[Federal Register: December 26, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 247)]
[Notices]
[Page 77410]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26de06-65]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[ID-102-2822-JS-C3MG, DBG-07-1001]
Notice of Two-Year, Temporary Emergency Closure to motorized
vehicle use on the Cherry and Frenchie Fires in Gem, Payette, and
Washington Counties, ID
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: 43 CFR Subpart 8364--Closure and Restrictions, 8364.1 (a)
states: ``To protect persons, property, and public lands and resources,
the authorized officer may issue an order to close or restrict use of
designated public lands.'' In coordination with several livestock
grazing permittees and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, all BLM-
administered roads within the Cherry and Frenchie Fires of 2006 will be
closed to all motorized vehicle travel (e.g., all-terrain vehicles,
pickup trucks, motorcycles, sport utility vehicles, snowmobiles, etc.),
including existing roads and two-tracks within the perimeter. This
action is necessary for the protection of watershed resources and
highly erosive soils to allow adequate time to allow for the
rehabilitation of the burned area. No motorized vehicle travel into
these areas will be allowed, including motorized travel for purposes of
retrieval of big game, unless specifically authorized (in writing) by
the authorized officer (BLM Four Rivers Field Office Manager).
The following acts are exempt from this action: (1) Access within
the area by other means (e.g., foot or horseback); (2) persons with a
BLM permit or contract specifically authorizing motor vehicle use; (3)
owners or lessees of land in the closed area with written
authorization; (4) any BLM employee or livestock grazing permittee
providing maintenance to a structure or facility; and (5) any Federal,
State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire
fighting force in the performance of an official duty. Extension of the
closure order may occur if it is determined that the rehabilitation of
the burned area has not been successful. Once rehabilitation of the
burned area is determined to be successful, motorized vehicle access
will resume in accordance with the 1988 Cascade Resource Management
Plan (RMP) Record of Decision (ROD), opening the area to off-road
vehicle use, providing no resource damage occurs. Roads and fire lines
will be appropriately signed to inform the public of the closure. This
closure will affect the following areas:
Cherry Fire--29,342 Acres
Township 11N, Range 01E, section 35
Township 10N, Range 01E, sections 01-05, 07-11, 14-23, 27-34
Township 10N, Range 01W, section 36
Township 09N, Range 01E, sections 03-11, 14-22, 27-34
Township 09N, Range 01W, sections 01, 12-14, 21-29, 32-36
Township 08N, Range 01E, sections 03-10, 16-21, 28-32
Township 08N, Range 01W, sections 01-05, 08-29, 34-36
Frenchie Fire--6,547 Acres
Township 11N, Range 01W, sections 14, 15, 22, 23, 26-28, 31-35
Township 10N, Range 01W, sections 02-11, 14-16
Township 10N, Range 02W, section 01
DATES: This emergency closure will be effective immediately and will
remain in effect until September 12, 2008. Following the 2-year closure
period, road closures after September 12, 2008, will be revisited and
decided upon by the authorized officer at that time.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Robbins, Rangeland Management
Specialist/Wild Horse and Burro Specialist (208 384-3348), or Mike
Barnum, Rangeland Management Specialist (208 384-3218), Bureau of Land
Management, 3948 Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BLM Four Rivers Field Office is
responsible for management of public lands within Ada, Adams, Boise,
Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley, and Washington Counties.
The management of these lands is addressed in the Cascade RMP ROD,
which was signed in 1988. The Cherry Fire started on August 10, 2006,
and burned 54,350 acres, of which 29,342 acres are public lands. It was
declared contained on August 16, 2006. The Frenchie Fire started on
August 21, 2006, and burned 10,610 acres, of which 6,547 acres are
public lands. The Frenchie Fire was contained on August 23, 2006. This
Emergency Closure is necessary to protect the watershed and allow
adequate time for the rehabilitation of the burned area within the
Cherry and Frenchie Fires.
Authority for this restriction order is contained in CFR Title 43,
Subpart 8341.2 and complies with CFR Title 43, Subpart 8364.1 Closure
and Restriction Orders. In accordance with CFR Title 43, Subpart
8360.0-7, and is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or
imprisonment not to exceed 12 months.
Maps of this emergency closure area will be available at the Boise
District Office, 3948 Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705.
Rosemary Thomas,
Field Office Manager, Four Rivers Field Office.
[FR Doc. E6-22062 Filed 12-22-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-GG-P