Rule2024-30218
Final Supplementary Rule for Public Lands in the Colorado River Valley, Grand Junction and Kremmling Field Offices, and the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area, CO
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 to protect natural resources and public health and safety. The final supplementary rule applies 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.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 89 Issue 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 244 (Thursday, December 19, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 103663-103672]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30218]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
43 CFR Part 8360
[PO #4820000251]
Final Supplementary Rule for 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: Final supplementary rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is finalizing a
supplementary rule to protect natural resources and public health and
safety. The final supplementary rule applies 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: This final supplementary rule is effective January 18, 2025.
ADDRESSES: Inquiries may be directed to the Colorado River Valley Field
Office at (970) 876-9000 or 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652;
the Grand Junction Field Office at (970) 244-3000 or 2815 H Road, Grand
Junction, CO 81506; or the Kremmling Field Office at (970) 724-3000 or
2103 E. Park Avenue, Kremmling, CO 81459.
The final rule and accompanying documentation are available for
inspection on the ePlanning website at: <a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/90071/510">https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/90071/510</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin Jones, Upper Colorado River
District Associate District Manager, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, CO
81506; telephone (970) 244-3008; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a1c4d3cbcecfc4d2e1c3cdcc8fc6ced7"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a6f786065646f794a686667246d657c">[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
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.
The BLM approved resource management plans (RMPs) for the Colorado
River Valley, Grand Junction, and Kremmling Field Offices in 2015, and
for the Dominguez-Escalante NCA in 2017. The RMPs identify management
actions that restrict certain activities and define allowable uses to
protect natural resources and public health and safety. This final
supplementary rule is necessary to implement those management decisions
and make them enforceable.
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 reviewed 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.)
II. Discussion of Public Comments
The BLM published a proposed supplementary rule on January 25, 2024
(89 FR 4872). The BLM received 432 comment letters during the 60-day
public comment period, 344 of which were identical form letters and 88
of which were unique comments. Of those 88 unique comment letters, 17
contained substantive comments. Many comment letters expressed support
for the proposed supplementary rule, but
[[Page 103664]]
other letters said the proposed rules were too restrictive. Many of the
form letters expressed the need for clarification and justification of
some of the rules.
The proposed rule's restrictions on dispersed camping received the
most comments. Commenters were concerned that the rule would diminish
their ability to camp in dispersed areas. However, even with these
restrictions, the vast majority of each of the field offices and the
NCA would still be open to dispersed camping. Over 500,000 acres in the
Colorado River Valley Field Office, over 300,000 acres in the Kremmling
Field Office, and over 1 million acres in the Grand Junction Field
Office (including the Dominguez-Escalante NCA) would still be available
for dispersed camping. These comments did not result in changes to the
final rule.
Some commenters said the public would not know about the new rule
once it is finalized and that the BLM would have trouble enforcing it.
The BLM plans to begin a public education campaign to help inform the
public of the new rule, including through personal contacts in the
field, signs, and other methods. These comments did not result in
changes to the final rule.
In its comment, Eagle County requested that the BLM add a rule
prohibiting public land users from leaving unsecured trash at campsites
and requiring that unattended food and trash be stored in a sealed
container or in locked vehicles. However, the BLM did not consider or
analyze this requirement when preparing the Colorado River Valley Field
Office RMP and the proposed supplementary rule, which precludes us from
including this requirement in this final rule. The BLM will work with
the county and the public to address trash concerns. The BLM did not
change the final rule to address this comment.
The Kremmling Board of Trustees commented that the proposed rule
would greatly reduce the number of areas within the Kremmling Field
Office's jurisdiction that are available for recreational shooting. The
BLM included this reduction in the final 2015 Kremmling RMP, and the
public had the opportunity to comment on it at that time.
Implementation of the restrictions in this final rule will result in
over 300,000 acres still being available for recreational target
shooting in areas managed by the Kremmling Field Office. This comment
did not result in a change to the rule.
The BLM changed the definition of ``target backstop'' in the final
rule based on comments received from Shooting Sports Round-table
members that the proposed definition was too specific and that there
are other backstop designs that will accomplish the same goal. The BLM
also added language that states ``you must not engage in target
shooting without a target backstop'' to each of the field offices'
final rules. In the proposed rule, the BLM listed this requirement
under the Colorado River Valley Field Office's rules only, which was an
error.
