[Federal Register: February 14, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 30)]
[Notices]               
[Page 7394]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14fe00-70]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[Az-020-00-1232-EA, AZA-28882]

 
Closure of Public Lands to Vehicle Use on February 19 and 20, 
2000

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Temporary closure of selected public land roads and washes in 
Maricopa County, Arizona, during the operation of the Gila Bend ``Gila 
Monster'' Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) race.

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    Affected course is described as follows:

Gila and Salt River Meridian, Arizona

T. 6 S., R. 2 W.,
T. 6 S., R. 3 W.,
T. 6 S., R. 4 W.
    General location is southeast of Gila Bend, Arizona; south of 
Interstate 8, north of the Barry M. Goldwater Range, east of State 
Highway 85 and west of Big Horn road.
SUMMARY: The Phoenix Field Office Manager announces the temporary 
closure of selected public land roads and washes under its 
administration in Maricopa County, Arizona. This action is being taken 
to help ensure public safety and prevent unnecessary environmental 
degradation during the official permitted running of the Gila Bend 
``Gila Monster'' OHV race.

EFFECTIVE DATES: February 19 and 20, 2000.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Specific restrictions and closure periods 
are as follows:
    The entire designated Gila Bend OHV race course determined and in 
effect as of February 4, 2000 comprised of BLM and private unimproved 
roads and washes.
    2. The course will be closed to public use from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 
on Saturday, February 19, 2000 and from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, 
February 20, 2000.
    3. The entire designated race course is closed to all vehicles, 
including OHVs, with the exception of authorized and emergency 
vehicles. The above restrictions do not apply to emergency vehicles and 
vehicles owned by the United States Government, Arizona Game and Fish 
Department or Maricopa County. Vehicles and OHVs under permit for 
operation by event participants must follow the race permit 
stipulations. Authority for closure of public lands is found in 43 CFR 
8340, Subpart 8341 and 43 CFR 8360, Subpart 8364.1. Persons who violate 
this closure order are subject to arrest and, upon conviction, may be 
fined not more than $1,000 and/or imprisoned for not more than 12 
months.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jack Watts, Field Office Law 
Enforcement Ranger, or Penny Foreman, Recreation Specialist, Phoenix 
Field Office, 2015 West Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85027, (623) 
580-5500.

    Dated: February 8, 2000.
Margo E. Fitts,
Assistant Field Manager.
[FR Doc. 00-3385 Filed 2-11-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-32-M