[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 142 (Thursday, July 24, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 39860] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-19507] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [OR-050-1110-00:G7-0195] Prineville District; Shooting Restriction on Public Lands; Oregon July 14, 1997. AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice is hereby given that the area as legally described below is closed to shooting yearlong except when legally hunting game birds, game mammals, or furbearers during official state waterfowl, upland game, big game, and furbearer seasons. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- LEGAL DESCRIPTION: This order applies to all areas within Township 17 South, Range 13 East, Section 23, NE of the SE. All areas within Township 17 South, Range 13 East, Section 23, NE of the SE, are closed to shooting yearlong except when legally hunting game birds, game mammals, or furbearers during official state waterfowl, upland game, big game, and furbearer seasons. Shooting is defined as ``the discharge of firearms''. A firearm is defined as ``a weapon, by whatever name known, which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of powder and which is readily capable of use as a weapon.'' The purpose of this closure is to protect wildlife resources and other natural values, reduce vandalism, and improve public safety. Currently, the occurrence of shooting at Mayfield Pond continues to result in damage to wildlife resources (including migratory shorebirds, resident wildlife, and special status animal species); destruction of natural features; and vandalism to land and installations. The occurrence of shooting poses a threat to recreationists and other public land users. Exemptions to this closure order may be made on a case-by-case basis by the authorized officer. This emergency order will be evaluated in the Urban Interface Amendment to the Brothers/La Pine Resource Management Plan of 1989. The authority for this closure is 43 CFR 8364.1: Closure and restriction orders. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Nichols, Wildlife Biologist, BLM Prineville District Office, P.O. Box 550, Prineville, Oregon 97754, telephone (541) 416-6725. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Violation of this closure order is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months as provided in 43 CFR 8360.0-7. Dated: July 14, 1997. James G. Kenna, Deschutes Resource Area Manager, Prineville District Office. [FR Doc. 97-19507 Filed 7-23-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-33-M