[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 218 (Friday, November 8, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57890-57891]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-28715]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[CA-066-06-1220-00]


Management Plan and Environmental Assessment, Midland Long-Term 
Visitor Area, Palm Springs-South Coast Resource Area, California

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) 
and the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR 1501.7, 43 CFR 1610.2), 
notice is hereby given that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has 
prepared an environmental assessment and management plan affecting 
public lands within the Palm Springs-South Coast Resource Area, 
southern California. BLM has expanded the boundaries of the existing 
Midland Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA), allowing the collection of fees, 
and will provide limited public services to users.

DATES: Any person whose interest is adversely affected by these 
decisions may have certain appeal rights as described in Title 43 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 4.411 to the U.S. Department 
of the Interior Board of Land Appeals. The appeal must be submitted in 
writing no later than 30 days from the date of this notice to the 
following address: Ms. Julia Dougan, Area Manager, Bureau of Land 
Management, Palm Springs-South Coast Resource Area, 690 West Garnet 
Avenue, North Palm Springs, CA 92258-2000.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT: David H. Eslinger, Outdoor 
Recreation Planner, Bureau of Land Management, Palm Springs-South Coast 
Resource Area, 690 West Garnet Avenue, North Palm Springs, CA 92258-
2000; telephone (619) 251-4836.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Midland LTVA currently contains 135 
acres of public lands immediately north of Midland Road, eight miles 
north of Blythe, in Riverside County, California. BLM proposes to 
expand the LTVA by about 100 acres, directly south across Midland Road 
from the existing LTVA. The proposed expansion would protect sensitive 
soils and wildlife, improve manageability, provide user services, and 
authorize collection of fees to cover operating expenses for visitor 
services provided. The additional lands are located in T5S, R22E, 
Sections 22 and 23.
    The following management prescriptions are proposed: develop and 
maintain access from Midland Road into the LTVA addition; blade a berm 
along Midland Road to prevent route proliferation; sign the boundaries 
of the LTVA; install a trash dumpster and an informational display and 
signs; prohibit camping on public lands within two miles of the LTVA; 
increase Ranger patrols; issue no apiary permits on public lands within 
three miles of the LTVA; and increase visitor services through the use 
of volunteer hosts and the Blythe Chamber of Commerce.
    Nothing in the proposed plan shall have the effect of terminating 
any validly-issued rights-of-way or customary operation, maintenance, 
repair, or replacement activities in such rights-of-way within the LTVA

[[Page 57891]]

boundaries, in accordance with Sections 509 (a) and 701 (a) of the 
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.

    Dated: October 24, 1996.
Lucia Kuizon,
Acting Area Manager.
[FR Doc. 96-28715 Filed 11-7-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-40-P