[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 77 (Friday, April 21, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 20725]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-5992]


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DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[NV-010-06-1220-PA]


Notice of Travel Restriction to Off-Road Vehicles

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of off-road vehicle (ORV), also referred to as off-
highway vehicle (OHV), travel restriction to motorized use on public 
lands in the Elko Field Office, Spruce Mountain Area, Nevada Department 
of Wildlife Hunt Unit 105.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to 43 Code of Federal Regulations 8341.2, effective 
on publication of this Notice; off-road vehicles (ORV) travel is 
restricted to existing roads and two-tracks (approximately 850 miles) 
on public lands on and in the vicinity of Spruce Mountain, south of 
Wells, Nevada. The public lands affected by this restriction are 
located in portions of T. 29 N., R. 64 E; T. 30 N., R. 63 thru 65 E.; 
and T. 31 thru 34 N., R. 62 thru 66 E., MDM, Elko County, Nevada. This 
notice also prohibits competitive events on public lands in the area. 
The purpose of this action is to protect important cultural resources 
and wildlife habitats.

DATES: Effective Dates: This notice is effective immediately and shall 
remain in effect until BLM completes a land use plan revision 
(currently scheduled for 2009) and a Record of Decision.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Clinton R. Oke, Assistant Field 
Manager, Non Renewable Resources, Elko Field Office. 3900 E. Idaho 
Street, Elko, Nevada, 89801, telephone (775)-753-0200.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In 1985, the Wells and Elko Resource 
Management Plans (RMP) designated the majority of public lands managed 
by the BLM Elko Field Office as ``open'' to off-road vehicle use. Since 
that time, improvements to OHV and all-terrain vehicle design, 
capability, affordability and popularity have led to more numerous and 
widespread presence of these motorized vehicles. This increased use is 
creating adverse impacts to important cultural resources and wildlife 
habitat.
    The BLM Elko Field Office is seeking input from interested publics, 
organizations, and agencies for a Travel Management Plan for the Spruce 
Mountain Area, NDOW Hunt Unit 105. This Travel Management Plan will 
also have input from the Northeastern Great Basin Resource Advisory 
Council (RAC). Any travel limitations recommended will be considered in 
the Resource Management Plan (RMP) revision process. Maps of the travel 
restricted area are available for review at the above address.
    The purpose of the temporary travel restriction is to protect 
important cultural resources and wildlife habitat, and address imminent 
adverse impacts from ORV use off of existing roads and two-tracks.

    Authority: This notice issued under the authority of 43 CFR 
8341.2. Violations of this restriction are punishable by a fine not 
to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months as 
provided.

    Exemptions from this restriction will apply for BLM authorized 
permittees related to their ranching operations as described within the 
terms and conditions of their existing permits, official Nevada State 
and Elko County business and BLM law enforcement. The authorized 
officer may make other exemptions to the restrictions on a case-by-case 
basis.

    Dated: February 23, 2006.
Helen M. Hankins,
Field Office Manager.
 [FR Doc. E6-5992 Filed 4-20-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P