Rule2024-30059
Notice of Final Supplementary Rule for Public Lands Administered by the Tres Rios Field Office in Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma, Dolores, San Miguel, and Montrose Counties, and by the Gunnison Field Office in Gunnison, Ouray, San Juan, and Hinsdale Counties, Colorado
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
December 19, 2024
Effective
January 18, 2025
Issuing agencies
Interior DepartmentLand Management Bureau
Abstract
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is finalizing a supplementary rule for BLM-administered public lands in the Tres Rios Field Office (TRFO) and Gunnison Field Office (GFO). The final supplementary rule will allow the BLM to implement and enforce decisions related to motorized and non-motorized vehicles, day-use areas, seasonal wildlife habitat protection, camping, and campfires.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 103672-103677]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30059]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
43 CFR Part 8360
[BLM_CO_FRN_MO4500180623]
Notice of Final Supplementary Rule for Public Lands Administered
by the Tres Rios Field Office in Archuleta, La Plata, Montezuma,
Dolores, San Miguel, and Montrose Counties, and by the Gunnison Field
Office in Gunnison, Ouray, San Juan, and Hinsdale Counties, Colorado
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
ACTION: Final supplementary rule.
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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is finalizing a
supplementary rule for BLM-administered public lands in the Tres Rios
Field Office (TRFO) and Gunnison Field Office (GFO). The final
supplementary rule will allow the BLM to implement and enforce
decisions related to motorized and non-motorized vehicles, day-use
areas, seasonal wildlife habitat protection, camping, and campfires.
DATES: The final supplementary rule is effective on January 18, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Inquiries may be directed to the BLM TRFO, 29211 Highway
184, Dolores, CO 81323, or at (970) 882-1120; or to the BLM GFO, 2500
E. New York Ave, Gunnison, CO 81230 or at (970) 642-4940.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tyler Fouss, Field Staff Ranger, BLM
TRFO, 29211 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323; telephone 970-882-1131;
email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f387959c868080b3919f9edd949c85"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2155474e54525261434d4c0f464e57">[email protected]</span></a>. 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. Background
II. Discussion of Public Comments
III. Discussion of Final Supplementary Rule
IV. Procedural Matters
V. Final Supplementary Rule
I. Background
The BLM is establishing this supplementary rule under the authority
of 43 CFR 8365.1-6, which authorizes BLM State Directors to establish
supplementary rules for the protection of persons, property, and public
lands and resources.
In 2015, the TRFO approved a Resource Management Plan (RMP) to
replace portions of the San Juan/San Miguel RMP that are within the
jurisdiction of the TRFO (previously known as the San Juan Resource
Area). The two approved RMPs and Records of Decision provide direction
on how the BLM will manage public lands in Archuleta, La Plata,
Montezuma, Dolores, San Miguel, Montrose, Gunnison, San Juan, Ouray,
and Hinsdale counties, Colorado, except for public lands that are
within the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, which is managed
under a separate RMP approved in 2010. During the public planning and
analysis processes for the TRFO RMP, the BLM identified the need to
establish a supplementary rule to provide for visitor health and safety
and to protect cultural, wildlife, and natural resources on public
lands managed by the BLM.
The TRFO RMP carries forward decisions in the Dolores River
Corridor Management Plan (CMP) and the Alpine Triangle Recreation Area
Management Plan (RAMP), which were approved in 1990 and 2010,
respectively. The Silverton Travel Management Plan (TMP) and the TRFO
Transportation and Access Plan for Travel Area 1 (TAP1) were both
approved in 2020.
Over the past 10 years, the BLM has recorded increases in
visitation numbers and subsequent pressures to Special Recreation
Management Areas (SRMAs), critical winter wildlife habitat areas, and
archaeological sites throughout the TRFO and GFO. To address the
growing concerns, the BLM is establishing this supplementary rule to
implement decisions in the five management plans to protect visitor
health and safety and prevent natural and cultural resource
degradation.
When the BLM adopted the TRFO RMP, the plan included BLM-managed
lands that are now under the jurisdiction of the GFO due to changes in
the TRFO and GFO boundaries. Neither the TRFO RMP nor the GFO RMP have
been updated to reflect these changes; thus, the rule will also apply
to BLM-managed lands now administered by the GFO in parts of Hinsdale,
San Juan, and Ouray counties.
