[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 26, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4256-4257]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-1764]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[UT-090-00-1430-BD; UTU-75494]


Emergency Road Closure

AGENCY:  Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION:  Order for temporary emergency closure of portions of the 
``Moon

[[Page 4257]]

House'' route and ``Snow Flat Spring Cave'' route which were identified 
as ``ways'' within the Fish Creek Canyon Wilderness Study Area (WSA) 
during the wilderness inventory of these Public Lands in San Juan 
County, Utah, to all motorized and mechanical vehicles.

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SUMMARY:  This action temporarily closes to motorized and mechanical 
vehicular use portions of the Moon House and Snow Flat Spring Cave 
routes inventoried as ``ways'' within the Fish Creek Canyon WSA on 
public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management in San Juan 
County, Utah. Specifically that portion of the Moon House route to be 
closed is the way that begins at the southern boundary of Section 35 in 
T. 38 S., R. 19 E., SLBM and continues to the edge of McCloyd Canyon. 
Specifically the portion of the Snow Flat Spring Cave route to be 
closed is the way in Sections 1 and 12 of T. 39 S., R. 19 E., SLBM, 
that begins at the end of the cherry stemmed road approximately one-
half mile from the Snow Flat Road (Mormon Trail). The way will be 
closed from that point to the edge of McCloyd Canyon. The routes have 
seen no authorized vehicular traffic in more than eight years because 
they had been closed with signs posted stating ``No Motor Vehicles.'' 
San Juan County officials recently removed these signs without 
authorization. Publicity surrounding the County's removal of the signs 
is anticipated to increase vehicular traffic substantially. There is 
imminent threat of considerable adverse effects to wilderness 
characteristics and cultural resources. A substantial increase in 
vehicle use of these routes would seriously degrade wilderness 
suitability and may constrain Congress from designating those portions 
of the WSA affected by the routes into the National Wilderness 
Preservation System. Increased vehicular use would also cause 
considerable adverse effects upon cultural resources through surface 
disturbance and removal of artifacts. This temporary emergency closure 
will take effect immediately. Authority for this temporary emergency 
closure order is contained in 43 CFR 8341.2. This temporary closure 
will remain in effect until permanent designation procedures are 
followed as identified in 43 CFR 8342.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Kent E. Walter, Field Office Manager, 
435 North Main (P.O. Box 7), Monticello, Utah 84535, (435) 587-1500.

    Dated: January 12, 2000.
Kent E. Walter,
Field Office Manager.
[FR Doc. 00-1764 Filed 1-25-00; 8:45 am]
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