In its comment on the proposed rule, Mesa County pointed out that
the BLM made an error in including ``Coal Gulch'' in the Grand Junction
Field Office mechanized travel winter closure areas in Table 6--Areas
Closed to Mechanized Travel During Winter/Spring. The BLM agrees that
this is an error and has removed Coal Gulch from this list (see Rule 8
below).
III. Discussion of the Final Supplementary Rule
This final supplementary rule will 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 final supplementary rule will 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 final rule.
The final supplementary rule conforms with management decisions
contained in the following RMPs:
<bullet> Colorado River Valley RMP (2015) as amended by the Sutey
Ranch and Haines Parcel Approved RMP Amendment (2019);
<bullet> Grand Junction RMP (2015);
<bullet> Kremmling RMP (2015); and
<bullet> Dominguez-Escalante NCA RMP (2017).
IV. Procedural Matters
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866, 13563,
and 14094)
This final supplementary rule is not subject to review by the
Office of Management and Budget under E.O. 12866 as amended by E.O.
14094. This final supplementary rule will not have an effect of $200
million or more on the economy and will not adversely affect in a
material way productivity; competition; jobs; the environment; public
health or safety; or State, local, or Tribal governments or
communities. This final supplementary rule will not create a serious
inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by
another agency. This final supplementary rule will 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.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
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 will have a
significant economic impact, either detrimental or beneficial, on a
substantial number of small entities. The BLM considered economic
impacts at the time it developed the land use plans that underpin this
final supplementary rule and it deemed these impacts to be minimal. The
BLM expects that impacts from this final rule will affect a small
number of outfitters and will have only a minor socioeconomic impact
relative to the area's overall economy. For more economic information
and analyses, please refer to the four RMPs listed earlier in this
preamble and their supporting documents (see ADDRESSES). The BLM has
determined under the RFA that this 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 a ``major rule'' as defined at
5 U.S.C. 804(2). This final supplementary rule will 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 final supplementary rule will not impose an unfunded mandate on
State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector of more than
$100 million per year; nor will it have a significant or unique effect
on State, local, or Tribal governments or the private sector.
Therefore, the BLM is not required to prepare a statement containing
the
[[Page 103665]]
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 does not constitute 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 that this
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)
This final supplementary rule will 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 E.O.13132, the BLM has determined that this final
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 that this final
supplementary rule will not unduly burden the judicial system and that
it meets the requirements of Sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2).
Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments (E.O.
13175 and Departmental Policy)
In accordance with E.O. 13175, the BLM has found that this 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 Indian Tribes or U.S. Government-
owned lands managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This final 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 final supplementary rule implements 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 final
supplementary rule are on file at the BLM offices (see ADDRESSES) and
electronic copies are available online at <a href="https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/90071/510">https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/90071/510</a>.
Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution or Use (E.O. 13211)
This final supplementary rule does not comprise a significant
energy action. This final supplementary rule will not have an adverse
effect on energy supply, production, or consumption and has no
connection with energy policy.
Information Quality Act
In developing this 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).
Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation (E.O. 13352)
In accordance with E.O. 13352, the BLM has determined that 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 associated programs, projects, and activities are
consistent with protecting public health and safety.
V. Final Rule
Author
The principal author of this final supplementary rule is Erin
Jones, Deputy 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
establishes the following supplementary rule for public lands and
facilities managed by the Colorado River Valley Field Office, Grand
Junction Field Office, Kremmling Field Office, and Dominguez-Escalante
National Conservation Area (NCA).
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:
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 system that
allows the container to be emptied into a standard receiving or dump
system designed for that purpose (such as a SCAT machine or
recreational vehicle dump station), in a sanitary manner, without
spills, seepage, or human exposure to human waste, or any approved
biodegradable landfill-approved bag system designed for landfill or
garbage can disposal (such as a ``WAG'' bag, a human waste disposal
bag).
ATV (all terrain vehicle) means a motorized off-highway vehicle 50
inches (1\1/4\ m) or less in width, traveling on four or more low-
pressure tires, having a single seat to be straddled by the operator
and a handlebar for steering control.
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.
