[Federal Register: August 10, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 153)]
[Notices]
[Page 46541]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10au05-95]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[UT-110-05-1220-PM]
Notice of Travel Restriction and Seasonal Closure to OHVs
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior
ACTION: Notice of off-highway vehicle (OHV) travel restriction and
seasonal closure to motorized use in the Hog Canyon and Trail Canyon
areas, Bureau of Land Management, Kanab Field Office, Utah
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that effective immediately, the Bureau
of Land Management (BLM), Kanab Field Office, is restricting OHV travel
on 7,924 acres of public lands near Kanab, Utah. The public lands
affected by this restriction are located in portions of T. 43 S., R. 5
W.; T. 43 S., R. 6 W.; and T. 43 S., R. 7 W., Salt Lake Meridian. The
purpose of the restriction and seasonal closure is to protect soil,
vegetation, wildlife, cultural, and riparian area resources that have
been adversely impacted or are at risk of being adversely impacted by
OHV use. This restriction and seasonal closure will remain in effect
until the considerable adverse effects giving rise to the restriction
and seasonal closure are eliminated and measures are implemented to
prevent recurrence of these adverse effects.
DATES: This notice is effective immediately and shall remain in effect
until the adverse effects have been eliminated and measures implemented
to prevent recurrence.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Christensen, Outdoor Recreation
Planner, BLM Kanab Field Office, 318 North 100 East, Kanab, Utah 84741;
Phone (435) 644-4600.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1981, the Vermilion Management Framework
Plan (MFP) designated the majority of public lands managed by the BLM
Kanab Field Office as ``open'' to off-road vehicle (i.e., off-highway
vehicle) use. Since that time, improvements to OHV and all-terrain
vehicle design, capability, affordability and popularity have led to
more numerous and widespread presence of these motorized vehicles. Hog
Canyon and Trail Canyon are in the immediate vicinity of Kanab, Utah.
Their proximity to town and highly scenic values have led to increasing
OHV use in these areas. This increased use is creating adverse impacts
to riparian, soil, vegetation, wildlife, and cultural resources. These
impacts are occurring on existing routes as well as on a proliferating
network of new, user-created routes. Additionally, the recent discovery
of an active raptor nest in the cliffs of Pugh Canyon, bordering Hog
Canyon to the southeast, has led to concern over human impacts to this
nesting pair.
New Travel Restriction and Seasonal Closure for Hog Canyon and Trail
Canyon
OHV cross-country travel in this area is prohibited in Hog Canyon
and Trail Canyon. Trail Canyon will be closed to OHV use. Travel by all
motorized vehicles in Hog Canyon will be limited to specific identified
routes (a map showing these routes is available in the BLM Kanab Field
Office). Both canyons are public lands administered by the BLM's Kanab
Field Office and are located in Kane County, Utah, north of the town of
Kanab. This area includes approximately 30.9 miles of routes and 7,924
acres of public lands in portions of T. 43 S., R. 5 W.; T. 43 S., R. 6
W.; and T. 43 S., R. 7 W., Salt Lake Meridian.
An area on the north side of Pugh Canyon is now closed annually to
motorized use between February 1 and August 31, to protect the
fecundity of a breeding pair of raptors. To clarify recreation
opportunities available in the area, the BLM will provide maps
identifying routes upon which motorized travel is allowed and the
location of the seasonal closure. The intent of this restriction is to
protect natural and cultural resources from the adverse effects of OHV
use.
Implementation
A map showing both Trail Canyon and the specific identified routes
where OHV use is allowed in Hog Canyon as well as the location of the
Hog Canyon seasonal closure area is available for public review at the
BLM Kanab Field Office. The routes and closure area are also shown on a
map on the BLM Kanab Field Office's Web site at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/leaving.cgi?from=leavingFR.html&log=linklog&to=http://www.ut.blm.gov/kanab_fo.
The BLM will also provide public land users with a specific
map of the identified routes within the Hog Canyon area on this Web
site. Signs and maps will be posted at kiosks near major entry areas.
Authority: This restriction and seasonal closure notice is
issued under the authority of 43 CFR 8341.2.
Violations of this restriction and seasonal closure are punishable
by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months.
Persons who are administratively exempt from the restriction and
seasonal closure contained in this notice include: any Federal, State
or local officer or employee acting within the scope of their duties,
members of any organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the
performance of an official duty, and any person holding written
authorization from the BLM.
Dated: July 8, 2005.
Rex Smart,
Field Manager, Kanab Field Office.
[FR Doc. 05-15813 Filed 8-9-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-DQ-P