[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 231 (Friday, December 2, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 72313]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-6770]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[CA-330-1220-MA]


Notice of Temporary Restriction Order

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management 
(BLM), Arcata Field Office will establish temporary restrictions 
pursuant to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 43, Subpart 8364.1 
to effectively implement interim management guidelines for certain BLM-
administered public lands hereafter referred to as ``Ma-le'l Dunes'', 
located in Township 6 North, Range 1 West, portions of Sections 26, 27, 
34, and 35, Humboldt County, California. Ma-le'l Dunes consists of 
approximately 150 acres and is located along the coastline nearly two 
miles west of Arcata, CA. These restrictions are needed on a temporary 
basis until a Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendment, beginning in 
2008, is completed for the area. The area is now open to dispersed 
recreation uses with an emphasis placed on accommodating pedestrian and 
equestrian access to the coastline. The temporary restrictions are as 
follows:
    The parking/picnic area will be closed to vehicles from one hour 
after sunset to sunrise;
    Equestrian use will be allowed on designated trails and the 
waveslope;
    Pedestrian use will be allowed on designated trails, open sandy 
areas, and the waveslope;
    Dogs must be leashed in the developed recreation site (parking/
picnic area); otherwise dogs will be allowed off-leash consistent with 
the Humboldt County ordinance;
    Group camping will be allowed on a case by case basis under Special 
Recreation Permit guidelines. Criteria for determining permit issuance 
include: (1) Size of group, (2) number of permits per month, (3) 
purpose of event (does it benefit the overall community in some way). 
Additional criteria may be developed as an adaptive management measure;
    Vegetative gathering for personal use will be allowed from May to 
November along designated trails. Off-trail gathering will require a 
permit during this same time period;
    Fires will be allowed in designated sites (fire rings) only;
    The area will be open to day use, from sunrise to one hour after 
sunset. Overnight camping will not be allowed except by permit.
    Employees, agents and permitees of the BLM may be exempt from these 
restrictions for administrative and emergency purposes only.
    Penalties include a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment 
not to exceed 12 months. These restrictions are necessary to (1) 
Protect aquatic and terrestrial species from the effects of unregulated 
impacts, (2) ensure public safety, (3) reduce the potential for 
wildfires in this wildland urban interface, and (4) minimize 
inadvertent trespass onto adjoining private property. They will remain 
in effect until a formal planning process, with full public 
participation, is completed.

DATES: These restrictions will be effective once they are posted at the 
designated site location and BLM Arcata Field Office.

ADDRESSES: Maps and supporting documentation are available for review 
at the following location: Bureau of Land Management, Arcata Field 
Office, 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lynda J. Roush, BLM, Arcata Field 
Manager, 1695 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521. Ms. Roush may also be 
contacted by telephone: (707) 825-2300.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BLM recently acquired this 38-acre 
parcel adjacent to its existing 112 acres and developed a parking and 
picnic area to accommodate an increased demand for pedestrian and 
equestrian access to the beach. The anticipated increased visitor use 
will have unacceptable adverse impacts on significant resource values, 
including impacts on endangered plant species, if temporary 
restrictions are not initiated.
    By taking this interim action, BLM provides responsible public 
access and recreation uses, while contributing to the conservation of 
two endangered species in accordance with Section 7(a)(1) of the 
Endangered Species Act (ESA), 16 U.S.C 1536(a)(1). These restrictions 
will be posted in the BLM Arcata Field Office and at places near and/or 
within the affected public lands.

Lynda J. Roush,
Arcata Field Manager.
[FR Doc. E5-6770 Filed 12-1-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-40-P