[Federal Register: February 19, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 33)] [Notices] [Page 8471] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr19fe98-90] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NM-030-1210-00] Emergency Closure of Vehicle Trails In and Near the Robledo Mountains Wilderness Study Area (WSA), Robledo Mountains Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), and the Paleozoic Trackways Research Natural Area (RNA) in Dona Ana County, New Mexico AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Interior. ACTION: Emergency closure of vehicle trails. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that effective immediately, the Las Cruces District is implementing emergency closure of existing vehicle trails to use by any motorized vehicle or equipment. The closures are implemented in order to prevent further resource degradation and protect the values of the Robledo Mountains WSA and ACEC, and the Paleozoic Trackways RNA. The authority for this emergency closure is 43 CFR 8364.1: Closure and Restriction Orders. The vehicle trails are located within the following public land: Robledo Mountains WSA and ACEC T. 22 S., R. 1 E., NMPM Secs. 6, 7, 8, 17, and 18. T. 22 S., R. 1 W., Secs. 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. Paleozoic Trackways RNA T. 22 S., R. 1 E., NMPM Sec. 19, All. T. 22 S., R. 1 E., NMPM Sec. 20, All. The subject vehicle trails are further described as follows: 1. Trails, including branches and side trails, known as the Wolf Trail and the Guardian Trail, beginning at a common point in S\1/ 2\SW\1/4\, Sec. 20, T. 22 S., R. 1 E., NMPM, and traversing northwest to a common exit point in SE\1/4\SE\1/4\, Sec. 14, T. 22 S., R. 1 W., NMPM. These routes total approximately 6 miles. 2. Trails in the upper Indian Springs Canyon drainage in the western portion of the Robledo Mountains WSA/ACEC. One of these trails begins in SE\1/4\, Sec. 10, T. 22 S., R. 1 W., NMPM, near the WSA boundary and runs north through Sec. 10 to SE\1/4\, Sec. 3 on the Skyline Trail. The other trail begins on the west side of the Skyline Trail in SE\1/4\, Sec. 3, T. 22 S., R. 1 W., NMPM, and south through Secs. 3 and 10, and west through Secs. 9 and 10 to the WSA boundary in the bottom of Indian Springs Canyon. These trails total approximately 3 miles. DATES: This closure is effective February 18, 1998 and shall remain in effect until rescinded or modified by the Authorized Officer. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Hargrove, Mimbres Resource Area Manager, or Mark Hakkila, Outdoor Recreation Planner, 1800 Marquess, Las Cruces, NM 88005; or call (505) 525-4300. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Violations of this closure are punishable by fines not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 1 year. The action taken is to prevent impacts to wilderness values, soils, native vegetative resources, wildlife habitat, cultural resources, and scenic values. Copies of the closure order and maps showing the location of the routes are available from the Las Cruces District Office, Mimbres Resource Area, 1800 Marquess, Las Cruces NM 88005. Dated: February 12, 1998. Linda S. C. Rundell, District Manager. [FR Doc. 98-4139 Filed 2-18-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-VC-P