89 FR 17 pgs. 4872-4880 - Public Lands in the Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction and Kremmling Field Offices, and the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, CO
Type: PRORULEVolume: 89Number: 17Pages: 4872 - 4880
Pages: 4872, 4873, 4874, 48754876, 4877, 4878, 4879, 4880, Docket number: [BLM_CO_FRN_MO4500172299]
FR document: [FR Doc. 2024-01399 Filed 1-24-24; 8:45 am]
Agency: Interior Department
Sub Agency: Land Management Bureau
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
43 CFR Part 8360
[BLM_CO_FRN_MO4500172299]
Public Lands in the Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction and Kremmling Field Offices, and the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, CO
AGENCY:
Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
ACTION:
Proposed supplementary rule.
SUMMARY:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing a supplementary rule to protect natural resources and public health and safety. The proposed supplementary rule would apply to public lands and BLM facilities managed by the Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction, and Kremmling Field Offices, and the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area (NCA) in Colorado managed by the Grand Junction and Uncompahgre Field Offices.
DATES:
Please submit comments by March 25, 2024. Comments received after this date may not be considered in the development of the final supplementary rule.
ADDRESSES:
[top] You may submit comments by the following methods: ePlanning https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/90071/510, mail or hand deliver to Proposed Supplementary Rule, Attention: Erin Jones, Upper Colorado
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Erin Jones, Upper Colorado River District Associate District Manager (see address listed earlier), or by phone: (970) 244-3008; or email: erjones@blm.gov. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Public Comment Procedures
Written comments on the proposed supplementary rule should be specific, confined to issues pertinent to the proposed supplementary rule, and explain the reason for any recommended change. Where possible, comments should reference the specific section or paragraph of the proposed supplementary rule that the comments are addressing. The BLM will consider comments received before the end of the comment period (see DATES ), including those that are postmarked before the deadline and delivered to the address listed earlier (see ADDRESSES ). Comments, including names, street addresses, and other contact information of respondents will be available for public review during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on Federal holidays) in the Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction, Kremmling, and Uncompahgre Field Offices. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment-including your personal identifying information-may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
II. Background
The Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction, and Kremmling Field Offices, and Dominguez-Escalante NCA completed new resource management plans (RMPs) in recent years. Supplementary rules are necessary to implement the decisions in the RMPs, which would facilitate enforcement of these decisions and protect natural resources and public health and safety.
The field offices completed their RMP processes and issued Records of Decision (RODs) after inviting the public to comment during scoping and public-comment periods. The field offices review each public comment received during each step of the process and responded to all comments received during the public-comment periods (see the individual RMPs for responses to public comments). Some parts of the proposed rule have already been in effect under previous RMPs; for example, the 14-day camping limits and restrictions on mechanized travel. Other proposed rule restrictions are from the new RMPs published in 2015, such as the restrictions on rock climbing in the Colorado River Valley Field Office and on metal detectors and paintball guns in Dominguez-Escalante NCA.
III. Discussion of the Proposed Supplementary Rule
This proposed supplementary rule would apply to public lands and BLM facilities managed by the Colorado River Valley Field Office, Grand Junction Field Office, Kremmling Field Office, and Dominguez-Escalante NCA.
This proposed supplementary rule would address resource damage, public safety, wildland fire, and wildlife disruption concerns. The BLM consulted with the Shooting Sports Roundtable while preparing each RMP to coordinate on the shooting closures described in this proposed rule.
We expect that concerns raised over restrictions to recreational activities in this proposed supplementary rule will be similar to those that the BLM addressed when it developed the supporting RMPs. Issues raised during the development of the supporting RMPs included concerns over the size and location of areas available for mechanized travel, target shooting, and camping in each field office or NCA, and the suitability of the areas for those uses. BLM examined the issues and comments submitted during the development of each RMP and struck a balance between making areas available for these types of activities and imposing restrictions where necessary to protect natural resources and public health and safety.
The proposed supplementary rule conforms with management decisions contained in the following RMPs:
Colorado River Valley RMP (2015) as amended by the Sutey Ranch and Haines Parcel Approved RMP Amendment (2019);
Grand Junction RMP (2015);
Kremmling RMP (2015); and
Dominguez-Escalante NCA RMP (2017).
The authority for this supplementary rule is set forth at sections 303 and 310 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), 43 U.S.C. 1733 and 1740, as well as 43 CFR 8365.1-6, which authorizes BLM State Directors to establish a supplementary rule for the protection of persons, property, and public lands and resources.
