[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 160 (Monday, August 20, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 46494]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-16334]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[CA-160-1220-IU]


Notice of Emergency Closure of Public Lands in Tulare County, CA

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that approximately 560 acres of public 
lands have been temporarily closed to all public use. This closure is 
made under the authority of 43 CFR 8364.1 Closure and Restriction 
Orders. The closed area is in the vicinity of Kaweah, California in 
Tulare County and is within sections 13, 23, 24, and 26 T. 16S.R.28E. 
Mount Diablo Baseline and Meridian. All entry will be restricted during 
this emergency closure to protect persons, property, public lands, and 
natural resources. Closure signs will be posted at main entry points to 
this area. Gates and fencing will be installed to exclude vehicular 
entry and parking.

DATES: The emergency closure is effective May 24, 2007 and will remain 
in effect until the Bakersfield Field Office completes a revision to 
the current Resource Management Plan and an Activity Plan which will 
establish permanent rules for the public use of the property.

ADDRESSES: Maps of the closure area may be obtained from the 
Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, California 
93308. Phone (661) 391-6000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Simpson (661) 391-6120 or Steve 
Larson (661) 391-6099.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The approximately 560 acres of public land 
known locally as the Paradise, Advance and Cherry Falls Recreation 
Sites along North Fork Drive receive a significant amount of public use 
during the summer months. The existing infrastructure including: the 
access road; parking areas; and sanitation facilities are inadequate to 
accommodate the large numbers of visitors thus creating unsafe and 
unsanitary conditions.
    The closure is necessary to protect visitors to public lands and 
public lands and facilities. Overcrowding at these sites creates a 
dangerous situation and visitors could be trapped if a wildfire started 
and rapid evacuation was necessary.
    Exemptions: Persons who are exempt from this emergency closure 
include: Federal, State, or local officials or employees in the scope 
of their duties; and members of any organized rescue or fire-fighting 
force in performance of an official duty.
    Penalties: Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of 
this closure order may be subject to the penalties provided in 43 CFR 
8360.0-7, which include a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment 
not to exceed 12 months.

Patricia Gradek,
Acting Bakersfield Field Manager.
 [FR Doc. E7-16334 Filed 8-17-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-40-P