[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 188 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 50210]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-24022]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
[AZ-040-50-1040 00]


Establishment of a Supplementary Rule for Public Lands in the Hot 
Well Dunes Recreation Area Prohibiting Nude Bathing

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Establishment of supplementary rule for public lands in the Hot 
Well Dunes Recreation Area prohibiting nude bathing.

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SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to establish a supplemental rule 
to reduce conflicts related to use of hot tubs and enhance public 
safety at the Hot Well Dunes Recreation area. Therefore, nude bathing 
will be prohibited at all times within the area designated as the Hot 
Well Dunes Recreation Area. This supplementary rule applies to public 
lands in the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area. Generally, the recreation 
area encompasses approximately 2,000 acres around the hot well located 
32 miles southeast of Safford, Arizona. The entire recreation area is 
fenced and signed. A precise boundary map is available at the 
information address specified toward the end of this notice.

Background

    Thousands of visitors use the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area each 
year. The number of visitors has increased dramatically over the past 
few years and continues to do so each year. This area was designated a 
Special Recreation Management Area through the Safford District 
Resource Management Plan, completed in September 1992. The area was 
established as a Special Recreation Management Area because it provided 
opportunities for off-highway-vehicle riding in the sand dunes, hot 
water bathing from an artesian well, camping, picnicking and fishing.
    There is an increasing number of complaints from visitors, 
especially family groups, about nude bathing in the area. There is also 
an increasing problem or arguments and fights between nude bathers and 
those offended by this activity. This rule will enable BLM to prevent 
conflicts between groups while still making the area available for 
everyone.

DATES: On or before October 15, 1995, interested parties may submit 
comments to the Safford District Manager, 711 14th Avenue, Safford, AZ 
85546. Any adverse comments will be evaluated by the District Manager, 
who may vacate or modify these actions and issue a final determination. 
In the absence of any action by the District Manager, these actions 
will become the final determination of the Department of the Interior.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Schnell, Outdoor Recreation 
Planner, Bureau of Land Management, San Simon Resource Area, 711 14th 
Avenue, Safford, Arizona 85546, (520) 428-4040.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The authority for establishing supplementary 
rules is contained in 43 CFR 8365.1-6. Copies of this rule will be 
available at the Safford District Office. This rule will be posted 
within the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area.

    Dated: August 30, 1995.
William T. Civish,
District Manager.
[FR Doc. 95-24022 Filed 9-27-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-32-M