IV. Procedural Matters
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
The proposed supplementary rule is not a significant regulatory action and is not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866 as amended by Executive Order 14094. The proposed supplementary rule would not have an effect of $200 million or more on the economy and would not adversely affect in a material way productivity; competition; jobs; the environment; public health or safety; or State, local, or Tribal governments or communities. The proposed supplementary rule would not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. The proposed supplementary rule would not materially alter the budgetary effects of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs, or the rights or obligations of their recipients, nor does it raise novel legal or policy issues. This proposed supplementary rule would merely impose limitations on certain activities on certain public lands to protect natural resources and human health and safety.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
[top] Congress enacted the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), as amended, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, to ensure that government regulations do not unnecessarily or disproportionately burden small entities. The RFA requires a regulatory flexibility analysis if a rule would have a significant economic impact, either detrimental or beneficial, on a substantial number of small entities. The proposed supplementary rule would have no effect on business entities of any size. The proposed supplementary rule would merely impose reasonable restrictions on certain activities on certain public lands to protect natural resources and the environment and human health and safety. Therefore, the BLM certifies under the RFA that this proposed supplementary rule would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Congressional Review Act
This proposed supplementary rule is not a "major rule" as defined at 5 U.S.C. 804(2). This proposed supplementary rule would merely impose reasonable restrictions on certain recreational activities on certain public lands to protect natural resources, the environment and human health and safety. This proposed supplementary rule would not:
(1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.
(2) Cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers; individual industries; Federal, State, or local agencies; or geographic regions; or
(3) Have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on the ability of United States-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic and export markets.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
The proposed supplementary rule would not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per year; nor would it have a significant or unique effect on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector. The proposed supplementary rule would merely impose reasonable restrictions on certain recreational activities on specific public lands to protect natural resources, the environment, and human health and safety. Therefore, the BLM is not required to prepare a statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ).
Governmental Actions and Interference With Constitutionally Protected Property Rights-Takings (Executive Order 12630)
The proposed supplementary rule does not constitute a government action capable of interfering with constitutionally protected property rights. The proposed supplementary rule would not address property rights in any form and would not cause the impairment of constitutionally protected property rights. Therefore, the BLM has determined that this proposed supplementary rule would not cause a "taking" of private property or require further discussion of takings implications under this Executive order.
Federalism (Executive Order 13132)
The proposed supplementary rule would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the National Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132, the BLM has determined that this proposed supplementary rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)
Under Executive Order 12988, the BLM has determined that this proposed supplementary rule would not unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.
Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments (Executive Order 13175 and Departmental Policy)
In accordance with Executive Order 13175, the BLM has found that this proposed supplementary rule does not include policies that have Tribal implications and would have no bearing on trust lands or on lands for which title is held in fee status by Indian Tribes or U.S. Government-owned lands managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This proposed supplementary rule does not contain information collection requirements that the Office of Management and Budget must approve under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521.
National Environmental Policy Act
This proposed supplementary rule would implement key decisions in the following RMPs: Colorado River Valley Field Office, Grand Junction Field Office, Kremmling Field Office, and Dominguez-Escalante NCA. The BLM's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for these management plans analyzed the effects of implementing the RMP decisions through a supplementary rule. The BLM prepared a Determination of NEPA Adequacy to confirm that the prior analyses and public comment processes were sufficient to inform the decision to establish this supplementary rule. Therefore, additional NEPA analysis is not required. Copies of the Environmental Impact Statements and RODs for each RMP, and the Determination of NEPA Adequacy for this proposed supplementary rulemaking, are on file at the BLM offices at the addresses specified in the ADDRESSES section and electronic copies are available online at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/90071/510.
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution or Use (Executive Order 13211)
This proposed supplementary rule does not comprise a significant energy action. This proposed supplementary rule would not have an adverse effect on energy supply, production, or consumption and has no connection with energy policy.
Information Quality Act
In developing this proposed supplementary rule, the BLM did not conduct or use a study, experiment, or survey requiring peer review under the Information Quality Act (Section 515 of Pub. L. 106-554).
Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation (Executive Order 13352)
In accordance with Executive Order 13352, the BLM has determined that the proposed supplementary rule would not impede facilitating cooperative conservation; would take appropriate account of and consider the interests of persons with ownership or other legally recognized interests in land or other natural resources; would properly accommodate local participation in the Federal decision-making process; and would provide that the associated programs, projects, and activities are consistent with protecting public health and safety.
V. Proposed Rule
Author
The principal author of this proposed supplementary rule is Erin Jones, Associate District Manager BLM Upper Colorado River District Office.
For the reasons stated in the preamble, and under the authority of 43 U.S.C. 1733(a) and 1740, and 43 CFR 8365.1-6, the State Director proposes a supplementary rule for public lands and facilities in the Colorado River Valley Field Office, Grand Junction Field Office, Kremmling Field Office, and Dominguez-Escalante NCA.
