[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 62 (Friday, March 29, 1996)] [Notices] [Pages 14158-14159] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-7712] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 14159]] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR [WY-010-1220-00] Emergency Seasonal Closure of Public Land in the Bald Ridge Area, Park County, WY AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Emergency Seasonal Closure of Public Land in the Bald Ridge Area, Park County, Wyoming. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that effective March 18, 1996, the Bald Ridge area located south of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River and west and north of Hogan Reservoir of Park County, Wyoming on public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Worland District, Cody Resource Area, was closed from December 15 through April 30 to all use (such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain bike riding, crosscountry skiing, and all motorized use) except permitted activities. This action is being taken for resource protection of essential wintering habitat of elk and mule deer. No access into this area will be allowed unless permitted by the Authorized Officer (BLM Cody Resource Area Manager). EFFECTIVE DATE: This emergency seasonal closure was effective March 18, 1996 and will remain in effect until modified or rescinded by the Authorized Officer. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Dieli, Recreation Planner or Duane Whitmer, Area Manager, Cody Resource Area, P.O. Box 518, 1002 Blackburn Avenue, Cody, Wyoming 82414-0518. Telephone (307) 587-2216. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cody Resource Area is responsible for the management of essential wildlife habitat in the Bald Ridge area of the Absaroka Front and other crucial habitat areas located throughout the Bighorn Basin. These essential habitat areas and management thereof are covered under the Cody Resource Management Plan (RMP), which was signed on November 8, 1990. ``Seasonal restrictions will be applied as appropriate to surface-disturbing and disruptive activities and land uses on big game crucial habitat, including winter ranges and elk calving areas.'' (Cody RMP, p. 40) The Bald Ridge area is crucial wintering habitat for big game. Increasing visitor activity, such as horseback riding, hiking, and antler hunters are causing unacceptable impacts to the wintering elk and deer herds. These activities are causing anxiety during a period when the animals are most susceptible to stress-related health affects that could cause death. These activities also force the herds to be displaced from their winter habitat. The Cody Resource Area will analyze a proposal for facility development at Hogan Reservoir as well as travel management of the Bald Ridge area to be investigated in the near future. This emergency seasonal closure is needed to address an immediate concern. The following described BLM-administered lands south of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River and west of Hogan Reservoir are included in this seasonal closure: T. 56 N., R. 103 W., sections 7, 8, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 from the west end of Hogan Reservoir. Hogan Reservoir remains open for fishing and nonmotorized travel within 100 yards of the reservoir's high-water line. Authority for closure and restriction orders is provided under 43 CFR subpart 8341.2 (a and b), 8364.1, 8372.0-7, 8372.1-2. Violations of this closure are punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and (or) imprisonment not to exceed 12 months. Dated: March 15, 1996. Duane Whitmer, Cody Resource Area Manager, Worland District. [FR Doc. 96-7712 Filed 3-28-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-22-P