Special Regulation: Areas of the National Park System, 54317-54321 [E8-21943]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• National Park Service

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 183 (Friday, September 19, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54317-54321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-21943]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

36 CFR Part 7

RIN 1024-AD53


Special Regulation: Areas of the National Park System

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final Rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule provides for the protection of the Western 
Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandruinus nivosus), a species listed as 
threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Western Snowy Plovers 
spend approximately 10 months of the year within Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area (GGNRA), both at Crissy Field and Ocean Beach. This 
rulemaking will provide temporary protection for plovers in those two 
areas until a permanent determination is made through the planning 
process for the entire park. The park is developing a Dog Management 
Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and special regulations for 
dog management, which are expected to be completed by winter 2010.

DATES: This rule is effective on October 20, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian O'Neill, General Superintendent, 
Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Fort Mason, (415) 561-4728.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    In November 2006 and July 2007, Golden Gate National Recreation 
Area (GGNRA) adopted emergency regulatory provisions under 36 CFR 1.5, 
requiring all dogs to be on-leash when plovers are present on a portion 
of Crissy Field designated as the Wildlife Protection Area (WPA) and on 
a portion of Ocean Beach designated as the Snowy Plover Protection Area 
(SPPA). Emergency restrictions in these two areas were established for 
the protection of the federally listed Western Snowy Plover. These 
emergency restrictions are temporary and necessary until the completion 
of this rulemaking.
    Habitat degradation caused by human disturbance, urban development, 
introduced beachgrass (Ammophila spp.), and expanding predator 
populations has resulted in a decline in active nesting areas and in 
the size of the breeding and wintering populations. (Source: Recovery 
Plan for the Pacific Coast Population of the Western Snowy Plover 
(Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus), Volume 1: Recovery Plan, 8/13/2007.)
    The plover's threatened status affords it protection from 
harassment. The regulations that implement the Act define ``harass'' as 
``an intentional or negligent act or omission which creates the 
likelihood of injury to wildlife by annoying it to such an extent as to 
significantly disrupt normal behavior patterns which include, but are 
not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering.''
    On November 20, 2007, the NPS published in the Federal Register a 
proposed rule (72 FR 65278) to provide for the protection of the 
Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandruinus nivosus), a species 
listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. A 60-day public 
comment period closed on January 22, 2008. The National Park Service 
(NPS) received 1,574 comments on the proposed rule.

Summary of Comments

Enforcement (This topic was the subject of the greatest number of 
comments.)

    1. Comment: Stiff fines are essential and a stronger presence of 
park law enforcement personnel is both necessary and appropriate. 
Increased enforcement of current rules would be insufficient to protect 
the Western Snowy Plover (hereafter referred to as plover). Commenters 
also cited a lack of enforcement action by park rangers. Some 
commenters supporting the proposed rule believed that strong 
enforcement of a clearly understood rule would be the best protection 
measure for the plover.
    Recommendations offered regarding improved enforcement included:
     Focusing on enforcement of existing rules for wildlife 
harassment rather than creating new rules,
     Developing an adequate enforcement plan and obtaining 
necessary funding, and
     Increasing park ranger presence at the two sites and 
issuing citations to those visitors whose dogs actually chase and 
harass plovers.
    Response: The park will implement several measures to support 
enforcement of regulations to protect the plovers. A Plover Docent 
Program for education and outreach was established in March 2008. 
Seasonal staff will be added to allow increased enforcement throughout 
the park, including plover areas. Additionally, the final rule has 
specific starting and ending dates for the annual restriction which 
will aid both public understanding and enforcement. Fines for 
violations of park regulations are determined by the Federal Court and 
are not within the purview of the NPS.

Fences/Enclosures

    2. Comment: Some commenters felt fences or other enclosures were a 
problem and others felt they were a possible solution for accommodating 
off-leash dog recreation. Those who opposed fencing/enclosures either 
felt they would be too confining for dogs and their owners or that 
there were already too many fences in the park/city/world. Those who 
proposed the idea believed fences/enclosures would be a good compromise 
that would still allow dogs a space to play.
    Response: This rule was developed to protect the snowy plover in 
the interim while the park completes the Dog Management Plan/EIS. The 
possibility of using fencing or barriers to separate dogs from the 
plover protection areas will be analyzed in the Dog Management EIS 
currently being developed by the NPS.