Proposed Supplementary Rule for the Colorado River Valley Field Office, Grand Junction Field Office, Kremmling Field Office, and Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
Definitions and Acronyms
(1) As used in this Supplementary Rule, the term:
[top] Approved Portable Toilet means any non-biodegradable, durable container designated to receive and hold human waste, in any container position without leaking; and equipped with a dumping
Camp means erecting a tent or shelter of natural or synthetic material; preparing a sleeping bag or other bedding material; parking a motor vehicle, motor home, or trailer; or mooring a vessel for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.
Campfire means a controlled fire occurring out of doors, used for cooking, branding, personal warmth, lighting, ceremonial, or aesthetic purposes.
Designated campsite means a BLM-designated campsite, marked with a visible number or identification mounted on a post or placard. Designated sites may be undeveloped or developed with basic amenities.
Developed recreation site. See definition at 43 CFR 8360.0-5(c).
Developed toilet facility means a vault-type, pit, or portable toilet provided by the BLM or its partners.
Dispersed campsite means an undesignated campsite not located in a campground that is traditionally used for camping.
Firearm means a weapon, by whatever name known, that is designed to expel a projectile by the action of powder; and be readily capable of use as a weapon.
Fire pan means a durable metal fire pan at least 12 inches in diameter with at least a 1.5-inch lip around its outer edge and sufficient to contain fire and fire remains containing fire, charcoal, and ash, while preventing ashes or burning material from spilling onto the ground; and that is elevated above the ground.
Fire ring means a ring designed to contain a fire on the ground and can be natural or manmade, constructed of non-flammable materials, and is not considered a designated trash receptacle.
Intent to camp means any off-loading, or preparing for use of common overnight equipment, such as tents, sleeping bags or bedding, food, cooking or dining equipment, or lighting equipment; or preparing common camping equipment for use in or on any boat.
Mechanized travel means moving by means of a mechanical device, such as a bicycle or game retrieval cart; not powered by a motor.
Over-snow vehicle means a motor vehicle that is designed for use over snow and that runs on a track or tracks and/or a ski or skis, while in use over snow.
Public lands means any lands and interests in lands owned by the United States and administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management without regard to how the United States acquired ownership, except:
1. lands located on the Outer Continental Shelf; and
2. lands held for the benefit of Indians, Aleuts, and Eskimos.
Recreational Target Shooting means target shooting that uses any devices to propel a projectile, including but not limited to firearms, bow and arrow, sling shots, paint ball guns, and air guns. Target shooting is not considered hunting. Hunting with a valid hunting license is allowed in areas that are closed to target shooting.
Resource damage means impacts to natural resources or public lands due to injury, destruction, or loss of natural resources, resulting in the necessary restoration or replacement of such natural resources.
Sport rock climbing means a style of climbing that relies on fixed protection against falls, usually bolts and/or top anchors.
Target means an object constructed of wood, paper, or biodegradable materials, or commercially manufactured and designed for target shooting, and that may be supported by a target frame ( e.g., metal or PVC frame).
Target backstop means an unobstructed earthen mound or bank at least 8 feet in height which must stop the progress of and contain all projectiles, fragments, and ricochets in a safe manner.
Vehicle means any motorized transportation conveyance designed and licensed for use on roadways, such an automobile, bus, motorcycle, or truck, and any motorized conveyance originally equipped with safety belts.
WAG Bag means any approved, commercially engineered, biodegradable, landfill-approved bag system containing enzymes, polymers, or waste-alleviating gelling compounds that is designed for landfill or garbage can disposal (such as a "Waste Alleviation and Gelling" bag, a human waste disposal bag). The double bag system must be made of puncture resistant material, must be spill proof, hygienic, and approved for disposal in any garbage can.
(2) As used in this proposed Supplementary Rule, the following additional acronyms apply:
ACEC means Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
ERMA means Extensive Recreation Management Area.
OHV means off-highway vehicle.
NCA means National Conservation Area.
RMA means Recreation Management Area.
RMZ means Recreation Management Zone.
SRMA means Special Recreation Management Area.
USFS means United States Forest Service.
WSA means Wilderness Study Area.
Prohibited Acts on Public Lands Managed by the Colorado River Valley Field Office, Grand Junction Field Office, and Kremmling Field Office and in Dominguez-Escalante NCA
1. You must not abandon animal carcasses, or any part of an animal carcass, within 100 feet of the outer perimeter of any campsite (designated or dispersed) or 100 feet from the edge of any roadway or any water source.
2. You must not operate mechanical transport ( e.g., bicycles, mountain bikes) other than on designated roads and trails allowing such use or in designated-open areas and within designated-open timeframes.
