The Bureau of Reclamation is publishing an interim final rule that updates existing regulations regarding public access to and conduct on all Reclamation projects, waters, and real property. The rulemaking amends Reclamation's existing public conduct regulation, "Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies," (43 CFR Part 423). The amendments have been prepared to make various minor clarifications to the Public Conduct Rule which went into effect on April 17, 2006.

In particular, these amendments will return the regulation of aircraft activity on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies to pre-April 17, 2006, conditions under which aircraft activity was regulated by applicable Federal, State, and local laws. Reclamation and its managing partners will retain the ability to establish new allowances or restrictions on aircraft activity through the creation of special use areas. This will eliminate the confusion created by the April 17, 2006, Public Conduct Rule's restrictions on aircraft activity.

The amendments also make minor alterations to the existing rules on closures, permits, and special use areas.

The interim final rule is available for review in the Federal Register.

Although this interim final rule became effective on September 24, 2008, a 60-day public review and comment period was initiated for the rule on that date. Comments must be received by November 24, 2008.

For additional information or to request a copy of this rulemaking, please contact Gary Anderson at 303-445-2891, by facsimile to 720-544-4131, or by email at ganderson@do.usbr.gov.