[[Page 103666]]
Fire pan means a durable metal 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,
constructed of non-flammable, natural or manmade materials, that 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.
Motorized travel means moving in vehicles propelled by motors or
engines, such as cars, trucks, off-highway vehicles, motorcycles,
snowmobiles, and boats.
OHV (off highway vehicle) means all-terrain vehicles (ATVs),
utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), and snowmobiles.
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 (BLM) without regard to how the United
States acquired ownership, except for:
(a) lands located on the Outer Continental Shelf and
(b) 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, bank, or other
feature that must stop the progress of and contain all projectiles,
fragments, and ricochets in a safe manner.
UTV (utility terrain vehicle) means a motorized vehicle designed
for off-highway use and capable of manuevering over uneven terrain,
designed with side-by-side seats, seatbelts, steering wheel, four or
more low pressure tires, and a rollover protection system.
Vehicle means any motorized transportation conveyance designed and
licensed for use on roadways, such as 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 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 final supplementary rule, the following
additional acronyms apply:
ACEC means Area of Critical Environmental Concern.
ERMA means Extensive Recreation Management Area.
NCA means National Conservation Area.
OHV means off-highway vehicle.
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
Unless otherwise authorized, the following acts are prohibited on
all public lands, roads, trails, and waterways administered by the
Colorado River Valley Field Office, Grand Junction Field Office,
Kremmling Field Office, and 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:
Table 1--No Campfires Outside of Designated Campsites
[Accompanying maps in Appendix A]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Junction Field Office Dominguez-Escalante NCA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ssquf] Pyramid Rock Area of Critical [ssquf] In the Gunnison River
Environmental Concern (ACEC). SRMA Corridor and other
[ssquf] Unaweep Seep ACEC............... riparian and wetland areas.
[ssquf] Dolores River Riparian ACEC
[ssquf] Bangs SRMA Recreation Management
Zone (RMZ) 1
[ssquf] Bangs SRMA RMZ 3
[ssquf] Bangs SRMA RMZ 2 in the portion
of the RMZ north of the drainage at the
bottom of Rough Canyon
[ssquf] Palisade Rim SRMA
[ssquf] Grand Valley Shooting Ranges
ERMA
[ssquf] Gunnison River Bluffs ERMA
[ssquf] Horse Mountain ERMA RMZ 1
[ssquf] Horse Mountain ERMA RMZ 2
[ssquf] Horse Mountain ERMA RMZ 3
[ssquf] 18 Road Open OHV Area within the
North Desert ERMA
[[Page 103667]]
[ssquf] 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:
Table 2--Camping Restricted to Designated Campsites and Developed
Campgrounds Only
[Accompanying maps in Appendix A]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado River
Valley Field Grand Junction Kremmling Field Dominguez-
Office Field Office Office Escalante NCA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ssquf] Within [ssquf] Pyramid [ssquf] Within [ssquf] Cactus
0.25-mile of the Rock ACEC 0.25-mile of the Park SRMA.
Fisher Creek [ssquf] Unaweep Colorado River [ssquf]
Cemetery Road Seep ACEC of the Upper Gunnison River
[ssquf] Within [ssquf] Dolores Colorado River SRMA.
300 feet from River Riparian SRMA [ssquf]
the centerline ACEC [ssquf] The open Escalante
of North [ssquf] Bangs OHV area south Canyon SRMA,
Hardscrabble SRMA RMZ 1 and east of including the
Access Road [ssquf] Bangs Wolford Mountain Escalante
(Spring Creek) SRMA RMZ 2 in [ssquf] Wolford Potholes
[ssquf] Glenwood the portion of SRMA Recreation Recreation
Canyon in the the RMZ north of Management Zone Site.
Horseshoe Canyon the drainage at 3--Lands west of [ssquf] RMZ 2
(Bend) area the bottom of Grand County Sawmill Mesa/
[ssquf] Within Rough Canyon Road 224, south Wagon Park
0.25-mile of [ssquf] Bangs of Wolford ERMA.