3. You must not have a campfire outside of a designated campsite in the following areas:
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| Grand Junction Field Office | Dominguez-Escalante NCA |
|---|---|
| Pyramid Rock Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Unaweep Seep ACEC Dolores River Riparian ACEC | In the Gunnison River SRMA Corridor and other riparian and wetland areas |
| Bangs SRMA Recreation Management Zone (RMZ) 1 | |
| Bangs SRMA RMZ 3 | |
| Bangs SRMA RMZ 2 in the portion of the RMZ north of the drainage at the bottom of Rough Canyon | |
| Palisade Rim SRMA | |
| Grand Valley Shooting Ranges ERMA | |
| Gunnison River Bluffs ERMA | |
| Horse Mountain ERMA RMZ 1 | |
| Horse Mountain ERMA RMZ 2 | |
| Horse Mountain ERMA RMZ 3 | |
| 18 Road Open OHV Area within the North Desert ERMA | |
| Within 100 meters (or approximately 328 feet) of standing historic structures to include, but not limited to, Calamity Camp and New Verde Mine, unless administratively permitted |
4. You must not camp outside of designated campsites and developed campgrounds in the following areas:
| Colorado River Valley Field Office | Grand Junction Field Office | Kremmling Field Office | Dominguez-Escalante NCA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within 0.25-mile of the Fisher Creek Cemetery Road Within 300 feet from the centerline of North Hardscrabble Access Road (Spring Creek) Glenwood Canyon in the Horseshoe Canyon (Bend) area Within 0.25-mile of Prince Creek Road (Pitkin County Road 7), including the Haines Parcel Eagle River ERMA Garfield Creek Colorado River Access Site and on surrounding BLM lands Silt Mesa ERMA (BLM lands south of the crest of the Grand Hogback mountain) Thompson Creek area within 0.25-mile of USFS Road 305 Red Hill SRMA (north of Carbondale, Colorado) East Glenwood Canyon Trailhead area north of the Colorado River South Canyon Recreation Site and surrounding area Ute Trailhead (near Dotsero) west and north of the Colorado River Sutey Ranch | Pyramid Rock ACEC Unaweep Seep ACEC Dolores River Riparian ACEC Bangs SRMA RMZ 1 Bangs SRMA RMZ 2 in the portion of the RMZ north of the drainage at the bottom of Rough Canyon Bangs SRMA RMZ 3 Dolores River SRMA North Fruita Desert SRMA Palisade Rim SRMA Grand Valley Shooting Ranges ERMA Gunnison River Bluffs ERMA Horse Mountain ERMA (all RMZs) 18 Road Open OHV Area within the North Desert ERMA Miracle Rock Recreation Site Mud Springs Campground Within 100 meters (or approximately 328 feet) of standing historic structures to include, but not limited to, Calamity Camp and New Verde Mine, unless administratively permitted | Within 0.25-mile of the Colorado River of the Upper Colorado River SRMA The open OHV area south and east of Wolford Mountain Wolford SRMA Recreation Management Zone 3-Lands west of Grand County Road 224, south of Wolford Mountain, west of Wolford Reservoir, and east of U.S. Hwy 40 Confluence Recreation Site, and adjacent BLM-managed public lands Reeder Creek Fishing Access, and adjacent BLM-managed public lands Sunset Fishing Access, and adjacent BLM managed public lands Windy Gap Fishing Access Parking Area Fraser River Fishing Access Parking Area Sidewinder Jeep Trail Parking Area Kremmling Cretaceous Ammonite Site Barger Gulch Paleo-Indian Site Yarmony Pit House Site Upper CO River SRMA Yarmony Jeep Trail Recreation Management Zone 4 Independence Mountain Tipi Site Junction Butte Wetlands Upper CO River SRMA Gore Canyon Ranch Recreation Management Zone 5 Hurd Peak and Tab Rock staging areas Headwaters RMA Jacques staging area, and adjacent BLM-managed public lands North Sand Hills Instant Study Area | Cactus Park SRMA Gunnison River SRMA Escalante Canyon SRMA, including the Escalante Potholes Recreation Site RMZ 2 Sawmill Mesa/Wagon Park ERMA |
[top] 5. Equestrian travel is prohibited on/in the following trails/areas:
| Colorado River Valley Field Office | Grand Junction Field Office | Kremmling Field Office |
|---|---|---|
| Storm King Trail Sutey Ranch from December 1 through April 15 | Pyramid Rock ACEC Mica Mine Trail Rough Canyon Trail Free Lunch Trail Pucker Up Trail | Kremmling Cretaceous Ammonite ACEC/Resource Natural Area (RNA) Fraser River Canyon Access Trail Gore Canyon Trail Argentine Trail |
6. Recreational target shooting is prohibited on the following BLM-managed lands to protect visitor safety (discharge of firearms, other weapons, and fireworks on developed recreation sites and areas is prohibited under 43 CFR 8365.2-5(a)).
