[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 62 (Friday, April 1, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16712-16717]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6385]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

36 CFR Part 7

RIN 1024-AD26


Apostle Islands National Lakeshore; Designation of Snowmobile and 
Off-Road Motor Vehicle Areas, and Use of Portable Ice Augers or Power 
Engines

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) is adopting this final rule to 
designate areas on Lake Superior and the mainland unit for use by 
snowmobiles, off-road motor vehicles, and ice augers or power engines 
within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Unless otherwise provided 
for by special regulation, the operation of snowmobiles and off-road 
motor vehicles within areas of the National Park System is prohibited 
under existing regulations. The intended effect of the special 
regulations is to designate the routes, areas and frozen water surfaces 
identified herein and remove the requirement for a permit to operate an 
ice auger or power engine. All other portions of the existing 
regulations, governing use, safety, and operating requirements would 
remain in effect.

DATES: Effective April 1, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Mail inquiries to Superintendent, Apostle Islands National 
Seashore, Route 1, Box 4, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814. Telephone: (715) 
779-3398. E-mail: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerry Case, Regulations Program 
Manager, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW., Room 7241, 
Washington, DC 20240. Phone: (202) 208-4206. E-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    This rule designates areas on the frozen surface of Lake Superior 
and a route on the mainland unit for use by snowmobiles, off-road motor 
vehicles, and ice augers or power engines within the established 
boundaries of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The areas designated 
are the frozen surface of Lake Superior surrounding every island from 
the shoreline out to the Lakeshore's \1/4\ mile boundary, and the 
frozen surface of Lake Superior from Sand Point to the mainland unit's 
eastern boundary. Motorized access will end at the shoreline of the 
islands. The route designated is the \1/4\ mile section of the Big Sand 
Bay Road that passes through the mainland unit to non-NPS property.
    The enabling legislation for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (16 
U.S.C.; 460w-460w-7), specifically authorizes recreational use of the 
Lakeshore by the public. It further includes provisions for hunting, 
fishing, and trapping on the lands and waters within the boundaries, 
with certain limitations allowed for public safety administration, fish 
or wildlife management, or public use and enjoyment.
    The Lakeshore comprises 21 islands and a 12-mile strip of mainland 
shoreline lying at the northern end of the Bayfield peninsula in 
Northern Wisconsin. Jurisdiction by the National Park Service extends 
for a distance of one-quarter mile offshore on the waters of Lake 
Superior surrounding each island and along the mainland coast. During 
the winter months, safe access up to shoreline areas and traditional 
hunting, fishing, and trapping areas frequently requires over ice 
travel by snowmobile and various forms of off-road motor vehicle 
transportation within the quarter-mile jurisdiction.
    The Apostle Islands archipelago is roughly 287,000 acres in size, 
including all of the water between the islands. Of this 287,000 acres, 
less than 40,000 acres are contained within the park's islands, and an 
additional 27,500 acres are water, leaving over 210,000 acres of water 
within the archipelago that lie outside the jurisdiction of the NPS. In 
other words, the NPS has jurisdiction over only 15% of the waters 
between all of the islands.
    The use of snowmobiles, off-road motor vehicles, and ice augers or 
power engines was common prior to the establishment of the Lakeshore 
and continues through the present day. The use of ice augers or power 
engines is necessary to provide access to the water through the ice for 
authorized fishing activities. Ice augers are typically operated only 
once a day at the

[[Page 16713]]

