[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 244 (Monday, December 21, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 70416-70417]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33511]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
(AK-020-09-1220-00-241A)


Designation of Off-Road Vehicle Use Areas in the White Mountains 
National Recreation Area

    This notice of designated Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) use areas applies 
to all lands and water surfaces within the White Mountains National 
Recreation Area and BLM-managed lands between the White Mountains NRA 
and the Steese and Elliott Highways, as shown on the White Mountains 
National Recreation Area Off-Road Vehicle Designations Map, and is 
subject to valid existing rights.
    This order is issued pursuant to 43 CFR subpart 8342 and in 
accordance

[[Page 70417]]

with the authority and requirements of Executive Order 11644 and 11989, 
and implements provisions of the White Mountains NRA Resource 
Management Plan signed on February 2, 1986 and the White Mountains NRA 
Gateway Project Record of Decision signed on March 9, 1990. It modifies 
previous orders on July 15, 1988 and May 1, 1992. This order will 
become effective December 1, 1998 and remain in effect until rescinded 
or modified by the Field Manager.

Definitions

    The term ``winter use'' refers to the period of time between 
October 15 and April 30, inclusive. The term ``summer use'' refers to 
the remaining period of time between May 1 and October 14. The terms 
``gross vehicle weight'' and ``GVW'' refer to the loaded weight of the 
vehicle, including gear, passengers, and fuel. The terms ``gross 
vehicle weight rating'' and ``GVWR'' mean the value specified by the 
manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.

A. Limited ORV Use Designations

    1. The foothills area, as shown on the White Mountains National 
Recreation Area Off-Road Vehicle Designations Map, and subject to valid 
existing rights, is closed to use of ORVs that weigh more than 1,500 
pounds GVW or have a GVWR greater than 1,500 pounds without written 
authorization from the Field Manager. Written authorization is not 
required by this notice for use of vehicles that weigh over 1,500 
pounds GVW or have a GVWR greater than 1,500 pounds on the U.S. Creek 
Road, Nome Creek Road and the mining tailings along Nome Creek.
    2. The highlands area, as shown on the White Mountains National 
Recreation Area Off-Road Vehicle Designations Map, is managed to 
protect the wild and natural character of the area. Subject to valid 
existing rights, this area is closed to all summer use of ORVs and to 
winter use by snowmachines that weigh more than 1,500 pounds GVW or 
have a GVWR greater than 1,500 pounds. All ORV use is prohibited in the 
Windy Creek and Fossil Creek drainages from April 15 to August 31, 
inclusive, in order to avoid disturbance to known peregrine falcon 
nesting areas. All other ORV use is prohibited without written 
authorization from the Field Manager.
    3. Beaver Creek has been designated, and is managed as, a ``wild'' 
river pursuant to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA, PL 90-542). 
Except for the closures noted above for the Windy Creek and Fossil 
Creek drainages, and subject to valid existing rights, the Beaver Creek 
National Wild River corridor is closed to all summer use of ORVs and to 
winter use of snowmachines that weigh more than 1,500 pounds GVW or 
have a GVWR greater than 1,500 pounds. Any other ORV use is prohibited 
without written authorization from the Field Manager.
    4. The Ski Loop Trail (specifically, the land within 12.5 feet of 
the centerline of the trail) is managed as a non-motorized recreation 
trail and is closed to all motorized vehicle use.
    5. The Summit Trail (specifically, the land within 12.5 feet of the 
centerline of the trail) is managed as a non-motorized recreation trail 
and is closed to all motorized vehicle use, except that the trail is 
open to winter use by snowmachines, weighing less than 1,500 pounds GVW 
or have a GVWR less than 1,500 pounds, to the extent necessary to allow 
these snowmachines to cross the trail at right angles, more or less, 
incidental to accessing State or Federal lands otherwise open to such 
use.

B. Closed to ORV Use Designation

    1. There are three designated Research Natural Areas (RNAs) shown 
on the White Mountains National Recreation Area Off-Road Vehicle 
Designations Map (Serpentine Slide, Limestone Jags, and Mount Prindle), 
which are closed year-round to all ORV use. These have been identified 
as having representative examples of ecosystems or unusual natural 
features that are of scientific interest for the Ecological Reserve 
System.
    The foregoing provisions are not applicable to any federal, state, 
or local law enforcement officer, or any member of any organized rescue 
or fire suppression force in the performance of an official duty.
    Signs will be placed at major access points showing ORV use 
restrictions. Maps identifying these designated use areas are available 
at the office listed below. Operators of ORVs in violation of these 
designations are subject to the penalties prescribed in 43 CFR subpart 
8340.0-7.
    Direct questions and responses to: Bureau of Land Management, 
Northern Field Office, White Mountains Team, 1150 University Avenue, 
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709-3899, (907) 474-2200.

    Dated: December 1, 1998.
Lon Kelly,
Associate Field Manager, Northern Field Office.
[FR Doc. 98-33511 Filed 12-18-98; 8:45 am]
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