| Colorado River Valley Field Office | Grand Junction Field Office | Kremmling Field Office | Dominguez-Escalante NCA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Within 300 feet from the centerline of North Hardscrabble Access Road (Spring Creek) Silt Mesa ERMA (BLM lands south of the crest of the Grand Hogback Mountain) | Bangs SRMA RMZs 1, 2, and 3 Coal Canyon and Main Canyon areas Grand Valley OHV SRMA Gunnison River Bluffs ERMA Horse Mountain ERMA, including RMZ 1 west of Sink Creek, RMZ 2, and areas adjacent to residences at the end of C Road Mt. Garfield ACEC North Desert ERMA18 Road Open OHV area North Fruita Desert SRMA Palisade Rim SRMA Pyramid Rock ACEC | Upper Colorado River SRMA Barger Gulch fishing access Highway 9 fishing access Reeder Creek fishing area Reeder Creek parking/access Sunset fishing access Upper Colorado River corridor and Scenic Byway Hebron Watchable Wildlife Area Wolford SRMA, south portion Strawberry SRMA, Strawberry/Hurd Peak Area North Sand Hills SRMA and Cooperative Management Area Headwaters ERMA Kinney Creek trailhead Jacques parking area | Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Zone 1 Gunnison River SRMA Escalante Canyon SRMA East Creek ERMA |
7. Overnight use is prohibited in the following areas (day-use allowed only):
| Colorado River Valley Field Office (use prohibited from 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m.) | Grand Junction Field Office (use prohibited from sunset-sunrise) | Kremmling Field Office (use prohibited from sunset-sunrise) | Dominguez-Escalante NCA (use prohibited from sunset-sunrise) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLM recreation sites where camping facilities are not provided Deep Creek Canyon-within 0.25-miles of Deep Creek accessible from the Coffee Pot Road | 34 and C Roads (areas adjacent to the Horse Mountain ERMA) Grand Valley Shooting Ranges ERMA (with an exception for authorized training exercises) | BLM recreation sites where camping facilities are not provided | Rambo/Little Dominguez Canyon Heritage Area The Wilderness portion of Big Dominguez Heritage Area The Wilderness portion of Leonard's Basin Heritage Area |
| Sutey Ranch | Horse Mountain ERMA (RMZ 1 (portion of the RMZ west of Sink Creek), RMZ 2 and RMZ 3) | Wilderness Zone 1 | |
| Redlands Dam area along the Gunnison River The Potholes on the Little Dolores River off of 9.8 Road in the Glade Park area | Wilderness portion of the Leonards Basin Heritage Area East Creek ERMA |
8. The following areas are closed to mechanized travel during the specified timeframes to protect wintering big game species.
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| Colorado River Valley Field Office (December 1 through April 15) | Grand Junction Field Office (December 1 through May 1) | Kremmling Field Office (December 15 through April 15) | Dominguez-Escalante NCA (December 1 through April 30) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basalt Mountain (south portion-1,300 acres) Boiler-East Elk Creek-New Castle (4,400 acres) | Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range Beehive Wildlife Emphasis Area (WEA) Blue Mesa WEA | Strawberry SRMA Wolford Mountain Travel Management Area and SRMA North Sand Hills SRMA | Gibbler Gulch Wagon Park Sowbelly Upper Sawmill Mesa |
| Cottonwood Creek (13,800 acres) Dry Rifle Creek (2,200 acres) | East Salt Creek WEA Rapid Creek WEA Chalk Mountain | Dry Mesa | |
| East Eagle except for the following bike trails: (a) Boneyard Trail; (b) Redneck Ridge Trail; and (c) Western portion of Pool and Ice Trail (6,000 acres) Fisher Creek-Cattle Creek (2,800 acres) | Coal Canyon Demaree Canyon outside of the Wilderness Study Area (WSA) Garvey Canyon Grand Mesa Slopes Howard Canyon Flats Indian Point Post Canyon | ||
| Flatiron Mesa (800 acres) Hardscrabble (24,600 acres) Light Hill (3,800 acres) Red Canyon-Hells Pocket-Bocco Mountain-East Castle Peak (14,500 acres) | Lapham Canyon Coal Gulch Fruita Slopes Rapid Creek | ||
| Red Hill SRMA (north side) (2,600 acres) | |||
| The Crown, except for the bike trail system paralleling Prince Creek Road (9,200 acres) | |||
| Thompson Creek/Holgate Mesa (9,500 acres) | |||
| West Rifle Creek (1,100 acres) | |||
| Williams Hill (1,500 acres) | |||
| Winter Ridge, Black Mountain, Pisgah Mountain,Windy Point, Boore Flat, and Domantle (33,500 acres) |
Restrictions on Activities on Public Lands Managed by the Colorado River Valley Field Office
1. You must not engage in target shooting without a target backstop.
2. You must not build or maintain a fire more than 3 feet in diameter, unless otherwise authorized.
3. Unless the campsite is marked and designated by the BLM, you must not camp within 100 feet from any spring, pond, lake, or perennial stream.