beginning of ice fishing activities. The length of operation is chiefly 
dependent on the thickness of the ice, which can vary from four inches 
to more than three feet. Most ice augers can cut through the ice 
surface in less than a few minutes. The exclusive purpose of operation 
is to cut or bore small holes in the frozen surface of Lake Superior to 
allow fishing equipment to pass freely.
    These uses continue as a safe, common, and necessary method of 
access up to shorelines and other locations inside Lakeshore boundaries 
and corridors to areas outside the Lakeshore boundaries for gaining 
access to fishing and recreational areas during winter.
    This designation of water surfaces and routes within the Lakeshore 
provides the public with the means to safely navigate around rough ice, 
cracks, pressure ridges and other dangerous ice conditions on frozen 
Lake Superior. It facilitates traditional and legislatively authorized 
uses such as hunting, fishing and trapping while also providing 
shoreline access for winter camping, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and 
other non-motorized recreational activities within the Lakeshore.
    Under current NPS regulations, 36 CFR 2.18 and 4.10, the use of 
snowmobiles and off-road motor vehicles within areas of the National 
Park System is prohibited, except on water surfaces and designated 
routes that are used by motorboats or motor vehicles during other 
seasons. These water surfaces and routes must be designated and 
promulgated as special regulations. The use of portable engines 
associated with a power ice auger is allowed by permit only under 36 
CFR 2.12(a)(3).
    National Park Service Management Policies Section 8.2.2.1 states 
that any restriction of appropriate recreational uses will be limited 
to what is necessary to protect park resources and values, to promote 
visitor safety and enjoyment, or to meet park management needs. It also 
states the Superintendent will develop and implement visitor use 
management plans and take management actions, as appropriate, to ensure 
that recreational uses and activities within the park are consistent 
with authorizing legislation and do not cause unacceptable impacts to 
park resources or values.
    After reviewing the issues surrounding the use of snowmobiles, off-
road motor vehicles, and ice augers or power engines, NPS determined 
that the uses authorized in the rule are consistent with the enabling 
legislation and will not result in impairment of resources, values, or 
purposes for which the Lakeshore was established. Snowmobiles and off-
road motor vehicles are used as a means of transportation to a specific 
park location, where the user participates in a non-motorized 
recreational activity. When the snowmobile or off-road motor vehicle 
user reaches his or her destination, the snowmobile or off-road motor 
vehicle is stopped with the engine off, minimizing noise, pollution, 
and other associated impacts. By contrast, recreational touring, which 
is not allowed under this rule, would involve continuous or prolonged 
operation of a snowmobile or off-road motor vehicle which would 
increase noise, pollution, and other associated impacts.
    The designation of areas and routes on the frozen surface of Lake 
Superior and the mainland road is consistent with water surfaces and 
routes used by powerboats and motor vehicles during other times of 
year. These regulations limit the designation of specific areas, and 
further restrict designation of routes to surfaces used by motor 
vehicles during other times of year. Because of these limitations, no 
additional snowmobile or off-road motor vehicle areas will be 
established. Hunting, fishing, trapping and non-motorized recreational 
opportunities on the islands will continue to be permitted as in the 
past. Operation of power engines in other areas or for other purposes 
will continue to be subject to authorization by permit only.
    Less than 15 percent of the ice on Lake Superior that surrounds the 
islands is located within the Lakeshore's \1/4\-mile boundary. Exterior 
areas are owned by the State of Wisconsin and allow snowmobile and off-
road motor vehicle operation pursuant to State regulations. With 
virtually unlimited snowmobile and off-road motor vehicle use in State 
areas, which are directly adjacent to park boundaries, the most 
significant factor for noise and emissions in island and mainland 
locations inside the Lakeshore boundary is wind speed and direction 
rather than where snowmobiles and off-road motor vehicles are operated. 
Sound and emissions can travel long distances over the hard frozen 
surface of Lake Superior.
    The conditions that allow for reasonably safe snowmobile and off-
road motor vehicle access on the frozen surface of Lake Superior are 
generally limited to late December through mid-March. During this time 
period, a majority of the wildlife has either migrated from the area or 
is in hibernation. Since snowmobiles and off-road motor vehicles are 
not permitted to operate outside of designated roads on the mainland or 
on the islands themselves, no impact is expected on the wintering 
white-tailed deer population, other wildlife, or the snow-covered 
vegetation. Therefore, it is anticipated that adoption of this 
regulation will not adversely affect the resources of the Lakeshore.
    Allowing the use of snowmobiles, off-road motor vehicles, and ice 
augers or power engines on the frozen surface of Lake Superior is not 
expected to dramatically increase visitation to the area. Traditional 
users include fishermen and recreational users that engage in winter 
hunting, trapping, camping, hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and other non-
motorized recreational activities.
    Designated state and county trails for snowmobile and off-road 
motor vehicle use are abundant outside the Lakeshore throughout Ashland 
and Bayfield Counties. Bayfield County contains more than 430 miles of 
maintained snowmobile trails and in excess of 108 miles of all-terrain 
vehicle routes. Ashland County has more than 205 miles and 132 miles 
respectively. There is little demand for recreational touring on the 
ice of Lake Superior.
    Due to the short duration of accessibility, instability of the ice 
at many times and limited need for access to non-NPS property outside 
the Lakeshore boundary, it is not anticipated that a large increase in 
snowmobiles or off-road motor vehicles will result from adopting these 
special regulations. With current use limited and no significant 
increase expected, no measurable economic impact is anticipated.
    The NPS considers that local residents, area businesses, and park 
visitors are best served by allowing for the use of snowmobiles, off-
road motor vehicles, and portable ice augers/engines in the designated 
areas and routes.
    A proposed regulation was published in the Federal Register on 
August 12, 2004 (69 FR 49841). Public comment was invited. The comment 
period closed October 12, 2004.