Several sections of the rule will implement decisions spanning all
public lands managed by the BLM in the TRFO and GFO. Other sections
will apply only to specific types of BLM-managed lands, such as SRMAs
or critical winter wildlife habitat areas experiencing the most
visitation. The rule will only address land use limitations and
restrictions previously proposed, analyzed, and approved as part of the
public planning processes for the TRFO RMP, Dolores River CMP, Alpine
Triangle RAMP, Silverton TMP, and TRFO TAP1, and their associated
environmental impact statements (EIS) or environmental assessments
(EA). The BLM developed the five management plans with extensive input
from the public, Tribes, and elected officials through scoping,
opportunities for public comment, and resource advisory committee
meetings. The BLM took the following steps to involve the public in
developing the plans that are the basis for this final supplementary
rule:
1. The TRFO RMP was initially a joint agency planning effort by the
BLM and U.S. Forest Service, which included extensive public
participation in determining appropriate uses in the planning area.
Public comments and input received during all planning stages resulted
in the BLM fine-tuning the TRFO RMP, which applies only to public lands
managed by the BLM.
2. Public participation for the Dolores River CMP was a coordinated
effort consisting of a task force of people representing diverse
interests, including local governments, private landowners, wildlife
and fishing enthusiasts, resource conservationists, and private and
commercial boaters. In addition, the BLM hosted several public meetings
in local communities surrounding the planning area to consider options
for managing the river canyon.
3. Public participation was vital to developing the Alpine Triangle
RAMP. The BLM developed and implemented a public involvement strategy
to obtain input from a diverse group of stakeholders and set the stage
for community support.
4. The public involvement effort for the Silverton TMP included
opportunities for the public to provide feedback during scoping and
review of the EA and a BLM open house public meeting at Kendall
Mountain in Silverton, Colorado.
5. To develop the TRFO TAP1, the BLM met with various individuals,
organizations, and interest groups representing motorized, equestrian,
and mechanized users as well as conservation organizations. The BLM
[[Page 103673]]
also hosted open-house meetings to solicit initial public input.
II. Discussion of Public Comments
The BLM published a proposed supplementary rule on February 28,
2024 (89 FR 14606) and received 24 comments during the 60-day public
comment period. Five commenters expressed support for the supplementary
rule.
One commenter expressed opposition to proposed rules restricting
mechanized travel and indicated that the rule is an affront to
accessibility for people unable to walk or bike. Under proposed Rules
1, 4, 8, and 12, mechanized travel is allowed on designated routes.
Proposed Rules 5 and 7 prohibit all mechanized travel within the Perins
Peak Wildlife Management Area, designated Wilderness Study Areas, and
the Coyote Wash and Snaggletooth lands with wilderness characteristics.
Proposed Rule 4 prohibits mechanized vehicles within the Willow Creek
Wildlife Management Area from December 1 through June 30 each year. The
proposed rule's definition of mechanized travel exempts wheelchairs
from mechanized-travel restrictions. Any change to the mechanized
travel restrictions would require the BLM to amend the underlying RMP.
The BLM did not revise the final supplementary rule in response to this
comment.
One commenter indicated that proposed rule 24, which states that
``You must register at a developed BLM river launch point prior to
watercraft use from Bradfield Bridge to Bedrock,'' is unclear. In
response, the BLM is clarifying the language in the final rule to read
that the rule applies only to river trips. The same commenter stated
that the rule cannot apply to private lands. The proposed rule already
stipulates that it applies only to specified BLM public lands as does
the final rule, so no change is needed.
One commenter stated that the TRFO RMP does not have a Phil's World
Recreation Management Zone (RMZ), does not specify that wildlife
closures are to be lifted on April 15 of each year, and does not have
restrictions for domestic animals in the Cortez SRMA, Durango SRMA, or
Silverton SRMA. In response to this comment, the final rule changes the
reference to ``Phil's World RMZ'' in proposed Rule 16 to the ``Phil's
World Area.'' Lifting wildlife closures on April 15 is specific to the
annual Durango area wildlife closures as set forth in the TRFO RMP.
