[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 200 (Monday, October 18, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 56213]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-27043]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[MT-923-1150-AA]


Closure of Public Lands

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

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that effective immediately, the area 
described below is closed to the discharge or use of firearms. This 
closure only affects public lands. The areas closed are described as 
the 40 Complex between Dry Fork and Beauchamp Creek and an area south 
of Pea Ridge in south Phillips County, Montana. The public lands in the 
40 Complex include: T. 24 N., R. 27 E., sec. 20, all; sec. 21, all; 
sec. 25, all; sec. 26, all; sec. 27, all; sec. 28, all; sec. 29, N\1/2\ 
and SE\1/4\; sec. 34, all; sec. 35, all; T. 24 N., R. 28 E., sec. 31, 
lots 1 through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; sec. 32, all; T. 
23 N., R. 27 E., sec. 1, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, S\1/2\N\1/2\ and 
S\1/2\; sec. 2, lots 1 through 4, S\1/2\N\1/2\ and S\1/2\; sec. 3, lot 
1, SE\1/4\NE\1/4\ and E\1/2\SE\1/4\; sec. 10, E\1/2\NE\1/4\ and NE\1/
4\SE\1/4\; sec. 11, all; sec. 12, all; sec. 13, all; T. 23 N., R. 28 
E., sec. 5, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, S\1/2\N\1/2\ and S\1/2\; sec. 
6, lots 1 through 7 inclusive, SE\1/4\NW\1/4\, S\1/2\NE\1/4\, SE\1/4\, 
and E\1/2\SW\1/4\; sec. 7, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and 
E\1/2\; sec. 8, all; sec. 17, all; sec. 18, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, 
E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; which included prairie dog colonies B040, 
B041, B042, B043, B045, B047, B069, B072, and B148. The public lands in 
the area south of Pea Ridge includes T. 22 N., R. 29 E., sec. 9, all; 
sec. 10, all; sec. 11, all; sec. 13, all; sec. 14, all; sec. 15, all; 
sec. 17, E\1/2\ and S\1/2\SW\1/4\; sec. 20, N\1/2\ and SE\1/4\; sec. 
21, all; sec. 22, all; sec. 23, all; sec. 24, all; sec. 25, all; sec. 
26, all; sec. 27, all; sec. 28, all; sec. 29, all; T. 22 N., R. 30 E., 
sec. 18, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; sec. 19, 
lots 1 through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; sec. 30, lots 1 
through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; which includes prairie 
dog colonies B095, B096, B090, B111, B163 and B164. Signs noting this 
closure will be placed at strategic access points around the area and 
maps depicting the area are available to the public at the Bureau of 
Land Management's Malta Field Office in Malta, Montana, 501 South 
Second East. Telephone 406-654-1240.
    The purpose of the closure is to protect habitat for the 
reintroduction of the endangered black-footed ferret (MUSTELA 
NIGRIPES). That habitat is black-tailed prairie dog (CYNOMYS 
LUDOVICIANUS) colonies. The area within the closure has been identified 
as a key reintroduction site for black-footed ferrets because of the 
presence of viable black-tailed prairie dog colonies in close proximity 
to each other. Prairie dogs are critical prey species for ferrets and 
the number of prairie dogs has declined in recent years. The closure 
area has been identified to protect the prairie dog population from 
further decline due to recreational shooting. The area will remain 
closed until further notice. The authority for this closure is found in 
43 CFR 8364.1.
    In accordance with 43 CFR 8364.1(b)(4), persons who hold valid 
authorization from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks 
to hunt big game, upland game birds, or waterfowl may use or discharge 
firearms in the closed area for the purpose of taking these permitted 
animals in accordance with the applicable state regulations. Authorized 
personnel of the Bureau of Land Management, Animal Plant Health 
Inspection Service, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other 
emergency services are exempt from this closure when executing their 
official duties.
    In accordance with 43 CFR 8360.0-7, persons who violate this 
closure may be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or 
imprisonment not-to-exceed 12 months.

DATES: October 18, 1999.

LOCATION: Public lands in south Phillips County, Montana.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard M. Hotaling, Field Manager, 
Malta Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. HC 65 Box 5000, 501 
South Second Street East, Malta, Montana 59538-0047, 406-654-1240.

    Dated: October 7, 1999.
John E. Moorhouse,
Acting Deputy State Director, Division of Resources.
[FR Doc. 99-27043 Filed 10-15-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-DN-M