Mokelumne Wilderness, El Dorado National Forest, Amador, Calaveras and Alpine Counties, California and Caples Creek, Raymond Peak, and Tragedy-Elephants Back Roadless Areas, Alpine, Amador, Ca 1 aver as, and El Dorado Counties, California. The Mokelumne Wilderness was established by Public Law 88-577, September 3, 1964, the Roadless Areas were classified as further planning areas during the Second Roadless Area Review and Evaluation (RARE II) by the U.S. Forest Service, 1979.

California↗

Mineral resource potential of the Granite Chief Wilderness Study Area, Placer County, California

A mineral resource survey of the Granite Chief Wilderness Study Area in the Tahoe National Forest and Lake Tahoe Management Area was conducted between 1979 and 1981. The mineral resource potential of the area was evaluated from geologic and geochemical studies by the U.S. Geological Survey, and from the examination of existing published and unpublished records of mining prospects and field examination of prospects, mineralized rocks, and placer deposits by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. These investigations indicate that the study area has a low potential for mineral resources. Analyses of samples taken from prospect pits, altered outcrops, and stream-sediment samples indicate no minable quantities of precious or base metals. Placer deposits are too small and too low in grade to be considered a resource. Substantial deposits of sand, gravel, and glacial till suitable for construction materials occur within the area, but their inaccessibility and remoteness from major markets preclude their being classified as a resource. No potential for oil, gas, coal, or geothermal resources was identified.

California↗

Maps showing mineral resource potential of the Virgin Mountains Instant Study Area, Clark County, Nevada

The Virgin Mountains Instant Study Area contains about 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) in southeastern Nevada. In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (P.L. 94-579), the U.S. Bureau of Mines examined mines, prospects, and mineralized zones, and the U.S. Geological Survey made regional geologic, geophysical, and geochemical investigations. Tungsten and sheet mica have been produced from the study area, and oil and gas lease applications have been filed on 20,300 acres (8,200 ha). Sixteen mining claims are presently held.

Nevada↗