[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 38 (Thursday, February 26, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9858-9859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-4927]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[NV-050-1220-00]


Occupancy and Camping Closure on Certain Public Lands Managed by 
the Bureau of Land Management, Las Vegas Field Office

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Occupancy and camping closure on selected public lands in Clark 
County, Nevada.

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SUMMARY: The Manager of the Las Vegas Field Office announces an 
occupancy and camping closure on selected public lands under its 
administration. The increase in population and growth in employment in 
the Las Vegas area, has attracted many short term and transient 
residents and workers. Many of these individuals set up residence on 
public lands under the guise of ``camping.'' This problem is 
particularly prone to occur on public lands within the urban Las Vegas 
Valley. Trash accumulations and human refuse are impacting public and 
private lands. There are no public facilities on any of these lands. 
The existing 14 day camping stay limit has not been effective in 
correcting this situation. In addition, many of these lands are now 
adjacent to, or included within, private residential and commercial 
developments due to the inter-mixed public-private land ownership 
pattern in Las Vegas Valley. This action is being taken to help ensure 
public safety, prevent unnecessary environmental degradation and 
prevent long-term occupancy of public lands.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  The closure will be effective March 12, 1998.

Closure Area

    Public Lands affected are within the following generally described 
area and townships: Lake Mead Blvd. (State Route 147), on the South; 
West to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Boundary; on the 
North Lee Canyon (State Route 156) and the southern boundary of the 
Desert Game Range; and on the East the Lake Mead National Recreation 
Area Boundary. Including lands within Townships 17 S to T 22 and Ranges 
59 E to 63 E MDM.
    Maps depicting the area affected by this closure order are 
available for public inspection at the Las Vegas, Field Office, Bureau 
of Land Management.

Exceptions to Closure

    Camping locations which may be designated by the Las Vegas Field 
Office Manager for over night use. Such designations may be by posting 
of appropriate signs, by publications in the federal register, or be 
made available to the public by other means deemed appropriate by the 
authorized officer.

Closure Restrictions

    Unless otherwise authorized, within the closure area no person 
shall:
    a. Camp or engage in camping.
    b. Park, stop, or stand personal property, whether attended or 
unattended.
    c. Park any vehicle in violation of posted restrictions, or in such 
a manner as to obstruct or impede normal or emergency traffic movement, 
create a safety hazard, or endanger any person, property, or natural 
feature. Vehicles so parked are subject to citation and impoundment at 
the owner's expense.
    d. Take, drive, or operate any vehicle through, around or beyond a 
restrictive sign, barricade, fence, or traffic control barrier or 
device.
    e. Fail to follow orders or directions of an authorized officer 
relating to this closure order.
    f. Obstruct, resist, or attempt to elude a law enforcement officer, 
or fail to follow their orders or directions.
    g. Unless specifically addressed by regulations set forth in 43 
CFR, the laws of the State of Nevada shall govern the use and operation 
of vehicle. Such state law which are now or later may be in effect are 
here by adopted and made part of this closure.

Definitions

    Camp or Camping means the erection of a tent or shelter, preparing 
a sleeping bag or other bedding material for use, or the parking of a 
vehicle, motor home, or trailer for the apparent purpose of sleeping or 
overnight occupancy.
    Personal Property includes but is not limited to bicycles, vehicles 
(whether propelled by living or non-living power sources), motor 
vehicles, trailers, tents campers, pets, and livestock.
    This closure order is issued under the authority of 43 CFR 8364.1. 
Violation of any of the terms, conditions, or restrictions contained 
within this closure order, may subject the violator to citation or 
arrest, with a penalty of fine or imprisonment or both as specified by 
law.


[[Page 9859]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Wolf, Recreation Manager, or Ron 
Crayton, Ranger, Ken Burger, Ranger, at the Bureau of Land Management, 
Las Vegas, Field Office, 4765 W. Vegas Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89108, 
telephone number (702) 647-5000.

    Dated: February 17, 1998.
Michael F. Dwyer,
District Manager.
[FR Doc. 98-4927 Filed 2-25-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-HC-M