[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 152 (Thursday, August 7, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 42592-42593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-20780]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[NV-055-1220-00]


Camping Closure on Certain Public Lands Managed by the Bureau of 
Land Management Within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area 
(NCA) Las Vegas District, Nevada

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior.

ACTION: Camping closure on selected public lands within the Red Rock 
Canyon NCA in Clark County, Nevada.

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SUMMARY: The District Manager of the Las Vegas District announces a 
camping closure at Black Velvet Canyon within the Red Rock Canyon NCA.
    The increased popularity of rock climbing in the Black Velvet 
Canyon area is causing a greater impact than in the past. Overnight 
camping is contributing to more illegal campfires, littering, and human 
waste than the resources can handle. Due to the primitive road 
condition accessing this area, it is not feasible to provide a 
supplemental toilet facility there, requiring regular service. The 
destruction of vegetation is the result of a rising number of out-of-
bounds campers forced out of the limited area open to vehicles.
    The close proximity of Mud Spring to the camping area invites more 
visitors to bathe there, thus resulting in the contamination of a vital 
water source for wild horses, desert bighorn sheep, and other wildlife 
native to the area.
    In the fall of 1997 a new 100 space campground along State Route 
159 is scheduled for completion, further relieving the impact to the 
public lands within the Conservation Area. With the exception of Black 
Velvet Canyon, other camping options currently available to

[[Page 42593]]

the public, as allowed by supplementary rule 43 CFR 8365.1-6(3.16)(a), 
dated May 11, 1993, are areas at elevations 5,000 feet above sea level 
and higher, and within the Oak Creek Camp Ground along State Route 159. 
Also available is the temporary overflow camping area provided on 
public lands adjacent to the Conservation Area boundary at mile post 2 
on State Route 159.
    This camping closure will have no effect on the current vehicle, 
hiking, or public access to Black Velvet Canyon.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The closure will be effective September 8, 1997. It 
will remain in effect indefinitely.

Closure Area

    Black Velvet Canyon Camping Area, Red Rock Canyon NCA, located 
within Township 22 South, Range 58 East, section 14, Mount Diablo 
Meridian.
    Closure Restrictions: Unless otherwise authorized, within the 
closure area no person shall:
    a. Camp or engage in camping.
    b. Fail to follow orders or directions of an authorized officer 
relating to this closure order.
    c. Obstruct, resist, or attempt to elude a law enforcement officer, 
or fail to follow their orders or directions, relating to this closure 
order.

Definitions

    Camp or camping means the erecting of a tent or shelter, preparing 
a sleeping bag or other bedding material for use, or the parking of a 
vehicle, motor vehicle, motor home, or trailer for the apparent purpose 
of sleeping or overnight occupancy.
    Maps depicting the area affected by this closure order are 
available for public inspection at the Las Vegas District Office, 
Bureau of Land Management.
    This closure order is issued under the authority of 43 CFR 8364.1. 
Violation of any of the terms, conditions, or restrictions contained 
within this closure order may subject the violator to citation or 
arrest, with the penalty of fine or imprisonment as specified by law.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dave Wolf, Assistant District Manager, 
Recreation; or Ruben J. Conde Jr., Law Enforcement Ranger; at the 
Bureau of Land Management, Las Vegas District Office, 4765 W. Vegas 
Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89108, telephone (702) 647-5000.

    Dated: July 28, 1997.
Michael F. Dwyer,
District Manager.
[FR Doc. 97-20780 Filed 8-6-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P