4. You must keep dogs and other domesticated animals on a leash or other similar constraint ( e.g., voice control, shock collar) where indicated by a BLM sign, brochure, or map. This regulation does not apply to livestock working or hunting dogs engaged in those activities. You must remove and properly dispose of all pet waste from developed recreation sites and areas.
5. You must not cut live or dead standing trees unless otherwise permitted. You may collect only dead and down wood for campfires.
6. You must not camp or otherwise occupy any location or site for more than 7 consecutive days from April 1 to August 31, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the BLM.
7. You must not camp or otherwise occupy any location or site for more than 14 consecutive days between September 1 and March 31, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the BLM.
8. In areas with limited travel designations, mechanized travel is limited to designated routes.
9. In areas with limited travel designations, mechanized and motorized travel up to 300 feet from designated motorized/mechanized routes is permitted for direct access to dispersed campsites provided that: (a) no resource damage occurs; (b) no new routes beyond the campsite are created; and (c) such access is not otherwise prohibited (such as in WSAs).
10. In areas open for over-snow travel, travel off designated routes is prohibited unless a minimum of 12 inches of snow cover exists and no resource damage will occur from over-snow travel.
11. In the Thompson Creek ERMA,
(a) You may reestablish old rock-climbing routes and permanent fixed climbing anchors (bolts and pitons) only at the BLM-recognized sport rock climbing area (rock fins, narrow walls of hard sedimentary rock).
(b) You must not develop additional bolted routes outside of the BLM-recognized sport rock climbing area (rock fins).
(c) You may use mechanical devices ( e.g., power drills) only at the BLM-recognized sport rock climbing area (rock fins).
(d) You must not exceed a climbing group size (per route) of four people per day, including staff, at the BLM-recognized sport rock climbing area (rock fins).
12. In the Upper Colorado SRMA,
(a) You must not exceed a group size of 25 people per group (including guides) for commercial and private river groups.
(b) You must not camp or display an intent to camp during an overnight river trip without an approved fire pan.
(c) You must not camp, or display an intent to camp overnight, without an approved portable toilet.
(d) You must carry and use an approved portable toilet on an overnight trip. The system must be adequate for the size of the group and length of the trip. All solid human bodily waste, including WAG bags, must be contained in a leak-proof, hard-sided container with a screw-on or ratchet-locking lid.
(e) You must not fail to set up an approved portable toilet, ready for use, as soon as practical upon arriving at the campsite to be occupied on an overnight trip if a toilet facility (porta-potty or vault toilet) is not provided by the BLM.
[top] (f) You must not empty an approved portable toilet into a developed toilet facility, or any other facility not developed and identified especially for that purpose. Leaving solid human waste on public lands or dumping it into vault toilets or trash receptacles at BLM-managed facilities is prohibited unless using a WAG-bag system that is specifically designed for disposal in trash receptacles.
(g) You must remove and properly dispose of all pet waste from developed recreation sites/areas.
13. On the Sutey Ranch,
(a) You must not enter from December 1 through April 15 when closure orders are in effect to protect wintering big game, except when allowed under other applicable laws.
(b) You must not harvest timber, firewood, or special forest products.
(c) You must not travel by mechanized vehicle from October 1 through May 31.
Restrictions on Activities on Public Lands Managed by the Grand Junction Field Office
1. You must use an approved portable toilet at designated undeveloped sites in the following areas: North Fruita Desert SRMA, Bangs SRMA RMZ 2, and Dolores River SRMA.
2. You must not enter the Pyramid Rock ACEC.
3. You must not travel via any mode of transport (including foot and horse travel) off designated routes in the following areas: Bangs SRMA RMZ 1 north of Little Park Road and Andy's Loop, and Gunnison River Bluffs ERMA.
4. You must not collect dead and down wood in the following areas, except for campfire use: Unaweep lands with wilderness characteristics area; riparian areas; Pyramid Rock ACEC; Unaweep Seep ACEC; Bangs SRMA RMZ 2.
5. You must collect only dead and down wood for campfires in the North Desert ERMA.
6. You must not harvest timber or cut firewood in the following areas: Bangs SRMA RMZ 1; RMZ 3; RMZ 4; North Fruita Desert SRMA; Palisade Rim SRMA.