Prince Creek SRMA RMZ 3 Mountain, west
Road (Pitkin [ssquf] Dolores of Wolford
County Road 7), River SRMA Reservoir, and
including the [ssquf] North east of U.S. Hwy
Haines Parcel Fruita Desert 40
[ssquf] Eagle SRMA [ssquf]
River ERMA [ssquf] Palisade Confluence
[ssquf] Garfield Rim SRMA Recreation Site,
Creek Colorado [ssquf] Grand and adjacent BLM-
River Access Valley Shooting managed public
Site and on Ranges ERMA lands
surrounding BLM
lands
[ssquf] Silt Mesa [ssquf] Gunnison [ssquf] Reeder
ERMA (BLM lands River Bluffs Creek Fishing
south of the ERMA Access, and
crest of the [ssquf] Horse adjacent BLM-
Grand Hogback Mountain ERMA managed public
mountain) (all RMZs) lands
[ssquf] Thompson [ssquf] 18 Road [ssquf] Sunset
Creek area Open OHV Area Fishing Access,
within 0.25-mile within the North and adjacent BLM
of USFS Road 305 Desert ERMA managed public
[ssquf] Red Hill [ssquf] Miracle lands
SRMA (north of Rock Recreation [ssquf] Windy Gap
Carbondale, Site Fishing Access
Colorado) [ssquf] Mud Parking Area
[ssquf] East Springs [ssquf] Fraser
Glenwood Canyon Campground River Fishing
Trailhead area [ssquf] Within Access Parking
north of the 100 meters (or Area
Colorado River approximately [ssquf]
[ssquf] South 328 feet) of Sidewinder Jeep
Canyon standing Trail Parking
Recreation Site historic Area
and surrounding structures to [ssquf] Kremmling
area include, but not Cretaceous
[ssquf] Ute limited to, Ammonite Site
Trailhead (near Calamity Camp
Dotsero) west and New Verde
and north of the Mine, unless
Colorado River administratively
[ssquf] Sutey permitted
Ranch
................. [ssquf] Barger
Gulch Paleo-
Indian Site
................. [ssquf] Yarmony
Pit House Site
................. [ssquf] Upper CO
River SRMA
Yarmony Jeep
Trail Recreation
Management Zone
4
................. [ssquf]
Independence
Mountain Tipi
Site
................. [ssquf] Junction
Butte Wetlands
................. [ssquf] Upper CO
River SRMA Gore
Canyon Ranch
Recreation
Management Zone
5
................. [ssquf] Hurd Peak
and Tab Rock
staging areas
................. [ssquf]
Headwaters RMA
Jacques staging
area, and
adjacent BLM-
managed public
lands
................. [ssquf] North
Sand Hills
Instant Study
Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Equestrian travel is prohibited on or in the following trails
and areas:
[[Page 103668]]
Table 3--Areas Closed to Equestrian Travel
[Accompanying maps in Appendix A]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado River Valley Field Office Grand Junction Field Office Kremmling Field Office
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ssquf] Storm King Trail [ssquf] Pyramid Rock ACEC [ssquf] Kremmling Cretaceous
[ssquf] Sutey Ranch from December 1 [ssquf] Mica Mine Trail Ammonite ACEC/Resource Natural
through April 15 [ssquf] Rough Canyon Trail Area.
[ssquf] Fraser River Canyon Access
Trail.
[ssquf] Free Lunch Trail [ssquf] Gore Canyon Trail.
[ssquf] Pucker Up Trail [ssquf] 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)):
Table 4--Areas Where Recreational Target Shooting is Prohibited
[Accompanying maps in Appendix A]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado River
Valley Field Grand Junction Kremmling Field Dominguez-
Office Field Office Office Escalante NCA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ssquf] Within [ssquf] Bangs [ssquf] Upper [ssquf]
300 feet from SRMA RMZs 1, 2, Colorado River Dominguez
the centerline and 3 SRMA Canyon
of North [ssquf] Coal [ssquf] Barger Wilderness
Hardscrabble Canyon and Main Gulch fishing Zone 1.
Access Road Canyon areas access [ssquf]
(Spring Creek) [ssquf] Grand [ssquf] Highway 9 Gunnison River
[ssquf] Silt Mesa Valley OHV SRMA fishing access SRMA.
ERMA (BLM lands [ssquf] Gunnison [ssquf] Reeder [ssquf]
south of the River Bluffs Creek fishing Escalante
crest of the ERMA area Canyon SRMA.
