[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 134 (Wednesday, July 14, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 38005-38006]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-16295]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[CA-160-1220-00]


Recreation Supplementary Regulations in Effect on Public Land 
Adjacent to the North Fork of the Kaweah River

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Final supplementary rule making.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bakersfield (California) 
Field Office has established the supplementary rules listed below to 
protect natural resources, prevent wildfires, maintain public health 
and sanitation, and address occupancy and recreational use of BLM land 
along the North Fork of the Kaweah River. BLM will also post each 
supplementary rule near and/or within the lands, sites, or facilities 
affected.

SUPPLEMENTARY RULES: Pursuant to 43 CFR 8364.1 and 8365.1-6 
(Supplementary Rules) the following supplementary rules are in effect 
on BLM land within Township 16 South, Range 28 East, Sections 13, 23, 
24, 26 and 34, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian, under the management of 
the BLM, Bakersfield Field Office.
    A. Camping, parking of vehicles, occupancy or placing private 
property on BLM land within 500 feet of the North Fork of the Kaweah 
River or within 200 feet of the North Fork Drive is prohibited between 
the hours of 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM. However, the Authorized Officer and 
authorized representatives of the BLM may grant organized groups use of 
the area consistent with the supplementary regulations listed below.
    B. Only portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized 
liquid fuel or charcoal grills may be used for cooking. Used charcoal 
may not be dumped or discarded onto the ground or into the river. 
Campfires, warming or cooking fires using wood, vegetation or any other 
substance, except as described above, are prohibited. Building, 
maintaining, attending or using any fire other than the above described 
stove or grill is prohibited. Fire permits are required at all times. 
Any emergency fire restriction established by the authorized officer or 
any government agency of proper jurisdiction will supersede the above 
upon appropriate signature or required publication.
    C. All papers, plastic and paper bags or wrappers must be 
controlled to prevent their being blown away from the immediate control 
of their owner. All garbage or food residue such as egg shells, 
peelings, pits or other waste must be placed in an appropriate 
container pending proper disposal. Picnic sites must be kept free of 
refuse. All refuse must be placed into an appropriate container or 
litter bag pending proper disposal. Refuse means trash, garbage, 
rubbish, waste papers, empty bottles or cans, debris, litter, oil, 
solvents, liquid waste, diapers or other items of personal hygiene, or 
any other discarded materials.
    D. The spilling, placing, pumping or other discharge of 
contaminants, pollutants or other wastes, including human waste, on the 
ground or into the Kaweah River is prohibited. Used diapers must be 
placed into an appropriate receptacle as soon as practical and may not 
be stored or placed within 40 feet of the North Fork of the Kaweah 
River.
    E. The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is 
prohibited on the above defined BLM land. This does not apply to 
unopened containers in vehicles traveling through BLM land on roads 
maintained by Tulare County or the State of California.
    F. Except for the lawful taking of game, any discharge of firearms 
is prohibited on the above defined public land. For the purpose of this 
supplementary rule, a firearm is defined as under Title 18, U.S.C., 
chapter 44, section 921(a)(3). Federal, State and local law enforcement 
officers are exempt from this order in the course of their official 
duties.
    G. If you knowingly and willfully violate this supplementary rule, 
you may be subject to arrest and a fine of not more than $1,000 or 
imprisonment of not more than 12 months as provided by 43 CFR 8360.0-7.

DATES: The above supplementary rules have been revised following a 
review of public comment. They will take effect July 14, 1999. These 
supplementary rules will remain in effect until replaced by a 
comprehensive Recreation Management Plan for the area.

ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver comments to Bureau of Land Management, 
Bakersfield Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308; 
telephone (661) 391-6120.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Hervey at (805) 391-6121 or at 
the BLM, Bakersfield field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 
93308.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These supplementary regulations have been 
effected to curtail the considerable accumulation of refuse and waste 
on public land adjacent to the North Fork of the Kaweah River. The area 
receives

[[Page 38006]]

considerable recreational use in limited accessible locations. Public 
health and safety, sanitation and the pollution of water resources are 
also of concern.
    Public comments following initial publication of these 
supplementary rules strongly recommended the addition of supplementary 
rules prohibiting the discharge of firearms for purposes other than the 
lawful taking of game on the above defined public land. Equestrians, 
bicycle riders, persons involved in recreational fishing and hiking, 
and adjacent property owners all requested this change.
    Nothing herein is intended to in any way restrict or prevent access 
to or use of private property within the designated area. Public 
officers or employees in the performance of their official duties are 
exempt from these supplementary regulations. These supplementary 
regulations are not intended to and will not be enforced to hinder or 
curtail any valid existing right, permit, or authorization. Access and 
use by owners or legitimate occupants or adjacent private property is 
permitted at all times. With the exception of supplementary rule E in 
the above list, these supplementary rules do not apply to individuals 
involved in the lawful taking of game. These supplementary rules are in 
conformance with the May 1997 Caliente Resource Management Plan.

    Dated: June 15, 1999.
Al Wright,
Acting State Director.
[FR Doc. 99-16295 Filed 7-13-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-40-M