[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 126 (Thursday, July 1, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39953-39954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-14883]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[ID090-04-1050-HF]


Emergency Closure Order in Ada County, Idaho

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Higby Cave and all public lands within 1000 feet of the cave, 
being within the S\1/2\NW\1/4\NW\1/4\ and N\1/2\SW\1/4\NW\1/4\ of 
Section 32, T. 1 S., R. 3 E., Boise Meridian, Ada County, Idaho, 
containing approximately 72 acres, are hereby closed from sunset to 
sunrise each day. In addition, because of recent changes in the 
structural integrity of the cave and the related potential hazardous 
conditions that exist, all persons are hereby prohibited entry into the 
cave at all times, except by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) special 
permit. This emergency closure is intended to provide for public safety 
and to protect valuable resource assets from further degradation.
    BLM employees, authorized permittees, and other Federal, State, and 
county employees while on official business of their respective 
agencies, including associated vehicle use for administrative and 
emergency purposes are exempt from this order.

DATES: This Emergency Closure Order is effective immediately upon 
signing, and extends through May 1, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Bureau of Land Management, Four Rivers Field Office, 3948 
Development Avenue, Boise, Idaho 83705.

[[Page 39954]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Ridenhour, BLM Outdoor 
Recreation Planner, (208) 384-3334.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This emergency closure is effective 
immediately upon signing, and will expire on May 1, 2007. During this 
period, BLM will evaluate whether a permanent closure is in the public 
interest. In the interim, the BLM authorized officer may issue a 
special permit allowing access into the cave under special 
circumstances and for specific purposes.
    Definitions: (a) ``Public lands'' means any lands or interests in 
lands owned by the United States and administered by the Secretary of 
the Interior through the BLM; (b) ``Authorized officer'' means any 
employee of the BLM who has been delegated the authority to perform the 
duties described herein; (c) ``Administrative purposes'' means any use 
by an employee or designated representative of the Federal government, 
or one of its agents or contractors in the course of their employment 
or representation; (d) ``Emergency purposes'' means actions related to 
fire, rescue, or law enforcement activities.
    This emergency closure is established and administered by the BLM 
under the authority of 43 CFR 8360.0-3, and complies with 43 CFR 8364.1 
(Closure and Restriction Orders). In accordance with 43 CFR 8360.0-7, 
violation of this order is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1000 
and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months. Violations may also be 
subject to the enhanced fines provided for in Title 18 U.S.C. 3571.

    Dated: May 4, 2004.
Rosemary Thomas,
Acting Four Rivers Field Manager.
[FR Doc. 04-14883 Filed 6-30-04; 8:45 am]
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