[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 246 (Friday, December 20, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 67343]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-32296]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
[NV-030-97-1220-00; Notice NV-030-97002]


Closure and Land Use Restrictions

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior.

CLOSURE SUMMARY: Notice is given that approximately ten (10) acres of 
public land and the abandoned man-made structures and features known as 
American Flat Millsite located upon those lands within Storey County, 
Nevada, and described as follows are closed to public occupation and 
off-road vehicle (ORV) use:

Mr. Diablo Meridian, Nevada

T16N R21E Sec. 7, NW\1/4\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\ and SW\1/4\NE\1/4\NE\1/4\ 
Millsite features include: Concrete buildings and structures, walls, 
floors, structural supports, tunnels, adits, wells, ruins and 
rubble.

    This closure affects all public uses at the millsite other than 
authorized scientific and educational activities, and mining activities 
conducted under an approved plan of operation. Authorized users must 
have in their possession, a written permit from BLM signed by the 
authorized officer. The Closed Area is within the following described 
Restricted Area.

RESTRICTIONS SUMMARY: Public use activities on one hundred ninety (190) 
acres of public land surrounding American Flat Millsite are restricted 
and/or prohibited.
    The Restricted Area is described as follows:

Mt. Diablo Meridian

T16N R21E Sec. 6, E\1/2\SE\1/4\SE\1/4\; SE\1/4\NE\1/4\SE\1/4\ (appx. 
30 acres)
T16N R21E Sec. 7, NE\1/4\ (appx. 160 acres)

    The general public may occupy the restricted lands during daylight 
hours only (sunrise to sunset).
    Motorized vehicles must remain on existing, well established dirt 
access roads. These roads are not maintained. Use of the roads is at 
the discretion of the users. Roads within the restricted area are Open 
to motorized use unless posted Closed. Prohibited activities include: 
Use of a weapon or firearm for any purpose other than the taking of 
game in accordance with State of Nevada hunting regulations; camping; 
campfires; use of fireworks; detonation of explosive devices or 
rockets; painting of graffiti and possession of paint or spray paint 
cans; use of a motorized vehicle on a road posted Closed to such use.

PURPOSE: To provide for public safety and to preserve the remaining 
integrity of a significant historic site.

EFFECTIVE DATES: The closure and activity restrictions become effective 
January 21, 1997. Interested persons may submit comments to the Carson 
City District Manager.

    Authority: 43 CFR 8364--Closure and Restriction Orders; 8365.1-
6--Supplementary Rules of Conduct; 8340--Off-road Vehicles; 8341.2--
Off-road Vehicles Conditions of Use, Special Rules. State and local 
laws and ordinances apply and may be enforced by the appropriate 
authorities.

PENALTY: Any person failing to comply with the closure order or 
activity restrictions may be subject to imprisonment for not more than 
12 months, or a fine in accordance with the applicable provisions of 18 
USC 3571, or both.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The American Flat Millsite is an abandoned 
mining feature located within the Virginia City National Historic 
Landmark. At the time of its completion in 1922, it was the largest 
concrete mill structure in the world utilizing cyanide extraction 
processing of gold and silver ore. When the price of silver fell in 
1927, all of the machinery at the mill was dismantled. Neither the 
buildings or the surrounding lands associated with the millsite have 
been maintained or utilized for mining for nearly fifty years. 
Structural soundness of the millsite features is steadily 
disintegrating as a result of natural weathering and vandalism. These 
features and remnant ruins are not safe for public entry. The remaining 
structures have been determined eligible for the National Register of 
Historic Places.
    The general public is primarily attracted to the millsite for its 
historic and visual features.
    Due to the remote location, the millsite area has become popular 
for numerous undesirable public uses and unlawful activities.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
 John O. Singlaub, District Manager, Carson City District, Bureau of 
Land Management, 1535 Hot Springs Road, Carson City, Nevada 89706, 
Telephone: (702) 885-6000.
    The closure and restrictions do not apply to agency, law 
enforcement or emergency response personnel during the conduct of their 
official duties.
    A map of the closed area and restricted public lands may be 
obtained at the contact address.

    Dated: December 4, 1996.
John O. Singlaub,
District Manager, Carson City District.
[FR Doc. 96-32296 Filed 12-19-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-HC-M