[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 178 (Monday, September 15, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48300-48301]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-24300]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
[AK-020-07-1220-00-241A]


Notice of Special Rules and Regulations for the White Mountains 
National Recreation Area (WMNRA) and Associated Recreation Facilities

    This notice rescinds and replaces the White Mountains National 
Recreation Area Special Rules and Regulations previously published in 
the Federal Register (53 FR 25696, July 8, 1988). This notice corrects 
omissions made in the original notice and has been updated pursuant to 
the White Mountains Gateway Project environmental assessment.
    These special rules and regulations apply to all lands and water 
surfaces within the White Mountains National Recreation Area, that 
portion of BLM-managed lands between the WMNRA and the Steese and 
Elliott Highways, the Colorado Creek Trailhead, the Fred Blixt Cabin, 
and the Cripple Creek Campground and Cabin, as shown on the White 
Mountains National Recreation Area Off-Road Vehicle Designations Map. 
These rules and regulations are subject to valid existing rights.
    This order is issued pursuant to 43 CFR subpart 8364.1 and 
implements provisions of the White Mountains NRA Resource Management 
Plan signed on February 2, 1986. This order will remain in effect until 
rescinded or modified by BLM's Northern District Manager.

1. Motorized Equipment

    a. Operating off-road vehicles (ORVs) is restricted in some areas. 
See the White Mountains National Recreation Area Off-Road Vehicle 
Designations Map available at BLM's Northern District Office for 
information on designated ORV use areas.
    b. Using motorized equipment for mineral collection for personal 
use is prohibited. Mineral collection for personal recreation, using a 
gold pan, shovel, portable sluice box (maximum size 16 inches x 5 
feet), rocker box or other non-motorized means is allowed without 
written authorization in areas where there are no existing mining 
claims or private lands, provided such use does not cause unnecessary 
or undue damage to the environment. The use of motorized equipment 
permitted under 43 CFR subpart 3809 shall require written authorization 
from BLM's Northern District Manager.
    c. Launching boats with motors exceeding 15 horsepower without 
written authorization from BLM's Northern District Manager is 
prohibited in the Nome Creek valley.
    d. Using motorized equipment, including generators and chainsaws, 
in the Nome Creek valley must be in accordance with posted rules.
    e. Using hovercraft or airboats is prohibited.

2. Occupancy and Use

    a. Camping at one site within the area covered by this order for a 
period longer than ten (10) days in any one calendar year without 
written authorization from BLM's Northern District Manager is 
prohibited. Camping in a campground within the area covered by this 
order for a period longer than ten (10) consecutive days in any one 
calendar year without written authorization from BLM's Northern 
District Manager is prohibited.
    b. Under the authorities of 36 CFR part 71 and 43 CFR 8372.1, a 
daily use fee will be collected in advance for overnight occupancy of 
public recreation fee sites located in, and associated with, the White 
Mountains National Recreation Area.
    c. Users must register prior to occupying a public recreation 
cabin. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance and must be 
paid for at the time they are made. The original permit must accompany 
the user(s) during their stay at the cabin(s). Maximum stay is three 
consecutive nights per cabin.
    The following recreation facilities located within or near the 
White Mountains National Recreation Area are specialized sites 
requiring recreation use permits and site fees:

Borealis-LeFevre Cabin
Cache Mountain Cabin
Caribou Bluff Cabin
Colorado Creek Cabin
Cripple Creek Cabin
Crowberry Cabin
Fred Blixt Cabin
Lee's Cabin
Moose Creek Cabin
Windy Gap Cabin
Wolf Run Cabin
Cripple Creek Campground
Mount Prindle Campground
Ophir Creek Campground

    d. Discharging firearms within one-quarter (\1/4\) mile of 
campgrounds and public recreation cabins, as well as across or along 
roads and trails, is prohibited.
    e. Leaving burning or smoldering campfires unattended is 
prohibited.
    f. Subject to valid existing rights, constructing permanent or 
semi-permanent structures (including cabins, caches, water dams, or 
diversions) without written authorization from

[[Page 48301]]

BLM's Northern District Manager is prohibited.
    g. Camping and/or campfires are prohibited within twenty-five (25) 
feet of trails.
    The foregoing provisions are not applicable to any federal, state, 
or local employee or law enforcement officer, or any member of any 
organized rescue or fire suppression force in the performance of an 
official duty.
    Maps identifying designated areas are available at the office 
listed below. Any person convicted of violating this order is subject 
to the penalties prescribed in 43 CFR subpart 8340.0-7 and/or 43 CFR 
8360.0-7.
    Direct questions and responses to: Northern District Manager, 
Bureau of Land Management, 1150 University Avenue, Fairbanks, Alaska 
99709-3899, (907) 474-2200.

    Dated: August 19, 1997.
Richard Bouts,
Associate Manager, Northern District Office.
[FR Doc. 97-24300 Filed 9-12-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-JA-P