Summary of Comments Received

    During the public comment period, the NPS received 408 comments via 
U.S. Mail and electronic mail (e-mail).

Comments Received in Support of the Rule:

    All comments received from neighboring city, county, and State 
governments, agencies, and officials were in support of the proposed 
rule. The letters of support expressed concern for the safety of 
fishermen and park

[[Page 16714]]

users. Of the comments received from individuals who support the 
proposed rulemaking, 94 percent are residents in the Apostle Islands 
(Chequamegon Bay) area and 76 percent are residents of the State of 
Wisconsin.
    Comment: The operation of snowmobiles, off-road motor vehicles, ice 
augers or power engines on the frozen surface of Lake Superior is 
necessary to avoid hazardous ice, pressure ridges, and cracks, and 
provide reasonable and safe access to fishing areas and island 
shoreline locations.
    Response: NPS agrees with respondents and supports efforts to 
maintain visitor access and safety.
    No comments were received in support of snowmobiles or off-road 
vehicles for the purpose of recreational touring.

Comments Received in Opposition to the Rule

    Of the comments received from individuals who wrote to oppose the 
proposed rulemaking, 5 percent are from residents from the State of 
Wisconsin. Over 98 percent of the comments in opposition to the 
proposed rule were received from the Bluewater Network internet Web 
site.
    The Bluewater Network Web site offered internet users prepared text 
that could not be modified and the option for individuals to add 
comments about personal experiences relating to snowmobiles, off-road 
vehicles, and other issues. Fifty-eight respondents expressed concern 
about noise, pollution, and the negative impacts on wildlife and their 
outdoor experience. The prepared text from the Bluewater Network 
addressed five comments that are listed below. The NPS response follows 
each comment.
    Comment: The Bluewater Network (and 340 form letter comments 
initiated from its Web site) commented that the current prohibition on 
ORV/snowmobiles should be maintained.
    Response: NPS recognizes that snowmobile and off-road vehicle 
(ORVs) operation around the Apostle Islands on frozen Lake Superior is 
a historic and traditional use that was in existence prior the 
establishment of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in 1970. NPS 
has determined that the continuation of these uses for access on 
designated areas and routes will enhance public safety and facilitate 
authorized uses without causing unacceptable impacts on the resources, 
values or purposes of the Lakeshore.
    Comment: The Bluewater Network (and 340 form letter comments 
initiated from its Web site) commented that the proposed rule does not 
distinguish between ice fishing and recreational use, or how the 
regulations would be enforced.
    Response: Snowmobiles and off-road motor vehicles are used as a 
means of transportation to a specific park location, where the user 
participates in a non-motorized recreational activity. When the 
snowmobile or off-road motor vehicle user reaches his or her 
destination, the snowmobile or off-road motor vehicle is stopped with 
the engine off. Recreational touring, which is not allowed under this 
rule, involves continuous or prolonged operation of a snowmobile or 
off-road motor vehicle. Park rangers will enforce this rule by 
monitoring visitor use and ice conditions. It is reasonable to expect 
users to travel around hazards on the ice and follow safe routes to 
access shoreline locations. Park rangers will verify that visitors are 
fishing, camping, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking or participating in other 
non-motorized activities based on their observed travel within the 
park, clothing, equipment, tools, and other accessories in their 
possession.