Grand Hogback [ssquf] Horse [ssquf] Reeder [ssquf] East
Mountain) Mountain ERMA, Creek parking/ Creek ERMA.
including RMZ 1 access Sunset
west of Sink fishing access
Creek, RMZ 2, [ssquf] Upper
and areas Colorado River
adjacent to corridor and
residences at Scenic Byway
the end of C [ssquf] Hebron
Road Watchable
Wildlife Area
[ssquf] Wolford
SRMA, south
portion
[ssquf] Mt. [ssquf]
Garfield ACEC Strawberry SRMA,
[ssquf] North Strawberry/Hurd
Desert ERMA18 Peak Area
Road Open OHV [ssquf] North
area Sand Hills SRMA
[ssquf] North and Cooperative
Fruita Desert Management Area
SRMA [ssquf]
[ssquf] Palisade Headwaters ERMA
Rim SRMA Kinney Creek
[ssquf] Pyramid trailhead
Rock ACEC Jacques parking
area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(7) Overnight use is prohibited in the following areas (day-use
allowed only):
Table 5--Day Use Only--Overnight Use Prohibited
[Accompanying maps in Appendix A]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado River
Valley Field Grand Junction Kremmling Field Dominguez-
Office (Use Field Office (Use Office (Use Escalante NCA
prohibited from prohibited from prohibited from (Use prohibited
10:00 p.m.-6:00 Sunset-Sunrise) Sunset-Sunrise) from Sunset-
a.m.) Sunrise)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ssquf] BLM [ssquf] 34 and C [ssquf] BLM [ssquf] Rambo/
recreation sites Roads (areas recreation sites Little
where camping adjacent to the where camping Dominguez
facilities are Horse Mountain facilities are Canyon
not provided ERMA) not provided Heritage Area.
[ssquf] Deep [ssquf] Grand [ssquf] The
Creek Canyon-- Valley Shooting Wilderness
within 0.25- Ranges ERMA portion of Big
miles of Deep (with an Dominguez
Creek accessible exception for Heritage Area.
from the Coffee authorized [ssquf] The
Pot Road training Wilderness
[ssquf] Sutey exercises) portion of
Ranch [ssquf] Horse Leonard's
Mountain ERMA Basin Heritage
(RMZ 1 (portion Area.
of the RMZ west [ssquf]
of Sink Creek), Wilderness
RMZ 2 and RMZ 3) Zone 1.
[ssquf]
Wilderness
portion of the
Leonards Basin
Heritage Area.
[ssquf] East
Creek ERMA.
[ssquf] Redlands
Dam area along
the Gunnison
River
[ssquf] The
Potholes on the
Little Dolores
River off of 9.8
Road in the
Glade Park area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(8) The following areas are closed to mechanized travel during the
specified timeframes to protect wintering big game species:
[[Page 103669]]
Table 6--Areas Closed to Mechanized Travel During Winter/Spring
[Accompanying maps in Appendix A]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Colorado River Dominguez-
Valley Field Grand Junction Kremmling Field Escalante NCA
Office (December Field Office Office (December (December 1
1 through April (December 1 15 through April through April
15) through May 1) 15) 30)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ssquf] Basalt [ssquf] Little [ssquf] [ssquf] Gibbler
Mountain (south Book Cliffs Wild Strawberry SRMA Gulch.
portion--1,300 Horse Range Wolford Mountain [ssquf] Wagon
acres) [ssquf] Beehive Travel Park.
[ssquf] Boiler- Wildlife Management Area [ssquf]
East Elk Creek- Emphasis Area and SRMA Sowbelly.
New Castle (WEA) [ssquf] North [ssquf] Upper
(4,400 acres) [ssquf] Blue Mesa Sand Hills SRMA Sawmill Mesa.
[ssquf] WEA [ssquf] Dry
Cottonwood Creek [ssquf] East Salt Mesa.
