You prevent unnecessary or undue degradation while conducting operations on public lands by—

(a) Complying with § 3809.420, as applicable; the terms and conditions of your notice or approved plan of operations; and other Federal and State laws related to environmental protection and protection of cultural resources;

(b) Assuring that your operations are “reasonably incident” to prospecting, mining, or processing operations and uses as defined in § 3715.0-5 of this title; and

(c) Attaining the stated level of protection or reclamation required by specific laws in areas such as the California Desert Conservation Area, Wild and Scenic Rivers, BLM-administered portions of the National Wilderness System, and BLM-administered National Monuments and National Conservation Areas.

[65 FR 70112, Nov. 21, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 54861, Oct. 30, 2001]