[[Page 54318]]

Education

    3. Comment: There is a need for more signs and education as part of 
the solution. Commenters stated that they believe educating visitors 
and dog owners about the need to protect the plover and its habitat 
would be sufficient to keep their dogs away from plovers.
    Response: The park will implement several educational measures as 
well as increase enforcement of regulations to protect the plovers, as 
the NPS believes that enhanced education and outreach by itself would 
not be sufficient to protect plovers. The NPS feels that setting 
specific start and end dates for the restrictions in this final rule 
will increase public understanding and compliance of the restrictions. 
The park also instituted a Plover Docent Program that will provide on 
site education and outreach; education will be improved by the addition 
of interpretive signs.

Duration of Restriction

    4. Comment: Seasonal closures would complicate enforcement during 
open periods when the plover is present. Commenters expressed concern 
that the proposed restriction would not be in force year-round and 
stated that the rule was ambiguously worded and created confusion since 
it identified two different dates (July 1 to May 1 or when the plover 
is no longer present) for lifting the seasonal restriction.
    Response: To clarify the seasonal restriction, a firm ending date 
of May 15 replaced language that removed the restriction when 
monitoring determined that the species was no longer present. Long term 
NPS monitoring data shows the last plovers having departed from both 
plover protection areas by May 15. Therefore, using May 15 as the date 
the restriction terminates will still enable the NPS to protect the 
plovers. The final rule will clearly state that this annual restriction 
starts on July 1 and ends on May 15. All signs and public information 
will be updated to clearly reflect these dates.

Habitat Concerns

    5. Comment: If the proposed rule were not implemented there would 
be a resulting loss of plover habitat. Commenters also stated that in 
an urban setting it was necessary to maintain spaces where a species 
could live in order to support its survival and to provide enjoyment 
for area residents. Other comments characterized the proposed rule as a 
response to the oil spill that took place within the San Francisco Bay 
several months earlier. Commenters also stated that there were plenty 
of locations outside of the park where the plover could live.
    Response: The plover is listed as a threatened species under the 
Endangered Species Act (ESA), and protection for plovers is required in 
NPS areas used as habitat for plovers. This rule is in response to this 
requirement of the ESA rather than to any particular event such as the 
oil spill.
    Plovers continue to be threatened by degradation and loss of 
breeding and wintering habitat caused by expanding beachfront 
development, encroachment of introduced European beach grass and 
intense recreational use of beaches. The Ocean Beach and Crissy Field 
sites are areas consistently used by plovers.

Protection

    6. Comment: Protection of both plover habitat and the species 
itself is an important consideration because dogs pose a risk to 
plovers and their long-term survivability. Commenters stated that it 
was necessary to protect or ``Save the Plover.'' Recommendations made 
by those that favored increased protection for the plover included:
     Changing the rule from temporary to permanent,
     Closing the Ocean Beach Plover Protection Area (SPPA) to 
dogs (extending from Stairwell 21 to Sloat Boulevard),
     Closing the Crissy Field Wildlife Protection Area (WPA) 
year-round to all public access, and
     Establishing a permanent ban on dogs at both Ocean Beach 
and Crissy Field.
    Response: This rulemaking will provide temporary protection for 
plovers in these two areas until a permanent determination is made 
through the Dog Management Plan/EIS and a special regulation for dog 
management at GGNRA, which is expected to be completed by early 2010. 
The EIS will analyze a range of options and some of these 
recommendations may be included in the EIS.

