[Federal Register: September 11, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 176)] [Notices] [Page 48757-48758] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr11se98-106] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CO-076-1220-00] Recreation Management; Recreation Visitor Use Restrictions for Ruby Canyon/Black Ridge; Colorado AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Department of Interior. ACTION: Notice of travel management and recreation visitor use restrictions. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This order, issued under the authority of 43 CFR 8341.1 and 8342.1 and 43 CFR 8364.1(d), implements recreation and travel related management actions as identified in the Ruby Canyon Black Ridge Integrated Resource Management Plan signed in March of 1998 by the Colorado State Director and the Grand Junction Resource Area Manager. The identified public lands are in Colorado, Mesa County, under the management jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, Grand Junction Resource Area, Grand Junction District (T 10 S, R 103 & 104 W.; and T.1 N.,R 2 & 3 W., Ute Dm). The area is bounded by the Colorado National Monument and highway 340 on the east, the Colorado/Utah state line on the west, private land and M.8 road (old highway 6&50) on the north, and private land in Glade Park north of the Little Dolores River and BS road. The restrictions and travel management direction consist of: 1. Expand the areas where motorized and and non-motorized travel is allowed on designated routes only (no cross country travel) to include the area between I-70 and M.8 road, the area north of the Colorado River between Salt Creek and Loma and the area south of I.3 road and north and east of the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Study Area boundary in Kodels, Flume, and Devils Canyons (Devils and Kodels Canyons to be managed for non-motorized use only, Flume Canyon for hiking and equestrian use only). 2. The Upper Bench and Lower Bench roads on Black Ridge will be the primary access routes to the Rattlesnake Arches and will be managed as follows: --The Upper Bench Road will be opened to all motorized vehicles from April 15 to August 15 only. --The Lower Bench Road will be opened to all motorized vehicles from August 15 to February 15 only. --The spur road off of the Lower Bench Road to the Black Ridge Communication Site will be closed year round to all motorized vehicle use (located in T.11 S., R 102 W., SW\1/4\, Sec. 25). --Both routes will be closed to motorized vehicles from February 15 to April 15 and will be open year round to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. --Both roads may be closed at any time to prevent resource damage. 3. Overnight camping in the Rabbit Valley Special Recreation Management Area will be limited to no more than 7 consecutive nights within a 30 day period. 4. The number of commercial float outfitters allowed to operate on the Colorado River, Lomo to Westwater stretch will be limited to existing levels (34). 5. Motorized and mechanized access to the river bottom via the east and west Horsethief Benches is prohibited. 6. Overnight camping is prohibited on the bench below and the mesa top above the Rattlesnake Arches. 7. The size of the groups travelling to the Rattlesnake Arches will be limited to no more than 12 people. 8. Overnight parking is prohibited on either side of the cherry stem road to the Rattlesnake Arches and at the Rattlesnake Arches Trailhead. 9. The size of the groups hiking in the lower one and one-half miles of Knowles, Mee, and Rattlesnake Canyons in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Study Area will be limited to no more than 25 people. 10. Portions of the river shoreline may be closed to recreational use on a seasonal or other temporary basis to minimize disruption of bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and other sensitive species. 11. To maintain its suitability for nesting bald eagles, overnight camping will be prohibited on Chow Doggone Island. 12. For the purpose of enhancing public safety, recreational target shooting will be prohibited on BLM lands southwest of Fruita, Colorado. The area closed to target shooting is approximately 2900 acres and is bounded on the north by the Colorado River (includes Skippers Island), the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness Study Area boundary on the west, the Colorado National Monument on the south, and the boundary between BLM and private lands on the east. For this closure order, shooting is defined as discharge of any weapon for the purpose of recreational target shooting. Bow & arrows, pellet guns and BB guns are included in this definition. EFFECTIVE DATES: The restrictions shall be in effect year round beginning September 15, 1998 and shall remain in effect until rescinded or modified by the Authorized Officer. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BLM administers approximately 118,700 acres in the Black Ridge/Ruby Canyon planning area. This area has become increasingly popular for river floating, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and OHV use due to its close proximity to Fruita and Grand Junction. Public lands in this area contain important fragile resource values along with providing a variety of recreational opportunities. Changes in the current travel and recreation restrictions in the Black Ridge area are needed to protect desirable receational opportunites and benefits as well protect erosive soils, wildlife habitat, cultural resources, important scenic values, wilderness values and semi-primitive motorized and non-motorized settings. Growing recreational use in the area is expected to continue, and these travel [[Page 48758]] management and recreation use restrictions are needed to prevent conflicts between users and unacceptable impacts on resource values, while continuing to provide a variety of recreational opportunities. Notice of these regulations will be posted on-the-ground at the entrance to the Black Ridge Road network, at the beginning of the cherry stemm road to the arches, at the Rattlesnake Arches, Devils Canyon and Pollock Bench Trailheads, at the Loma Boat Launch, at the main staging area in Rabbit Valley, and at the Grand Junction Resource Area office. Persons who may be exempted from the restrictions include: (a) Any federal, state, or local officers engaged in fire, emergency and law enforcement activities; (b) BLM employees engaged on official duties; ( c) other persons authorized to operate motorized vehicles within the restricted areas. PENALTIES: Violations of this restriction order are punishable by fines not to exceed $100,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Robertson, Area Manager, Grand Junction Resource Area, 2815 H Road Grand Junction, Colorado 81506; (303) 244-3000. Mark Morse, District Manager, Grand Junction District, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, Colorado 81506; (970) 244-3000. Rich Arcand, Grand Junction Acting District Manager. [FR Doc. 98-24439 Filed 9-10-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-JB-P