Restrictions pertaining to domestic animals are detailed in Appendix E
of the TRFO RMP.
One commenter disputed the proposed requirement in Rule 15 that,
particularly within the Silverton SRMA, domestic animals such as dogs
must be controlled by leash or voice command to prevent negative
interactions between recreationalists and sheep herds, including the
dogs used to protect them. The commenter indicated that the rule should
apply to the dogs used to protect the sheep as well and that
sheepherders should consider using less aggressive dog breeds. Any
change to the decisions that domestic animals be leashed and under
voice control in the Silverton SRMA would require the BLM to amend the
underlying RMP. The BLM did not revise the final rule in response to
this comment.
A form email received from 14 individuals expressed general
concerns with what they view as arbitrary dates for closures, group
size limits, and camping limitations and indicated that they do not
want to see additional restrictions in the Dolores River corridor. The
commenters further indicated that, if a certain amount of acreage is
restricted to overnight camping, the BLM needs to open additional
acreage somewhere else to accommodate the growing number of recreation
users on public lands.
Rules that have user-restriction dates are for winter wildlife
closures, which are needed to reduce stress and impacts on wildlife.
The restricted dates were analyzed as part of the Tres Rios RMP and
correspond with the dates set by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for winter
wildlife closures on State-managed public lands. Rules that have group-
size limits are for river trips within the Dolores River corridor and
were analyzed in the Dolores River CMP. Rules that have camping
limitations are in place in the Cortez SRMA, the Durango SRMA, and
within the Alpine Triangle. In the Cortez SRMA, the Phil's World and
Mud Springs areas are designated as day-use areas. Camping is available
elsewhere within the Cortez SRMA. The Durango SRMA is in the urban
interface with the City of Durango, and dispersed camping is available
on BLM-managed public lands within a short distance from the Durango
SRMA. In the Alpine Triangle, camping is only restricted around
historic sites, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout the rest of
the area and in developed campgrounds. Rules stipulating wildlife
closure dates, group size limits, and camping restrictions were
established in the five management plans and cannot be changed without
plan amendments.
One commenter indicated that proposed rule number 27, which states
that ``You must not gather dead or down wood,'' should be clearer. In
response to this comment, the BLM has revised the final rule to clarify
that only the collection and burning of driftwood during river trips is
prohibited, as specified in the Dolores River CMP.
III. Discussion of the Final Supplementary Rule
The final supplementary rule will apply only to public lands and
facilities managed by the TRFO and the GFO.
The decisions from the five management plans that this final
supplementary rule will implement are focused on protecting public
health and safety and preventing damage to natural and cultural
resources. The five management plans include decisions concerning
restrictions, prohibitions, and allowable uses to address identified
issues or achieve management goals and objectives. For these decisions
to be effectively implemented, enforcement is needed, first to ensure
the management decisions are properly understood and followed, and
second to provide for civil and criminal penalties should these
restrictions and prohibitions not be followed. Most public land users
will not notice meaningful changes as many of the sections of the
supplementary rule have been long-held recommendations that will now
become regulations.
IV. Procedural Matters
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 and
13563)
The final supplementary rule is not a significant regulatory action
and is not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget
under E.O. 12866 as amended by E.O. 14094. The final supplementary rule
will not have an annual effect of $200 million or more on the economy.
It will not adversely affect, in a material way, the economy;
productivity; competition; jobs; the environment; public health or
safety; or State, local, or Tribal governments or communities. The
final supplementary rule will not create a serious inconsistency or
otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency.
The final supplementary rule will not materially alter the budgetary
effects of entitlements, grants, user fees, loan programs, or the
rights or obligations of their recipients; nor does it raise novel
legal or policy issues. The final rule merely establishes rules of
conduct for public use on a limited area of public lands.
[[Page 103674]]
Regulatory Flexibility Act
Congress enacted the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) of 1980, 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 BLM considered economic
impacts at the time the land use plans were developed and these impacts
were deemed to be minimal. The BLM expects impacts from this final rule
to affect a small number of outfitters and have only a minor
socioeconomic impact relative to the area's overall economy.
