[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 1, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35942-35943]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16993]


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DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[CA-018-1220-00]


Recreation Management Restrictions; California, South Yuba River, 
Hoyt's Crossing; Supplementary Rules

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Final Supplementary Rules.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land management establishes supplementary rules 
for the management of recreational uses on public lands adjacent to the 
South Yuba River at Hoyt's Crossing. This action is necessary to limit 
adverse impacts to public lands while longterm planning for the South 
Yuba River is underway. The California State Parks and the County of 
Nevada urges the BLM to enact restrictions in the Hoyt's Crossing area 
to reduce ongoing problems. These Supplementary Rules will protect the 
resources and the recreational experience until planning is completed.

EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Questions on the Final Rules can be directed to Deane Swickard, Field 
Manager, Folsom Field Office, 63 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630, 916-
985-4474.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: These Supplementary Rules were published as 
Proposed Supplementary Rules in the Federal Register, April 20, 1998, 
63 FR 19508-19509. No changes were made from the Proposed Supplementary 
Rules to the Final Supplementary Rules. Written comments were received 
from one organization and two individuals. No new information was 
revealed and the comments suggested ``status quo'' as an alternative 
plan.

    One comment suggested that the BLM wait until a Management Plan is 
completed before rules are established. The Nevada County Department of 
Health requested the area be closed to camping due to health hazards 
associated with the improper disposal of human waste. A long range plan 
is needed but an immediate action is necessary to deal with existing 
health hazards and other recourse issues.
    Two comments states there are too few camping areas along the South 
Yuba River due to topography. BLM agrees that the terrain limits the 
available locations suitable for camping. Two comments states that the 
ban on camping on State Park property has reinforced the need for 
camping opportunities at Hoyt's Crossing. the California State Parks 
must manage their land within mandates set forth by the California 
legislature. The BLM must manage public land within mandates set forth 
by Congress in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act plus other 
Federal laws. While it is the BLM's policy to allow and encourage 
dispersed camping in most locations, our responsibilities require us to 
impose restrictions in some areas. Hoyt's Crossing is one of these 
areas. BLM has a signed cooperative agreement with California State 
Parks and Recreation to manage the Federal lands within the South Yuba 
Recreation Area in harmony with the goals of the State Park.
    Two comments stated that there is too much area dedicated to day 
use (State Park and BLM). BLM feels that the vast majority of 
recreational demand is for day use activities.
    Two comments said that regulations degrade the recreational 
experience. True, a regulation will degrade a person's experience if 
that person wishes to participate in an activity prohibited by 
regulation.
    Two comments asked where people would camp now. In the area of the 
South Yuba River, there are the South Yuba Campground, Malokoff Diggins 
State Park, and other dispersed areas around Illinois, Purdon, and 
Edwards Crossing.
    Two comments asked if BLM was forcing campers off the river. See 
above paragraph.
    Two comments asked if there would be additional restrictions along 
the South Yuba River. It is impossible to predict at this time.
    Two comments objected to the penalty amounts of violating the 
Supplementary Rules. These penalties are set by Congress and not by 
BLM.
    One comment questioned if the BLM was targeting nude sunbathing and 
gay individuals. Nothings in these rules directly affect these specific 
groups.
    One comment stated that the South Yuba River floods every year and 
cleans this area. The BLM's position is not to allow trash, abandoned 
property, or human feces to be swept away by the water.
    Two comments suggested that there is no need for any protection at 
Hoyt's Crossing. BLM must provide some degree of protection to all 
public lands. The amount of protection would be directly related to 
other factors, such as, amount of use, plant life, animal life, soils, 
water quality, and Federal mandates.
    One comment suggested that we leave Hoyt's Crossing ``as is''. 
Explained previously.
    One comment stated that BLM should construct campsites, fire rings, 
and toilets. BLM will not construct facilities until the long range 
planning is completed.
    One comment asked what gave BLM the right to decide these issues. 
BLM is directed by Congress through the Federal Land Policy and 
Management Act of 1976 and other Federal laws to make land management 
decisions.
    One comment suggested that the boundary between BLM, State Parks, 
and private property is impossible to locate. BLM plans to mark 
boundaries.
    One comment said any signs would destroy the recreational 
experience. BLM will install the minimum signs needed to inform the 
public.
    One comment said the BLM is making criminals out of citizens 
because of bureaucratic rules. Congress has decided that there will be 
sanctions for willfully violating laws and regulations.
    One comment suggested there were too many rules already. BLM is 
mandated to enforce existing laws and regulations and enact new 
regulations to provide for proper land management.
    One comment said these rules were restricting access to public 
lands. Access to Public Land remains intact.

Supplementary Rules

    BLM adopts the following supplementary rules which will be

[[Page 35943]]

applicable on public land within sections 28 and 34, Township 17 North, 
Range 8 East of the Mt. Diablo meridian. BLM's authority to for issuing 
supplementary rules is contained in 43 CFR 8365.1-6.
    (a) No person shall camp. The term camp is defined as the use, 
construction, or taking possession of public lands using tents, shacks, 
lean-tos, tarps, vehicles, huts, blankets, or sleeping bags.
    (b) No person shall build, attend, maintain, or use a campfire. The 
term campfire is defined as a controlled fire occurring out of doors 
used for cooking, branding, personal warmth, lighting, ceremonial, or 
esthetic purposes.
    (c) No person shall possess or consume alcoholic beverages. The 
term alcoholic beverages is defined as beer, wine, distilled spirits, 
or any other beverage defined as such by California law.
    (d) No person shall possess any bottle or container made of glass.
    (e) Any person who fails to comply with these Supplementary Rules 
will be subject to a fine of up to 100,000 dollars and/or imprisoned 
not to exceed 12 months. These penalties are specified by 43 U.S.C. 303 
and 18 U.S.C. 3623. Federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel 
and emergency service personnel, while performing official duties, are 
exempt from these Supplementary Rules.
D.K. Swickard,
Field Manager.
[FR Doc. 98-16993 Filed 6-30-98; 8:45 am]
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