Park as Recreation Area

    7. Comment: It is incumbent on GGNRA to consider human recreation 
needs first and foremost. GGNRA does not have designated wilderness nor 
is it a nature preserve and the park's enabling legislation and park 
purpose are aimed at meeting the recreational needs of an urban area.
    Response: The park's enabling legislation (Pub. L. 92-589) states 
that GGNRA ``shall utilize the resources in a manner which will provide 
for recreation and educational opportunities consistent with sound 
principles of land use planning and management. In carrying out the 
provisions of this Act, the [Secretary] shall preserve the recreation 
area, as far as possible, in its natural setting, and protect it from 
development and uses which would destroy the scenic beauty and natural 
character of the area.'' Courts have decided that the GGNRA Act, 
together with the National Park Service Organic Act, impose an 
overriding conservation mandate on the NPS. The NPS believes that this 
rule is in keeping with the goals of GGNRA's enabling legislation and 
the National Park Service Organic Act.

Inadequate Size of Closure Area

    8. Comment: The proposed rule does not include the entire beach at 
Crissy Field and Ocean Beach. The ``imaginary boundaries'' developed 
for the closure areas do not coincide with a visitor's typical 
understanding of GGNRA boundaries, which would lead to confusion and a 
lack of compliance
    Response: The areas restricted by this rule are those sites used by 
plovers while they are in the park. Plovers are particular in their 
habitat choices; within the park, they select wide, flat open beaches 
for foraging and resting where they can see potential predators 
approaching. These conditions are found in the Crissy Field Wildlife 
Protection Area and the Ocean Beach Plover Protection Area. In 
addition, the NPS will develop new signage and outreach materials to 
educate the public about the rule. These efforts will help to minimize 
any public confusion about the geographic areas in which the 
restriction applies.

Feces

    9. Comment: The presence of feces left by dogs and the associated 
human health risks are a concern as well as the potential presence of 
pathogens, coupled with the lack of courtesy, makes the current 
management of dogs in the park unacceptable.
    Response: This topic is not within the purview of this rule, but 
will be addressed in the Dog Management Plan/EIS currently being 
developed by NPS staff.

Off-Leash Dogs

    10. Comment: Off-leash dogs and their effects on the safety of 
visitors, other dogs and other wildlife are a concern. Off-leash dogs 
should not be allowed in Golden Gate National Recreation Area without 
safeguards such as enclosures.
    Response: This topic is not within the purview of this rule, but 
will be addressed in the Dog Management Plan/EIS currently being 
developed by the NPS.

[[Page 54319]]

Dogs Unwelcome/Uninvited Jumping on Visitors

    11. Comment: Uncontrolled off-leash dogs will run at and jump on 
beach users. Some commenters stated they no longer go to the park 
because of the perceived threat of attack or being knocked down by 
dogs, especially older persons or the parents of young children.
    Response: This rule requires dogs to be kept on a leash not 
exceeding six feet in length while they are in the plover protection 
areas between July 1 and May 15. The Dog Management Plan/EIS will 
address visitor safety in dogwalking areas parkwide.

Lack of Consensus

    12. Comment: The science used in developing the proposed rule is 
inadequate. The science the NPS relied upon is flawed or simply wrong, 
including the studies that the NPS conducted themselves. There is a 
lack of consensus within the scientific community about the impacts to 
plovers from human activities, and in particular, off-leash dogs. 
Commenters identified and submitted other studies that concluded that 
there are no impacts to plovers from off-leash dogs.
    Response: The decision to publish a final rule was guided by 
section 2.1.2 of the NPS Management Policies 2006: ``Decision-makers 
and planners will use the best available scientific and technical 
information and scholarly analysis to identify appropriate management 
actions for protection and use of park resources''. In addition to 
information provided by NPS monitoring and studies, the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service's (FWS) 2007 final Recovery Plan for the Pacific Coast 
Population of the Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus 
nivosus) identifies disturbance from off-leash dogs as a threat to the 
survivorship and fecundity of individual plovers, which could affect 
the species at the population level. The FWS recommends that land 
managers should prohibit pets on beaches where plovers traditionally 
nest or winter because non-compliance with leash laws can cause serious 
adverse impacts to plovers. If pets are not prohibited, they should be 
leashed and under control at all times.