The requirements contained within this final supplementary rule are
based on decisions the BLM made when it developed five land-use
management plans between 1990 and 2015. This final rule codifies those
decisions so that the BLM can ensure the public properly understands
and follows them. This final rule also provides for civil and criminal
penalties should the public not follow these restrictions and
prohibitions. Most public land users, including small businesses that
operate on BLM-managed public lands, will not notice any meaningful
changes as many of the sections of the supplementary rule have been
long-held recommendations that the public has largely been following.
These recommendations will now become regulations. Therefore, the BLM
has determined under the RFA the final supplementary rule will not have
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
Congressional Review Act
This final supplementary rule is not ``major'' as defined under 5
U.S.C. 804(2). This rule:
(a) Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $200 million
or more.
(b) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government
agencies, or geographic regions.
(c) Will not have significant adverse effects on competition,
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
This final supplementary rule will not impose an unfunded mandate
on State, local, or Tribal governments in the aggregate, or the private
sector, of more than $100 million per year, nor will it have a
significant or unique effect on small governments. 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) (E.O. 12630)
The final supplementary rule is not a government action capable of
interfering with constitutionally protected property rights. The final
supplementary rule does not address property rights in any form and
will not cause the impairment of constitutionally protected property
rights. Therefore, the BLM has determined the final supplementary rule
will not cause a ``taking'' of private property or require further
discussion of takings implications under this Executive order.
Federalism (E.O. 13132)
The final supplementary rule will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. The final
supplementary rule does not conflict with any State law or regulation.
Therefore, in accordance with E.O. 13132, the BLM has determined the
supplementary rule does not have sufficient Federalism implications to
warrant preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
Civil Justice Reform (E.O. 12988)
Under E.O. 12988, the BLM has determined the final supplementary
rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and the requirements of
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order are met.
Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments (E.O.
13175 and Departmental Policy)
In accordance with E.O. 13175, the BLM has determined the final
supplementary rule does not include policies that have Tribal
implications and will have no bearing on trust lands or on lands for
which title is held in fee status by American Indian Tribes or U.S.
Government-owned lands managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Since
the supplementary rule does not involve Indian reservation lands or
resources, the BLM has determined government-to-government
relationships remain unaffected.
Paperwork Reduction Act
The final supplementary rule does not contain information
collection requirements the Office of Management and Budget must
approve under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501
through 3521.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The final supplementary rule will allow the BLM to implement and
enforce key decisions in the TRFO RMP, the Dolores River CMP, the
Alpine Triangle RAMP, the Silverton TMP, and the TRFO TAP1 within TRFO
and GFO. The supplementary rule will not change the NEPA analysis or
decisions set forth in each of the plans. During the NEPA review for
each of these planning efforts, the BLM fully analyzed the effects of
this final supplementary rule in their respective NEPA documents:
<bullet> TRFO RMP EIS (DOI-BLM-CO-S010-2011-0067-EIS)
<bullet> Dolores River CMP EA (DOI-BLM-CO-030-SJ-90-46)
<bullet> Alpine Triangle RAMP EA (DOI-BLM-CO-160-2008-023-EA)
<bullet> Silverton TMP EA (DOI-BLM-CO-F070-2019-0008-EA)
<bullet> TRFO TAP1 EA (DOI-BLM-CO-S010-2018-0013)
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 NEPA analysis
and relevant decision document for each of the aforementioned plans,
and the Determination of NEPA Adequacy for this supplementary
rulemaking, are on file at the BLM offices at the addresses specified
in the ADDRESSES section and electronic copies are available online at
<a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/96401/510">https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/96401/510</a>.
Information Quality Act
In developing the final 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).
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use (E.O. 13211)
The final supplementary rule does not comprise a significant energy
action. The final supplementary rule will not have an adverse effect on
energy supply, production, or consumption and have no connection with
energy policy.
[[Page 103675]]
Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation (E.O. 13352)
In accordance with E.O. 13352, the BLM has determined the final
supplementary rule will not impede facilitating cooperative
conservation; will take appropriate account of and consider the
interests of persons with ownership or other legally recognized
interests in land or other natural resources; will properly accommodate
local participation in the Federal decision-making process; and will
provide that the programs, projects, and activities are consistent with
protecting public health and safety.
