[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 200 (Monday, October 18, 1999)] [Notices] [Page 56213] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-27043] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [MT-923-1150-AA] Closure of Public Lands AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Malta Field Office, DOI. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that effective immediately, the area described below is closed to the discharge or use of firearms. This closure only affects public lands. The areas closed are described as the 40 Complex between Dry Fork and Beauchamp Creek and an area south of Pea Ridge in south Phillips County, Montana. The public lands in the 40 Complex include: T. 24 N., R. 27 E., sec. 20, all; sec. 21, all; sec. 25, all; sec. 26, all; sec. 27, all; sec. 28, all; sec. 29, N\1/2\ and SE\1/4\; sec. 34, all; sec. 35, all; T. 24 N., R. 28 E., sec. 31, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; sec. 32, all; T. 23 N., R. 27 E., sec. 1, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, S\1/2\N\1/2\ and S\1/2\; sec. 2, lots 1 through 4, S\1/2\N\1/2\ and S\1/2\; sec. 3, lot 1, SE\1/4\NE\1/4\ and E\1/2\SE\1/4\; sec. 10, E\1/2\NE\1/4\ and NE\1/ 4\SE\1/4\; sec. 11, all; sec. 12, all; sec. 13, all; T. 23 N., R. 28 E., sec. 5, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, S\1/2\N\1/2\ and S\1/2\; sec. 6, lots 1 through 7 inclusive, SE\1/4\NW\1/4\, S\1/2\NE\1/4\, SE\1/4\, and E\1/2\SW\1/4\; sec. 7, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; sec. 8, all; sec. 17, all; sec. 18, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; which included prairie dog colonies B040, B041, B042, B043, B045, B047, B069, B072, and B148. The public lands in the area south of Pea Ridge includes T. 22 N., R. 29 E., sec. 9, all; sec. 10, all; sec. 11, all; sec. 13, all; sec. 14, all; sec. 15, all; sec. 17, E\1/2\ and S\1/2\SW\1/4\; sec. 20, N\1/2\ and SE\1/4\; sec. 21, all; sec. 22, all; sec. 23, all; sec. 24, all; sec. 25, all; sec. 26, all; sec. 27, all; sec. 28, all; sec. 29, all; T. 22 N., R. 30 E., sec. 18, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; sec. 19, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; sec. 30, lots 1 through 4 inclusive, E\1/2\W\1/2\ and E\1/2\; which includes prairie dog colonies B095, B096, B090, B111, B163 and B164. Signs noting this closure will be placed at strategic access points around the area and maps depicting the area are available to the public at the Bureau of Land Management's Malta Field Office in Malta, Montana, 501 South Second East. Telephone 406-654-1240. The purpose of the closure is to protect habitat for the reintroduction of the endangered black-footed ferret (MUSTELA NIGRIPES). That habitat is black-tailed prairie dog (CYNOMYS LUDOVICIANUS) colonies. The area within the closure has been identified as a key reintroduction site for black-footed ferrets because of the presence of viable black-tailed prairie dog colonies in close proximity to each other. Prairie dogs are critical prey species for ferrets and the number of prairie dogs has declined in recent years. The closure area has been identified to protect the prairie dog population from further decline due to recreational shooting. The area will remain closed until further notice. The authority for this closure is found in 43 CFR 8364.1. In accordance with 43 CFR 8364.1(b)(4), persons who hold valid authorization from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks to hunt big game, upland game birds, or waterfowl may use or discharge firearms in the closed area for the purpose of taking these permitted animals in accordance with the applicable state regulations. Authorized personnel of the Bureau of Land Management, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other emergency services are exempt from this closure when executing their official duties. In accordance with 43 CFR 8360.0-7, persons who violate this closure may be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not-to-exceed 12 months. DATES: October 18, 1999. LOCATION: Public lands in south Phillips County, Montana. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard M. Hotaling, Field Manager, Malta Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. HC 65 Box 5000, 501 South Second Street East, Malta, Montana 59538-0047, 406-654-1240. Dated: October 7, 1999. John E. Moorhouse, Acting Deputy State Director, Division of Resources. [FR Doc. 99-27043 Filed 10-15-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-DN-M