[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 170 (Tuesday, September 3, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56302-56303]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-22395]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[WY-100-1010-01]


Notice of Seasonal Closure for All Motorized Vehicles on Public 
Land in the Silver Creek Ridge Area, Sublette County, WY

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of seasonal vehicular closure.

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SUMMARY: In response to a request from the Wyoming Game & Fish 
Department (WYG&F), a closure to all motorized vehicles, including 
over-the-snow vehicles will be in effect starting November 15th through 
January 31st of each year for the Silver Creek Ridge. A sign at the 
second irrigation ditch crossing 1.6 miles east of State Route 353 
establishes the point beyond which the seasonal closure is in effect. 
The purpose of this closure is to allow elk to migrate free of 
motorized disturbance through this area. This will assist the WYG&F in 
decreasing elk depredation on stored agricultural crops and meet WYG&F 
management objectives.

EFFECTIVE DATES: This closure will be effective each year between 
November 15th through January 31st inclusive. This closure will remain 
in effect unless modified or rescinded by the Authorized Officer, (BLM 
Pinedale Field Manager).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Wadsworth, Realty Specialist or 
Priscilla Mecham, Field Manager, Pinedale Field Office, P.O. Box 768, 
Pinedale, Wyoming 82941. Telephone (307) 367-5300.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The objective for closure of the Silver 
Creek Ridge area is to improve the elk management objectives in the 
area and reduce depredation of stored agricultural crops on adjoining 
ranches. The WYG&F have been working with

[[Page 56303]]

adjoining land owners to allow controlled access onto private lands. 
The adjoining land owners have agreed to allow access onto their 
private land to hunters only if the seasonal closure is placed on the 
BLM lands. The seasonal closure will close most of the Silver Creek 
Ridge area to all motorized use, including over-the-snow vehicles from 
November 15th through January 31st each year. The WYG&F feels that 
motorized vehicle use can disrupt the daily activity patterns of the 
elk thus limiting the harvest. By restricting motorized vehicle use, 
the elk will move more freely in the Silver Creek Ridge area, and 
remain undisturbed by motorized vehicles. This closure will also help 
by reducing resource damage that is caused by motorized vehicle use 
off-road.
    This seasonal use closure applies to public lands in Sublette 
County, Wyoming, located approximately 8 miles east of Boulder, 
Wyoming. The designation affects all public lands starting at T. 32 N., 
R. 107 W., Section 24, E\1/2\, Sixth Principle Meridian on the Silver 
Creek Ridge area. Motorized vehicle use designations apply to all 
motorized vehicles with the exceptions of: (1) Any fire, military, 
emergency, or law enforcement vehicle when used for emergency purposes 
or any combat support vehicle when used for national defense purposes; 
(2) any vehicle whose use is expressly authorized by the BLM under 
permit, lease, license, or contract; and (3) any government vehicle on 
official business.
    Authority for closure orders is provided under 43 CFR subpart 
8364.1. Violations of this closure are punishable by a fine not to 
exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months.

    Dated: June 27, 2002.
Priscilla Mecham,
Pinedale Field Manager.
[FR Doc. 02-22395 Filed 8-30-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1430-ER-P