    Comment: The Bluewater Network (and 340 form letter comments 
initiated from its Web site) commented that NPS should mark access 
corridors to prime fishing spots.
    Response: The number of possible fishing spots (locations) around 
the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior is virtually unlimited. Fishermen 
choose areas primarily by existing ice conditions with safety as the 
paramount issue. Ice must be of adequate thickness to support people, 
fishing equipment, and methods of transport. Unfortunately, the frozen 
surface of Lake Superior can change on a daily basis due to variable 
winds, waves, currents, and temperature conditions. It is typical for 
winter ice to form between some of the inner islands in the Apostle 
Islands archipelago, but ice around all of the islands is unusual due 
to the variety of weather conditions listed above. It is a rare 
occurrence for all of Lake Superior to freeze over. Ice that forms over 
a period of days or weeks can be destroyed in hours by high winds, 
shifting ice, and/or the forces of wave action. The pressure of moving 
ice can create cracks, fissures, and areas of open water without 
warning. Hence, there is no practical way to mark or maintain the 
unlimited number of corridors or routes to fishing locations.
    Comment: The Bluewater Network (and 340 form letter comments 
initiated from its Web site) commented that the Rule should prohibit 
snowmobile/ORV use on waters around those islands that are recommended 
for wilderness protection under alternative C in the 2004 Apostle 
Islands National Lakeshore Wilderness Suitability Study.
    Response: The mainland unit, all of Sand, Basswood, and Long 
Islands, the lighthouses, and other existing developed areas of the 
Lakeshore, and all waters and frozen areas of Lake Superior were 
excluded from wilderness protection with the designation of the Gaylord 
A. Nelson National Wilderness (Pub. L. 108-447) on December 8, 2004. 
The wilderness boundary begins at the high water mark for each island 
having lands designated as wilderness, and proceeds inland. Operation 
of boats, snowmobiles, and off-road vehicles is limited to the waters 
and frozen surface of Lake Superior, which was not included in the 
wilderness designation. The use of motorized vessels and vehicles allow 
visitors safe access to island shorelines and other locations on Lake 
Superior both inside and outside of Lakeshore boundaries for fishing 
and non-motorized recreational activities. Regardless of what the NPS 
does, snowmobiles and ORVs will be legal \1/4\ mile from shore. 
Prohibiting them within the Lakeshore's \1/4\ mile boundary will not 
create quiet zones because of the long distances that sound travels 
over water and ice. Limiting or restricting access to shorelines would 
effectively prevent many park users from accessing proposed wilderness 
trailheads.
    Comment: The Bluewater Network (and 340 form letter comments 
initiated from its Web site) commented that the NPS rule should require 
the use of advanced technologies, such as four stroke engines, for 
snowmobiles used at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
    Response: Advanced technologies that reduce possible pollution are 
preferable, but it is impractical to require them now at the Apostle 
Islands for several reasons.
    First, snowmobiles and off-road motor vehicles are used as a means 
of transportation to a specific park location, where the user 
participates in a non-motorized recreational activity. When the 
snowmobile or off-road motor vehicle user reaches his or her 
destination, the snowmobile or off-road motor vehicle is stopped with 
the engine off, minimizing noise, pollution, and other associated 
impacts. By contrast, recreational touring, which is not allowed under 
this rule, would involve continuous or prolonged operation of a 
snowmobile or off-road motor vehicle which would increase noise, 
pollution, and other associated impacts.

