[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 102 (Thursday, May 27, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 28830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-13528]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[MT-050-99-1220-00]


Emergency Closure and Restriction of Certain Uses of Public Lands 
Within the Dillon and Butte Field Offices, Montana

AGENCY: Dillon Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, DOI.

ACTION: Notice of emergency closure and restriction order.

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SUMMARY: Effective immediately, all public lands in the corridor of the 
lower Madison River, from the Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness to Black's 
Ford fishing access are closed, or restricted to certain uses as 
described below. The lands affected by this closure and restriction 
order include all public lands within Sections 2, 10, 11, and 15 of 
Township 3 South, Range 1 East; and sections 25 and 35 of Township 2 
South, Range 1 East; and Sections 19 and 30 of Township 2 South, Range 
2 East. The closure and restriction orders are being implemented to 
stop the spread of noxious weeds, reduce erosion, prevent damage to 
cultural resources, and reduce fire hazard conditions and impacts to 
other natural resources, and provide for public safety.
    Vehicle travel: Vehicle travel is limited in this area to the road 
surface of posted, designated routes. Any travel off routes is 
prohibited unless signed, and designated as open. This restriction is 
necessary to stop the spread of noxious weeds, reduce erosion, reduce 
fire hazards, and prevent damage to cultural resources.
    Firearms: The entire area is closed to the discharge or use of 
firearms, except within the Bear Trap Canyon Wilderness during open 
hunting season. This restriction is necessary to provide for public 
safety in a heavily used recreation area.
    Camping: The area is closed to dispersed camping, except for 
signed, designated sites. Designated campsites are limited to a maximum 
of 3 vehicles per site. This restriction is necessary to stop spread of 
noxious weeds, reduce erosion, reduce fire hazards, prevent damage to 
cultural, and other natural resources. Camping is further restricted by 
prior rules to a maximum of 14 days within any 28 day period, after 
which a person must move a minimum of five miles (Federal Register/ 
Vol. 51, No. 57/ Tuesday, March 25, 1986).
    Fires: Open fires must be completely contained within one of the 
permanently installed metal fire grates provided. Construction of rock 
fire rings, or use of existing rock fire rings is prohibited. The area 
is also closed to the collection of firewood and any chopping or 
destruction of trees. This restriction is necessary to reduce fire 
hazards, provide for public safety, and prevent damage to cultural and 
natural resources.
    The authority for this closure and restriction order is 43 CFR 
8364.1. The order will remain in effect until a Recreation Management 
Plan for the area is completed.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the closure and restriction order, and maps 
showing the location of the affected lands are available from the 
Dillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, Montana 59725; Butte 
Field Office, 106 N. Parkmont, P.O. Box 3388, Butte, Montanna 59702; or 
the U.S. Forest Service, Madison Ranger District, 5 Forest Service 
Road, Ennis, Montana 59729.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Waldrup, Outdoor Recreation 
Planner, BLM Dillon Field Office, 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, Montana 
59725; telephone 406-683-2337.

    Dated: May 17, 1999.
Scott Powers,
Field Manager, Dillon Field Office.
Merle Good,
Field Manager, Butte Field Office.
[FR Doc. 99-13528 Filed 5-26-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-DN-P