[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 150 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 42711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20164]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[WY-020-1220-00-0208]


Seasonal Closure of Public Land in the Bald Ridge Area, Park, 
County, Wyoming, Cody Field Office, Wyoming

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of seasonal closure.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given to extend the emergency seasonal 
closure of the Bald Ridge area that was published in the Federal 
Register Vol. 61 No. 62 on Friday, March 29, 1996. The Bald Ridge area 
located south of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River and west and 
north of Hogan Reservoir of Park County, Wyoming on public land 
administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Cody Field Office, 
is closed from December 15 through April 30 of each winter and spring 
season to all use (such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain bike 
riding, crosscountry skiing, and all motorized use) except specifically 
authorized activities. This action is being taken for resource 
protection of essential wintering habitat for elk and mule deer. No 
access into this area will be allowed unless permitted by the 
Authorized Officer (BLM Cody Field Manager).

EFFECTIVE DATES: This emergency seasonal closure was effective March 
18, 1996 and will remain in effect until modified or rescinded by the 
Authorized Officer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dennis Saville, Wildlife Biologist or 
Michael Blymyer, Field Manager, Cody Field Officer, P.O. Box 518, 1002 
Blackburn Avenue, Cody, Wyoming 82414-0518. Telephone (307)-587-2216.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cody Field Office is responsible for the 
management of essential wildlife habitat in the Bald Ridge area of the 
Absaroka Front and other crucial habitat areas located throughout the 
Bighorn Basin. These essential habitat areas and management thereof are 
covered under the Cody Resource Management Plan (RMP), which was signed 
on November 8, 1990. ``Seasonal restrictions will be applied as 
appropriate to surface-disturbing and disruptive activities and land 
uses on big game crucial habitat, including winter ranges and elk 
calving areas.'' (Cody RMP, p. 40).
    The Bald Ridge area is crucial wintering habitat for big game. 
Increasing visitor activity, such as horseback riding, hiking and 
antler hunting has caused unacceptable impacts to the wintering elk and 
deer herds. These activities are stressing game animals during a period 
when the animals are most susceptible to stress-related health affects 
that could cause death. These activities also force the herds to be 
displaced from their crucial winter habitat. The Cody Field Office has 
completed the Travel Management Environmental Assessment for the Bald 
Ridge area and has determined that this closure is necessary to address 
these concerns.
    The following described BLM-administered lands south of the Clarks 
Fork of the Yellowstone River and west of Hogan Reservoir are included 
in this seasonal closure: T. 56 N., R. 103 W., sections 7, 8, 15, 16, 
17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 from the west 
end of Hogan Reservoir. Hogan Reservoir remains open for fishing and 
nonmotorized travel within 100 yards of the reservoir's high-water 
line. Authority for closure and restriction orders is provided under 43 
CFR subpart 8341.2 (a and b), 8364.1, 8372.0-7, 8372.1-2. Violations of 
this closure are punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and (or) 
imprisonment not to exceed 12 months.

    Dated: July 21, 1999.
Michael Blymyer,
Cody Field Manager.
[FR Doc. 99-20164 Filed 8-4-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-22-M