[[Page 16715]]

    Second, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has no ``gate'' or 
entrance through which all snowmobiles must pass before entering the 
park. The Lakeshore contains over 154 miles of shoreline on Lake 
Superior with virtually unlimited access points. Hence there is no 
practical way to stop non-complying machines from entering the park or 
assure compliance with technological criteria.
    The Apostle Islands archipelago is roughly 287,000 acres in size, 
including all of the water between the islands. Of this 287,000 acres, 
less than 40,000 acres are contained within the park's islands, and an 
additional 27,500 acres are water, leaving over 210,000 acres of water 
or approximately 85% of the area, within the archipelago, outside of 
NPS jurisdiction. Requiring visitors to use only advanced technologies 
in an area that has so little NPS jurisdiction is not practical.
    Lastly, there is no snowmobile rental industry in the park area, 
nor any fleets of snowmobiles owned by companies. Virtually all use in 
the park is by individuals, and virtually all machines are 
individually-owned. Imposing a technology requirement in the Lakeshore 
that exceeds other state and federal legal requirements would impose a 
high burden on individual users of the park which would not be 
justified here given the issues discussed above.

Additional Comments

    Comment: The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) 
commented on the National Park Service's ``lack of compliance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act'' (NEPA). While supporting the 
implementation of the rule, NPCA urges that it be conditioned upon a 
future finding of no significant impact consistent with a more detailed 
NEPA analysis.
    Response: The National Park Service has prepared an Environmental 
Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the rule, in 
compliance with NEPA. Copies are available from Apostle Islands 
National Lakeshore at the address listed above.
    The 27,500 acres of water within NPS jurisdiction is fragmented 
into 24 separate units (21 islands and 3 sections on mainland unit). 
Only 15% of the waters between all of the islands is located within 
park boundaries. Regardless of what the NPS decides with respect to 
these issues, snowmobiles, ORVs, and power augers will still be legal 
on more than 210,000 acres or 85% of the waters outside of park 
boundaries within the Apostle Islands archipelago.
    Although snowmobile and ORV use within the Apostle Islands 
archipelago is not without any environmental impacts, the proposed rule 
is expected to have less than significant impacts on the human 
environment in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for the following 
reasons:

--Preventing snowmobile use within the park's \1/4\-mile water boundary 
would not affect the amount of snowmobile use in the larger Apostle 
Islands archipelago, and therefore it would not decrease any associated 
environmental impacts.
--The proposed rule authorizes snowmobiles/ORV use for transportation 
only, not long-distance touring. Hence the machines' engines will be 
turned off for the majority of time that they are on the lake, 
minimizing associated environmental impacts.
--Use is not concentrated, but generally dispersed.
--Wildlife are extremely scarce on the frozen surface of the lake, 
greatly decreasing potential impacts.

    Comment: The Red Cliff and Bad River Bands of Lake Superior 
Chippewa Indians both stated that they wanted written assurance that 
the proposed rule would not be applied to regulate the Tribes' treaty-
reserved rights either within or outside of their reservations and 
requested that such assurance be included in either the notice of the 
final rule or in the rule itself.
    Response: Nothing in this rule modifies, alters, or affects any 
treaty rights.

Compliance With Other Laws

Need for an Immediate Effective Date

    This rule relieves restrictions on snowmobile, off-road vehicle, 
ice auger and power engine use that would ordinarily exist under NPS 
regulations. For this reason, the Department has determined that good 
cause exists to waive the normal 30-day delay and make this rule 
effective upon publication as allowed by 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(1).

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)

    This document is not a significant rule and is not subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 
12866.
    (1) This rule will not have an effect of $100 million or more on 
the economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or tribal governments or 
communities. Snowmobiles and off-road motor vehicles (all terrain 
vehicles) are not available for sale, rental, or lease through local 
businesses or tour companies within the Apostle Islands (Chequamegon 
Bay) area. Snowmobiles and off-road motor vehicles are almost 
exclusively privately owned or transported to the region from sources 
outside of the local geographic area.
    (2) This rule will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise 
interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. Actions 
taken under this rule will not interfere with other agencies or local 
government plans, policies or controls. This rule supports local 
government and community plans for winter recreation that already 
exists.
    (3) This rule does not alter the budgetary effects of entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of 
their recipients. This rule will have no effects on entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or obligations of 
their recipients. No grants or other forms of monetary supplements are 
involved.
    (4) This rule does not raise novel legal or policy issues. This 
rule codifies long-existing uses at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this rulemaking will 
not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
Snowmobiles and off-road motor vehicles (all terrain vehicles) are not 
available for sale, rental, or lease through local businesses or tour 
companies within the Apostle Islands (Chequamegon Bay) area. 
Snowmobiles and off-road motor vehicles are almost exclusively 
privately owned or transported to the region from sources outside of 
the local geographic area.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This proposed rule:
    a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more.
    b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions.
    c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment,

[[Page 16716]]

investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based 
enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local or tribal governments or the private sector. This rule is an 
agency specific rule and does not impose any other requirements on 
other agencies, governments, or the private sector. The use of 
snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, and ice augers or power engines on the 
frozen surface of Lake Superior and the mainland unit is a voluntary 
activity.

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, the rule does not have 
significant takings implications. This rule codifies existing 
snowmobile, off-road vehicle, ice auger or power engine use on the 
frozen surface of Lake Superior and mainland unit. No taking of 
personal property will occur as a result of this rule.

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    In accordance with Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have 
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment. This rule codifies existing snowmobile, off-road 
vehicle, ice auger or power engine use on the frozen surface of Lake 
Superior and mainland unit and does not place any requirements on State 
or local governments.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Office of the 
Solicitor has determined that this rule does not unduly burden the 
judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of the Order.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This regulation does not require an information collection from 10 
or more parties and a submission under the Paperwork Reduction Act is 
not required. An OMB Form 83-I is not required.