Author
The principal author of the final supplementary rule is Tyler
Fouss, Field Staff Ranger, Bureau of Land Management, Tres Rios Field
Office, Colorado.
V. Final Supplementary Rule
For the reasons stated in the preamble, and under the authorities
for supplementary rules at 43 U.S.C. 1733, 43 U.S.C. 1740, and 43 CFR
8365.1-6, the BLM Colorado State Director establishes this
Supplementary Rule for public lands managed by the BLM in the Tres Rios
Field Office and the Gunnison Field Office, to read as follows:
FINAL SUPPLEMENTARY RULE FOR THE TRES RIOS FIELD OFFICE AND GUNNISON
FIELD OFFICE
Definitions
Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) has the same meaning
as it does at 43 CFR 1601.0-5(a).
Campfire has the same meaning as it does at 43 CFR 8360.0-5(b).
Camping means the erecting of a tent or shelter of natural or
synthetic material, preparing a sleeping bag or other bedding material
for use, parking of a motor vehicle, motor home or trailer, or mooring
of a vessel, for the apparent purpose of recreational overnight
occupancy.
Designated travel route means roads and trails open to specified
modes of travel and identified on a map of designated roads and trails
available for public inspection at the BLM Tres Rios Field Office,
Colorado. Designated roads and trails are open to public OHV use in
accordance with such limits and restrictions as are, or may be,
specified in the RMP or a Travel Management Plan (TMP), or in future
decisions implementing the RMP. This definition excludes any road or
trail with BLM-authorized restrictions preventing use of the road or
trail. Restrictions may include, but are not limited to, signs or
physical barriers such as gates, fences, posts, branches, or rocks.
Fire pan means a metal container capable of containing a campfire
for purposes of containing all ash and protecting the underlying soils
from scorching.
Herd Management Area means those lands under the supervision of the
Bureau of Land Management managed for the maintenance of wild horse and
burro herds.
Historic structure means any prehistoric or historic district,
site, building, structure, or object included in, or eligible for
inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places. The term
includes properties of traditional religious and cultural importance to
an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization and that meet the
National Register criteria. The term ``eligible for inclusion in the
National Register of Historic Places'' includes both properties
formally determined as such by the Secretary of the Interior and all
other properties that meet National Register of Historic Places listing
criteria.
Lands managed to protect wilderness characteristics means those
lands that have been:
(1) Inventoried and determined by the BLM to contain wilderness
characteristics as defined in section 2(c) of the Wilderness Act; and
(2) Identified to protect those characteristics through a land use
planning process and subsequent Record of Decision.
Mechanized vehicle means any device propelled solely by human
power, upon which a person, or persons, may ride on land, having any
wheels, with the exception of a wheelchair.
Motorized vehicle means any vehicle propelled by a motor or engine,
capable of, or designed for, travel on or immediately over land, water,
or other natural terrain, such as a car, truck, off-highway vehicle,
motorcycle, or snowmobile. Off-highway vehicle has the same meaning as
it does in 43 CFR 8340.0-5(a).
Portable toilet means a washable, leak-proof, reusable toilet
system that allows for the carry-out and disposal of solid human body
waste in a responsible and lawful manner; the system must be adequate
for the size of the group and length of the trip. If a Wag Bag system
is used it must be in a hard-sided, clamped or screw top container--not
a dry bag.
Public lands has the same meaning as it does at 43 U.S.C. 1702(e).
Resource damage means damage to or disturbance of the soil,
wildlife, wildlife habitat, improvements, cultural, or vegetative
resources.
Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) means an administrative
unit where the existing or proposed recreation opportunities and
recreation setting characteristics are recognized for their unique
value, importance and/or distinctiveness, especially as compared to
other areas used for recreation.
Wilderness Study Area (WSA) means an area that has been identified
as a Wilderness Study Area in either the Gunnison or TRFO RMPs.