(13,800 acres) Creek WEA
[ssquf] Dry Rifle [ssquf] Rapid
Creek (2,200 Creek WEA
acres)
[ssquf] East [ssquf] Chalk
Eagle except for Mountain
the following [ssquf] Coal
bike trails: (a) Canyon
Boneyard Trail; [ssquf] Demaree
(b) Redneck Canyon outside
Ridge Trail; and of the
(c) Western Wilderness Study
portion of Pool Area (WSA)
and Ice Trail [ssquf] Garvey
(6,000 acres) Canyon
[ssquf] Fisher [ssquf] Grand
Creek-Cattle Mesa Slopes
Creek (2,800 [ssquf] Howard
acres) Canyon Flats
[ssquf] Flatiron [ssquf] Indian
Mesa (800 acres) Point
[ssquf]
Hardscrabble
(24,600 acres)
[ssquf] Light
Hill (3,800
acres)
[ssquf] Red [ssquf] Post
Canyon-Hells Canyon
Pocket-Bocco [ssquf] Lapham
Mountain-East Canyon
Castle Peak [ssquf] Fruita
(14,500 acres) Slopes
[ssquf] Rapid
Creek
[ssquf] Red Hill
SRMA (north
side) (2,600
acres)
[ssquf] The
Crown, except
for the bike
trail system
paralleling
Prince Creek
Road (9,200
acres)
[ssquf] Thompson
Creek/Holgate
Mesa (9,500
acres)
[ssquf] West
Rifle Creek
(1,100 acres)
[ssquf] Williams
Hill (1,500
acres)
[ssquf] 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 or 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.
(c) You may use mechanical devices (e.g., power drills) only at the
BLM-recognized sport rock climbing area.
(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.
(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
[[Page 103670]]
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.
(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 is prohibited. Only WAG-bag systems
(see definition) may be disposed of in trash receptacles at BLM-managed
facilities.
(g) You must remove and properly dispose of all pet waste from
developed recreation sites and 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 not engage in target shooting without a target
backstop.
(2) 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.
(3) You must not enter the Pyramid Rock ACEC.
(4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6) You must collect only dead and down wood for campfires in the
North Desert ERMA.
(7) 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.
(8) 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; and 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.
(9) 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.
(10) 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 engage in target shooting without a target
backstop.
(2) 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.
(3) You must not build or maintain a fire more than 3 feet in
diameter, unless otherwise authorized in writing by the BLM.
(4) 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.
(5) You must not dig in or level the ground at any campsite.
(6) 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.
(7) 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 and areas.
(8) 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.
(9) 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.
(10) 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.
(11) 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.
(12) In areas with limited travel designations, mechanized travel
is limited to designated routes.
(13) 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.
(14) 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.
(15) 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.
(16) In the Wolford Mountain SRMA:
[[Page 103671]]
(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.
(17) 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.
(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 except at 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 and 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 engage in target shooting without a target
backstop.
(2) You must not install permanent climbing anchors in outstanding
geologic features identified on a BLM sign or map.
(3) You must not place or maintain permanent climbing anchors
inside the Dominguez Canyon Wilderness Area without a permit from the
BLM.
(4) You must not install permanent climbing anchors that do not
match the color of the rock surface (fixtures, hardware, and webbing,
etc.).
(5) You must not collect or harvest firewood or native species in
riparian and wetland areas, except for driftwood.
(6) You must not possess domestic goats.
(7) 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).
(8) You must not exceed group-size limit of 25 people in Wilderness
Zone 1.
(9) You must not exceed a group-size limit of 12 people in
Wilderness Zones 2 and 3.
(10) You must pack out all solid human waste in Wilderness Zone 2.
(11) You must pack out solid human waste or bury solid human waste
in a cathole of at least 6 inches deep and more than 100 meters
(approximately 383 feet) from natural water sources (rivers, creeks,
springs, and seeps) in Wilderness Zone 3.
(12) You must not place recreational geocaches without BLM
authorization prior to placement.
(13) You must not use a metal detector.
(14) You must not use a paintball gun.
(15) You must not use glass containers in the Potholes Recreation
Site (Escalante Canyon) and Gunnison River SRMA.
(16) Consistent with Public Law 111-11, you must not remove
minerals from the NCA.
(17) 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.
(18) 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 the BLM.
(19) 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.
(20) 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 or 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.
(21) 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 1320 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.
(22) 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.
(23) In the Hunting Ground RMA, 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 supplementary rule:
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 persons whose activities are authorized in writing 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.
[[Page 103672]]
(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. 2024-30218 Filed 12-18-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4331-16-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</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.