7. You must not exceed the following group-size limits, including guides and dogs, without written authorization from the BLM: 12 in WSAs and areas managed to protect wilderness characteristics; 25 for more than 2 hours in the remaining lands managed by the Grand Junction Field Office. For groups that exceed these limits, you must contact the BLM prior to the outing so that the BLM can determine whether an organized group Special Recreation Permit is required.
8. You must have campfires within agency-provided fire rings or approved fire pans at designated undeveloped sites in the following areas: Dolores River SRMA, Bangs SRMA RMZ 2, North Fruita Desert SRMA.
9. You must not install permanent climbing anchors that do not match the color of the rock surface (fixtures, hardware, and webbing, etc.).
Restrictions on Activities on Public Lands Managed by the Kremmling Field Office
1. You must not empty or dispose of sewage and/or gray water held in a containment tank on public lands or at any facility not specifically identified for such disposal.
2. You must not build or maintain a fire more than 3 feet in diameter, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the BLM.
3. You must not leave, deposit, or scatter human waste, toilet paper, or items used as toilet paper, when an approved portable toilet or developed toilet facility is available. Where a developed toilet facility is not provided, and an approved portable toilet is not required, all human waste and toilet paper, or material used as toilet paper, must be buried at least 6 inches below the surface of the ground in natural soil, and at least 100 feet from the edge of a river or any other water source.
4. You must not dig in or level the ground at any campsite.
5. In areas open to dispersed camping, you must not camp outside of designated sites within 50 feet of any spring, pond, lake, or perennial stream.
6. You must keep dogs and other domesticated animals on a leash or other similar constraint ( e.g., voice control, shock collar). This regulation does not apply to livestock working or hunting dogs engaged in those activities. You must remove and properly dispose of all pet waste from developed recreation sites/areas.
7. Fuel wood collection is prohibited in developed recreation areas. Fuel wood for recreational campfires outside of developed recreation areas is limited to dead and downed vegetation, unless otherwise prohibited.
8. You must not camp or otherwise occupy any location or site for more than 7 consecutive days from April 1 to August 31, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the BLM.
9. You must not camp or otherwise occupy any location or site for more than 14 consecutive days between September 1 and March 31, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the BLM.
10. In areas open for over-snow travel in the field office, travel off designated routes is prohibited unless a minimum of 12 inches of snow cover exists and no resource damage will occur from over-snow travel.
11. In areas with limited travel designations, mechanized travel is limited to designated routes.
12. In areas with limited travel designations, motorized and mechanized travel (bicycles) are allowed up to 300 feet from designated motorized or mechanized transport routes for direct access to dispersed campsites or parking provided that: (a) no resource damage occurs; (b) no new routes are created; and (c) such access is not otherwise prohibited.
13. In the Wolford Mountain Travel Management Area, motorized and mechanized travel (bicycles) is allowed up to 50 feet from designated motorized or mechanized routes for direct access to dispersed campsites or parking provided that: (a) no resource damage occurs; (b) no new routes are created; and (c) such access is not otherwise prohibited.
14. In the North Sand Hills SRMA,
(a) You must not park a vehicle in such a manner as to impede or obstruct the normal flow of traffic or create a hazardous condition.
(b) You must obey posted parking closures or restrictions.
(c) You must not operate a motor vehicle or OHV in excess of the posted speed limit, or in excess of 15 mph around camping areas, 50 feet from any campsite, parked vehicle(s), person(s), or animal(s).
(d) You must not possess or use any glass container on the open sand dunes or trails. Persons may possess glass containers within the confines of their camping area.
(e) You must not cut, collect, or use live, dead, or down wood.
15. In the Wolford Mountain SRMA,
(a) You must possess and use a hazardous materials spill kit if necessary during travel on the Sidewinder Extreme 4x4 trail.
(b) Travel is allowed on the Sidewinder Extreme 4x4 trail only when the top 1 inch of soil is dry and there is no rutting.
16. In the Upper Colorado River SRMA,
(a) You must not camp, or display intent to camp overnight, without an approved portable toilet.
(b) You must carry and use an approved portable toilet when on an overnight trip. The system must be adequate for the size of the group and length of the trip. The toilet system must be a reusable, washable, leak-proof toilet system that allows for the carry-out and disposal of solid human body waste in a responsible and lawful manner and must be accessible during the trip.
[top] (c) All solid human waste, including WAG bags, must be contained in a leak-proof, animal-proof, hard-sided container with a screw-on or ratchet-locking lid.
(d) You must set up an approved portable toilet, ready for use, as soon as practical upon arriving at the campsite to be occupied on an overnight trip. You must not empty an approved portable toilet into a developed toilet facility, or any other facility not developed and identified especially for that purpose. Leaving solid human waste on public lands or dumping it into vault toilets or trash receptacles at BLM-managed facilities is prohibited.