Prohibited Acts
Unless otherwise authorized, the following acts are prohibited on
all public lands, roads, trails, and waterways administered by the BLM
within the areas defined:
Within the Cortez Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), the
Dolores River SRMA, the Durango SRMA, the Ancestral Puebloan Area of
Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), the Gypsum Valley ACEC, the Mesa
Verde Escarpment ACEC, the Perins Peak and Willow Creek Wildlife
Management Areas, the Spring Creek Wild Horse Herd Management Area, as
identified in the TRFO RMP:
1. You must not operate or possess a mechanized vehicle on any
route, trail, or area not designated as open to such use, unless you
are using a mechanized game cart to retrieve a large game animal with a
valid carcass tag. Game carts are not allowed within the Perins Peak
Wildlife Management Area.
2. You must not use vehicles designed for traveling over snow
unless there is adequate snow cover to protect the underlying
vegetation and soils from the impact of that use. This use is
prohibited in designated Wilderness, Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs), or
lands with wilderness characteristics that are managed to protect
wilderness characteristics, in areas designated by Colorado Parks and
Wildlife as critical big game winter relief and winter concentration
areas, or areas designated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as occupied
Gunnison sage-grouse habitat.
3. You must not operate or possess a motorized vehicle beginning
2.4 miles north of the San Miguel/Dolores County line on the section of
Road 14F vacated by San Miguel County (road vacated 2.4 miles north of
the San Miguel/Dolores County line for a distance of 2.4 miles) from
February 1 through May 1 each year to protect Desert Bighorn Sheep
lambing, within the Dolores River SRMA.
4. You must not operate a mechanized vehicle within the Willow
Creek Wildlife Management Area from
[[Page 103676]]
December 1 through June 30 each year for the protection of Gunnison
Sage-grouse habitat.
5. You must not operate a mechanized vehicle within the Perins Peak
Wildlife Management Area.
6. You must not hike, ride, or be in possession of horses or other
pack animals on any route, trail, or area not designated as open to
such use within the Ancestral Puebloan ACEC and Mesa Verde Escarpment
ACEC. Hiking and horseback riding is allowed both on and off designated
travel routes throughout the remainder of the area managed by the Tres
Rios Field Office.
Within Designated WSAs and the Coyote Wash and Snaggletooth Lands With
Wilderness Characteristics, as Identified in the TRFO RMP
7. You must not operate or possess a mechanized vehicle.
Within Archuleta County, La Plata County, and Montezuma County, as
Identified in the TRFO TAP-1
8. You must not operate or possess a mechanized vehicle on any
route, trail, or area not designated as open to such use, unless you
are using a mechanized game cart to retrieve a large game animal with a
valid carcass tag. Game carts are not allowed within the Perins Peak
Wildlife Management Area.
9. You must not park or use a motorized or mechanized vehicle more
than 100 feet from the edge of a designated travel route (e.g., for
such uses as camping, picnicking, or firewood cutting) as identified in
the Travel Management Plan and travel management maps and firewood
cutting map.
10. You must not park a motorized vehicle more than 20 feet from
the edge of a designated travel route or in a manner that causes
resource damage in the Chutes and Ladders portion of the Cortez SRMA or
the Mahan area within La Plata County.
11. You must not use vehicles designed for traveling over snow
unless there is adequate snow cover to protect the underlying
vegetation and soils from the impact of that use. This use is
prohibited in designated Wilderness, WSAs, or other lands managed to
protect wilderness characteristics, in areas designated by Colorado
Parks and Wildlife as critical big game winter relief and winter
concentration areas, or in areas designated by Colorado Parks and
Wildlife as occupied Gunnison sage-grouse habitat.
Within the Silverton SRMA as Identified in the TRFO RMP and the
Silverton TMP Administered by the GFO
12. You must not operate or possess a mechanized vehicle on any
route, trail, or area not designated as open to such use unless you are
using a mechanized game cart to retrieve a large game animal with a
valid carcass tag outside of designated WSAs, or congressionally
designated Wilderness Areas.
13. You must not park a motorized vehicle more than 30 feet from
the edge of a designated travel route or in a manner that causes
resource damage.
