[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 11, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 59809]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-16698]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[AZ-410-06-1220-AL]


Emergency Closure of Public Lands: Graham County, AZ

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of Emergency Closure.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that certain public lands in Graham 
County, Arizona are temporarily closed to public use.
    This Closure Order restricts all public use on a year-round basis 
on public lands administered by the BLM Safford Field Office in the 
Watson Wash area. This Order is issued under the authority of 43 CFR 
8364.1 and affects the following public lands: Gila and Salt River 
Meridian, Arizona, T. 6 S., R.25 E., Sec. 14, S\1/2\, SW\1/4\: Sec. 15, 
S\1/2\ SE\1/4\; Sec. 22, E\1/2\ NE\1/4\; Sec. 23, NW\1/4\.
    The affected lands contain conditions that compromised public 
health and safety due to illegal activities at the site that included 
murder, assaults, fights, disorderly conduct, drugs, under-age 
drinking, weapon offenses, motor vehicle accidents, vandalism, and 
littering. Public health and safety hazards have increased 
substantially and are expected to continue to do so unless immediate 
management action is taken. The restriction prohibiting public entry 
and use will help to mitigate public health and safety threats. The 
BLM's immediate removal of an unauthorized hot tub, which was an 
attractive nuisance, will reduce the area's appeal as a party spot.

DATES: This temporary closure will be effective the date this notice is 
published in the Federal Register and will remain in effect until 
rescinded or modified by the Authorized Officer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Brandau, Safford Field Manager, 
BLM, Safford Field Office, 711 14th Avenue, Safford, AZ 85546, (928) 
348-4461.
    Discussion of the Rules: Pursuant to 43 CFR 8364.1 the following is 
prohibited on lands administered by BLM within the Watson Wash Area:
    1. Unless otherwise authorized, no person shall enter or remain in 
the closed area.
    2. Persons who are exempt from the restriction include:
    a. Any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized 
firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
    b. BLM employees engaged in official duties, and
    c. Persons specifically authorized by the BLM to enter the 
restricted area.
    Penalties: Violation of this Order is punishable by a fine of not 
more than $1,000, and/or imprisonment of not more than 12 months (43 
CFR 8364.1(d)).

Marlo M. Draper,
Acting Safford Field Office Manager.
[FR Doc. E6-16698 Filed 10-10-06; 8:45 am]
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