(e) You must not camp or display intent to camp during an overnight river trip without an approved fire pan.
(f) You must not build, ignite, maintain, or use a campfire not contained in an approved fire pan.
(g) You must not leave fresh fire ash produced from a campfire in a fire pan or in a constructed, permanently installed metal fire pit provided by the BLM outside of the Pumphouse, Radium, and State Bridge Recreation Sites. Fire blankets under fire pans to facilitate total ash removal are recommended but are not required.
(h) You must remove and properly dispose of all pet waste from developed recreation sites/areas.
(i) You must not launch or take out a vessel in areas signed as prohibiting those activities.
(j) You must not cut, collect, or use live, dead, or down wood except driftwood.
Restrictions on Activities on Public Lands in the Dominguez-Escalante NCA
1. You must not install permanent climbing anchors in outstanding geologic features identified on a BLM sign or map.
2. You must not place or maintain permanent climbing anchors inside the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area without a permit from the BLM.
3. You must not install permanent climbing anchors that do not match the color of the rock surface (fixtures, hardware, and webbing, etc.).
4. You must not collect or harvest firewood or native species in riparian and wetland areas, except for driftwood.
5. You must not possess domestic goats.
6. You must keep all domestic dogs on leashes, except those actively working on a livestock operation in Wilderness Zone 1 and in the Escalante Triangle RMZ in the Sawmill Mesa ERMA (after the loop trail system is constructed).
7. You must not exceed group-size limit of 25 people in Wilderness Zone 1.
8. You must not exceed a group-size limit of 12 people in Wilderness Zones 2 and 3.
9. You must pack out all solid human waste in Wilderness Zone 2.
10. You must pack out solid human waste or bury solid human waste in a cathole more than 100 meters (approximately 383 feet) from natural water sources (rivers, creeks, springs, and seeps) in Wilderness Zone 3.
11. You must not place recreational geocaches without BLM authorization prior to placement.
12. You must not use a metal detector.
13. You must not use a paintball gun.
14. You must not use glass containers in the Potholes Recreation Site (Escalante Canyon) and Gunnison River SRMA.
15. Consistent with Public Law 111-11, you must not remove minerals from the NCA.
16. You must pack out solid human waste and fire ash. You must use portable toilet systems and fire pans for all overnight camping in undeveloped camp sites in the following RMAs: Gunnison River, Cactus Park, Escalante Canyon.
17. You must not rock climb ( e.g., bouldering, scrambling, trad climbing or sport climbing) in the East Creek RMA or Escalante Canyon RMA in areas or on routes marked as closed by BLM.
18. You must not ride a horse, donkey, mule, or burro in Wilderness Zone 1 except on existing routes identified on a BLM sign or map.
19. In the Gunnison River RMA,
(a) Motorized boat use is prohibited at BLM boat ramps and at campsites from May 1 through Labor Day Weekend.
(b) You must not have your dog off leash at boat ramps and the mouth of Dominguez Canyon.
(c) Exceeding a group size of 25 on the river (including guides and dogs) is prohibited.
(d) You must not camp outside of designated campsites.
(e) Non-boating overnight camping is prohibited at the mouth of Dominguez Canyon from May 1 through Labor Day Weekend.
(f) You must not camp more than 7 consecutive nights, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the BLM.
20. In the Ninemile Hill Recreation Management Area (RMA),
(a) You must not camp outside of designated campsites. Dispersed camping is allowed outside of designated campsites, so long as such camping takes place at least a 1⁄4 mile (approximately 1,320 feet) away from designated motorized routes.
(b) You must not camp for more than 7 consecutive days, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the BLM.
21. In the Cactus Park RMA,
(a) You must not camp outside of designated campsites.
(b) You must not camp for more than 7 consecutive days from April 1 through Labor Day Weekend unless otherwise authorized by the BLM.
22. In the Hunting Ground RMA
(a) You must not camp for more than 7 consecutive days, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the BLM.
Exemptions
The following persons are exempt from this proposed supplementary rule: any Federal, State, local, and/or military employees acting within the scope of their official duties; members of any organized rescue or fire fighting force performing an official duty; and persons who are expressly authorized or approved by the BLM.
Enforcement
Any person who violates any part of this supplementary rule may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined in accordance with 18 U.S.C. 3571, imprisoned no more than 12 months under 43 U.S.C. 1733(a) and 43 CFR 8360.0-7, or both. In accordance with 43 CFR 8365.1-7, State or local officials may also impose penalties for violations of Colorado law.
(Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1733(a), 1740; 43 CFR 8365.1-6).
Douglas Vilsack,
BLM Colorado State Director.
[FR Doc. 2024-01399 Filed 1-24-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4331-16-P