14. You must not use vehicles designed for traveling over snow
unless there is adequate snow cover to protect the underlying
vegetation and soils from the impact of that use. This use is
prohibited in designated WSAs, congressionally designated Wilderness
areas, and other lands managed to protect wilderness characteristics.
This use is also prohibited in areas designated by Colorado Parks and
Wildlife as critical big game winter relief and winter concentration
areas or areas designated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as occupied
Gunnison sage-grouse habitat.
Within the Cortez SRMA, Durango SRMA and Silverton SRMA, as Identified
in the TRFO RMP
15. Domestic animals must be on a leash or under voice command.
Within the Cortez SRMA and the Durango SRMA as Identified in the TRFO
RMP
16. You must not enter or use the area within the Phil's World Area
and Mud Springs RMZ portion of the Cortez SRMA \1/2\ hour after sunset
to \1/2\ hour before sunrise unless:
a. You are using the non-motorized trails within the Phil's World
Area; or
b. You are a licensed hunter and acting in accordance with all
rules and regulations as defined by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
17. You must not enter or use the area \1/2\ hour after sunset to
\1/2\ hour before sunrise within the Animas City Mountain, Skyline, and
Grandview Recreation Management Zones of the Durango SRMA, except if
you are a licensed hunter and acting in accordance with all rules and
regulations as defined by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
18. You must not build, ignite, maintain, or attend to a fire or
campfire within the Animas City Mountain, Skyline, and Grandview
Recreation Management Zones of the Durango SRMA.
Within the Alpine Triangle as Identified in the TRFO RMP and the Alpine
Triangle RAMP for the GFO
19. You must not camp within 300 feet of the Animas Forks district
boundary and the Gold Prince Mill National Register Districts.
20. You must not camp within 150 feet of a historic structure.
21. You must not ignite or maintain a campfire within 150 feet of a
historic structure.
22. You must not ignite or maintain a campfire above 12,000 feet
within the Redcloud Peak ACEC.
Within the Dolores River SRMA as Identified in the TRFO RMP and the
Dolores River CMP
23. You must not use motorized watercraft from Bradfield Bridge to
Bedrock.
24. During river trips, you must register at a developed BLM river
launch point or with the Tres Rios Field Office prior to watercraft use
from Bradfield Bridge to Bedrock.
25. During river trips, you must not exceed posted group-size
limits.
26. During overnight river trips, you must dispose of human waste
into a portable toilet.
27. You must not gather or burn driftwood.
28. You must not have a campfire or charcoal fire without the use
of a fire pan.
29. You must pack out all ashes associated with a campfire or
charcoal fire.
Within the Cortez SRMA, Durango SRMA and Perins Peak Wildlife
Management Area as Identified in the TRFO RMP
30. You must not enter the Chutes-n-Ladders, Summit, and Aqueduct
areas of the Montezuma Triangle Recreation Management Zone within the
Cortez SRMA from December 1 through April 30 each year for the
protection of critical winter wildlife habitat. Travel on county roads
through the areas is allowed.
31. You must not enter identified closure areas in the Animas City
Mountain and Grandview Ridge Recreation Management Zones of the Durango
SRMA from December 1 through April 30 each year for the protection of
critical winter wildlife habitat. This closure may be opened April 15
if conditions and wildlife needs warrant.
32. You must not enter identified closure areas in the Perins Peak
Wildlife
[[Page 103677]]
Management Area from December 1 through April 30 each year for the
protection of critical winter wildlife habitat. This closure may be
opened April 15 if conditions and wildlife needs warrant.
33. You must not enter identified closure areas in the Perins Peak
Wildlife Management Area from March 15 through July 31 each year for
the protection of critical raptor habitat.
Exemptions
The following persons are exempt from this supplementary rule: any
Federal, State, or local officers or employees acting within the scope
of their official duties; members of any organized law enforcement,
military, rescue, or fire-fighting force performing an official duty;
and any persons who are expressly authorized or approved by the BLM
Authorized Officer.
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
or local law.
(Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1733, 43 U.S.C. 1740; 43 CFR 8365.1-6)
Douglas J. Vilsack,
BLM Colorado State Director.
[FR Doc. 2024-30059 Filed 12-18-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4331-16-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 19, 2024.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.