[Federal Register: September 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 182)]
[Notices]
[Page 55009-55010]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20se06-74]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[UT-050-06-1220-P-PM]
Notice of Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Travel Restriction for
Factory Butte Area, UT
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) travel restriction for
motorized use in the Factory Butte area, Bureau of Land Management,
Richfield Field Office, Utah.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that effective immediately, the Bureau
of Land Management (BLM), Richfield Field Office, is restricting OHV
travel to designated routes on 142,023 acres of public lands near
Caineville, Utah, known as the Factory Butte area. This restriction
does not apply to State or private lands located in the area. Within
the Factory Butte area 2,602 acres currently designated as open will
remain open and 3,843 acres currently designated as closed will remain
closed to OHV travel. The restriction to designated routes affects the
remaining 142,023 acres of the area located in portions of T. 27 S., R.
6-10 E.; T. 28 S., R. 7-10 E.; T. 29 S., R. 7 & 8 E.; and T. 30 S., R.
7 & 8 E., Salt Lake Meridian. The purpose of the restriction is to
protect threatened and endangered species that have been adversely
impacted or are at risk of being adversely impacted by OHV use. This
restriction will remain in effect until the conditions giving rise to
the restriction have been sufficiently addressed or the Richfield Field
Office Resource Management Plan that is currently being prepared is
signed by the authorized officer and becomes final.
EFFECTIVE DATE: This notice and the OHV restriction are effective
immediately.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cornell Christensen, Field Office
Manager, BLM Richfield Field Office, 150 East 900 North, Richfield,
Utah 84701; Phone 435-896-1500.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1982, the Henry Mountains Management
Framework Plan (MFP) designated the majority of public lands in the
Factory Butte area managed by the BLM's Richfield Field Office as
``open'' to off-road vehicle (i.e., off-highway vehicle) use. An OHV
activity area of 640 acres was identified where intensive OHV use was
occurring. However, the surrounding areas were also left open to cross-
country OHV use. Since 1982, OHV use has significantly increased
throughout the Factory Butte area. Surveys conducted have noted
mortality to threatened and endangered plant populations from cross-
country OHV use. Based on this information, BLM's authorized officer
has determined that OHV use in the area is causing or will cause
adverse effects to threatened and endangered plant species.
Consequently, OHV use on 142,023 acres in the Factory Butte area is
being restricted to designated routes, with 2,602 acres remaining open
to cross-country OHV use and 3,843 acres remaining closed. A map
showing the affected areas is available for public inspection at the
BLM's Richfield Field Office at the above address. This map may be
revised in the future based on monitoring of resource conditions and
trends in the area. OHV use on the remainder of the public lands
administered by BLM's Richfield Field Office will be unchanged and
managed according to the existing land use plans. This restriction
order applies to all motorized vehicle use with the exception of law
enforcement and emergency operations, administrative uses, or other
uses authorized by regulations.
Implementation
A map showing the portions of the Factory Butte area affected by
this restriction is available for public review at the BLM's Richfield
Field Office. The map shows the OHV designations
[[Page 55010]]
within the area and routes open to OHV travel. The map may be revised
in the future based on monitoring of resource conditions and trends.
Maps and other appropriate educational information will be posted on
kiosks at staging areas. Signs will be posted at strategic entry
locations along the boundaries and on the routes designated for use by
OHVs.
Authority: This restriction notice is issued under the authority
of 43 CFR 8341.2.
Violations of this restriction are punishable by a fine not to
exceed $1,000 or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months.
Persons who are administratively exempt from the restrictions
contained in this notice include: any Federal, State or local officer
or employee acting within the scope of their duties, members of any
organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an
official duty, and any person holding written authorization from the
BLM.
Dated: July 31, 2006.
Henri R. Bisson,
Field Office Manager.
[FR Doc. 06-7973 Filed 9-19-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-P