National Environmental Policy Act

    As discussed above, the National Park Service has prepared an 
Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for this 
rule in compliance with NEPA. Copies are available from Apostle Islands 
National Lakeshore at the address listed above.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government to Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951) and 512 DM 2 have evaluated potential 
effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that 
there are no potential effects. Park staff consulted with the Red Cliff 
and Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Great Lakes Indian 
Fish and Wildlife Commission. In return the park received letters 
generally supporting the proposed regulations from the Red Cliff and 
Bad River Bands and verbal support from the Fish and Wildlife 
Commission.

List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 7

    National Parks, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

0
In consideration of the foregoing, the National Park Service amends 36 
CFR part 7 as follows:

PART 7--SPECIAL REGULATIONS, AREAS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

0
1. The authority citation for part 7 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1, 3, 9a, 460(q), 462(k); Sec. 7.96 also 
issued under D.C. Code 8-137 (1981) and D.C. Code 40-721 (1981).


0
2. In Sec.  7.82 the existing paragraph is designated as (a), and 
paragraphs (b),(c), and (d) are added to read as follows:


Sec.  7.82  Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

* * * * *
    (b) Snowmobiles. (1) Snowmobiles may be operated for authorized 
purposes in the following designated areas within the Lakeshore:
    (i) The frozen surface of Lake Superior that surrounds every island 
from the shoreline out to the authorized boundary;
    (ii) The frozen surface of Lake Superior from Sand Point to the 
mainland unit's eastern boundary;
    (iii) The \1/4\ mile section of the Big Sand Bay Road that passes 
through the park mainland unit to non-NPS property.
    (2) Snowmobile use is authorized solely for the purpose of 
providing access for legal forms of:
    (i) Ice fishing;
    (ii) Hunting and trapping;
    (iii) Winter camping;
    (iv) Other non-motorized recreational activities; and
    (v) Access to non-NPS property by owners, and to NPS properties by 
``use and occupancy'' lessees and their guests.
    (3) Snowmobiles may be used for administrative, law enforcement, 
and emergency services as determined by the Superintendent.
    (4) Snowmobile use in areas and for purposes other than those 
stated in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section is prohibited.
    (5) Maps showing designated use areas are available at park 
headquarters.
    (c) Off-road vehicles. (1) Off-road motor vehicles may be operated 
for authorized purposes in the following designated areas within the 
Lakeshore:
    (i) The frozen surface of Lake Superior that surrounds every island 
from the shoreline out to the authorized boundary; and
    (ii) The frozen surface of Lake Superior from Sand Point to the 
mainland unit's eastern boundary.
    (2) Off-road motor vehicle use is authorized solely for the purpose 
of providing access for legal forms of:
    (i) Ice fishing;
    (ii) Hunting and trapping;
    (iii) Winter camping;
    (iv) Other non-motorized recreational activities; and
    (v) Access to non-NPS property by owners, and to NPS properties by 
``use and occupancy'' lessees and their guests.
    (3) Off-road motor vehicles may be used for administrative, law 
enforcement, and emergency services as determined by the 
Superintendent.
    (4) Off-road motor vehicle use in areas and for purposes other than 
those stated in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) is prohibited.
    (5) Maps showing designated use areas are available at park 
headquarters.
    (d) Ice augers and power engines. (1) Ice auger means a portable 
gasoline or electric powered engine connected to a rotating helical 
shaft for boring through the frozen surface of a lake.
    (2) Power engine means a mobile gasoline or electric powered engine 
or device that is connected to a rotating saw blade or teeth linked in 
an endless chain for cutting through the frozen ice surface of a lake.
    (3) Notwithstanding the requirements of 36 CFR 2.12(a)(3), 
operation of an ice auger or power engine is authorized on designated 
portions of Lake Superior for the specific purpose of cutting through 
the ice surface to provide access for legal ice fishing activity.
    (4) Areas designated for use of an ice auger or power engine 
include:
    (i) The frozen surface of Lake Superior that surrounds every island 
from the shoreline out to the authorized boundary; and
    (ii) The frozen surface of Lake Superior from Sand Point to the 
mainland unit's eastern boundary.

[[Page 16717]]

    (5) Maps showing designated use areas are available at park 
headquarters.
    (6) Use of an ice auger or power engine on any land surface or 
frozen water surface outside of designated use areas is prohibited 
without a permit.

    Dated: March 18, 2005.
Paul Hoffman,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 05-6385 Filed 3-31-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4312-97-P