[Federal Register: October 4, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 191)] [Notices] [Page 53689-53690] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr04oc99-64] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [WY-020-1040-00] Seasonal Use Closure for All Motorized Vehicles in the Carter Mountain Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC), Park County, WY, Cody Field Office AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of seasonal closure. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Cody Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan (RMP), dated November 8, 1990, designated vehicular use in the Carter Mountain ACEC as ``limited to designated roads and trails.'' In response to a request from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, a seasonal closure to all motorized vehicles, including over-the-snow vehicles was effective November 10, 1988 (FR Doc. 88-26011). The closure was then extended to April 30, 1992 (FR Doc. 91-23803). The Carter Mountain ACEC Activity Plan made this seasonal closure permanent (11/10/92). The closure will now be in effect each season from November 15 through June 15 or later if unfavorable weather or road conditions exist which could create resource damage. A steel gate at Little Rose Creek establishes the point beyond which the seasonal closure is in effect. The purpose of this closure is to allow wildlife to migrate free of disturbance in their winter range and to allow elk to move throughout the lower reaches of their winter range to mitigate the impacts of concentrated grazing use. This seasonal closure will allow the BLM to assess the road conditions prior to opening the road in order to prevent resource damage caused by motorized vehicle travel on poor road conditions. EFFECTIVE DATES: This closure will be effective November 15, 1999. The seasonal closure will be in effect each season from November 15 through June 15 or later if unfavorable weather or road conditions exist which could create resource damage. This closure will remain in effect until modified or rescinded by the Authorized Officer, (BLM Cody Field Manager). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jack Mononi, Range Management Specialist or Michael Blymyer, Field Manager, Cody Field Office, P.O. Box 518, 1002 Blackburn Avenue, Cody, Wyoming 82414. Telephone (307)- 587-2216. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Carter Mountain area (about 7,819 acres) is designated an ACEC. The objective for management of the Carter Mountain ACEC is to protect areas of unique alpine tundra and fragile soils. According to the Carter Mountain ACEC Activity Plan, motorized vehicle use in the ACEC is limited to designated roads and trails. The roads that are open for motorized vehicle use are designated with the white arrow system. Roads, trails and gently sloping areas that are not marked with the white arrow designator are closed to motorized vehicle use at all times. The seasonal closure will close the ACEC to all motorized use, including over-the-snow vehicles from November 15 through June 15 of each season. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department feels that motorized vehicle use can disrupt the migration patterns of all wildlife; however, elk are particularly affected by such use. By restricting motorized vehicle use, the elk will migrate freely in the Carter Mountain area, and remain undisturbed by motorized vehicles in their crucial wintering and calving habitat. This closure will also help in meeting the overall objectives to protect areas of unique alpine tundra and fragile soils in the Carter Mountain ACEC by reducing resource damage that is caused by motorized vehicle use on poor road conditions. This seasonal use closure applies to public lands in Park County, Wyoming, located approximately 20 miles west of Meeteetse, Wyoming. The designation affects all public lands above 10,000 feet elevation in T. 49., R. 103 W., Sixth Principle Meridian. Motorized vehicle use designations apply to all motorized vehicles with the exceptions of: (1) Any fire, military, emergency, or law enforcement vehicle when used for emergency purposes or any combat support vehicle when used for national defense purposes; (2) any vehicle whose use is expressly authorized by the Bureau of Land Management under permit, lease, license, or contract; and (3) any government vehicle on official business. Authority for closure orders is provided under 43 CFR subpart 8364.1. Violations of this closure are punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months. [[Page 53690]] Dated: September 23, 1999. Michael Blymyer, Cody Field Manager. [FR Doc. 99-25658 Filed 10-1-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-22-P