Laws and Regulations

    13. Comment: The NPS is required to follow laws, regulations, and 
policies that relate to environmental protection, including the Organic 
Act of 1916, the Endangered Species Act, and NPS Management Policies 
2006. Some commenters were confused about the jurisdiction of the 
subject lands and the corresponding legal and policy requirements, but 
expressed strong support for environmental safeguards and action.
    Response: This final rule meets the requirements of the Organic 
Act, the Endangered Species Act, the park's enabling legislation (Pub. 
L. 92-589) and NPS Management Policies 2006. The final rule will 
augment existing regulations which prohibit the harassment of wildlife.

City-Federal Agreement

    14. Comment: GGNRA is violating the terms and intent of the ``City-
Federal agreement''. The agreement required these two sites be used for 
recreation and not as a nature preserve.
    Response: A letter of agreement between the City and County of San 
Francisco and the National Park Service, dated April 29, 1975, states 
that ``The National Park Service, acting through the General 
Superintendent, agrees to utilize the resources of GGNRA in a manner 
which will provide for recreational and educational opportunities 
consistent with sound principles of land use, planning and management, 
to preserve GGNRA in its natural setting and protect it from 
development and uses which would destroy the scenic beauty and natural 
character of the area, and to maintain the transferred premises in a 
good and sightly condition; * * *'' The deed granted to the federal 
government stated that the NPS is ``To hold only so long as said real 
property is reserved and used for recreation or park purposes * * *'' 
The final rule is in keeping with the terms of the agreement--the area 
is being used for recreation purposes while protecting its natural 
setting and character.

Stewardship

    15. Comment: As a preservation-based agency, the NPS must act as 
stewards of the land and resources under its management, and when faced 
with a decision involving recreation and preservation of resources, the 
NPS should err on the side of resource preservation.
    Response: The final rule allows the NPS to meet its obligations 
under the ESA and the Organic Act of 1916. The rule also follows 
management direction provided in NPS Management Policies 2006, section 
1.5 which states: ``When proposed park uses and the protection of park 
resources and values come into conflict, the protection of resources 
and values must be predominant.''

Harassment and Flushing

    16. Comment: Dogs have been seen chasing plovers and there is 
concern about effects of this activity on the species, including 
behavioral changes and breeding success. Other commenters have stated 
that they have not seen evidence of dogs impacting the plovers and that 
the proposed rule was not based on sound science, but rather was being 
used by the park to arbitrarily place limits on dogs and their owners.
    Response: According to the USFWS Snowy Plover Recovery Plan dogs on 
beaches can pose a serious threat to western snowy plovers during both 
the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Unleashed pets, primarily dogs, 
sometimes chase plovers and destroy nests. Repeated disturbances by 
dogs can interrupt brooding, incubating, and foraging behavior of adult 
plovers and can cause chicks to become separated from their parents. At 
wintering sites such as Ocean Beach in San Francisco, California, off-
leash dogs have caused frequent disturbance and flushing of plovers and 
other shorebirds. Off-leash dogs chase wintering plovers at this beach 
and have been observed to regularly disturb and harass birds (P. Baye, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, pers. comm. 1997). When shorebirds are 
flushed, they must spend more energy on vigilance and avoidance 
behaviors at the expense of foraging and resting activity (Burger 1993, 
Hatch 1997). Disruption of foraging and roosting may result in 
decreased accumulation of energy reserves necessary for shorebirds to 
complete the migration cycle and successfully breed (Burger 1986, 
Pfister et al. 1992). Dog disturbance at wintering and staging sites, 
therefore, may adversely affect individual survivorship and fecundity, 
thereby affecting the species at the population level (U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service. 2007. Recovery Plan for the Pacific Coast Population 
of the Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus). In 2 
volumes. Sacramento, California. xiv + 751 pages). In addition, NPS 
monitoring data over the last several years have documented instances 
of dogs disturbing plovers. The NPS believes there is adequate 
scientific support for this final rule.

Protected Species Listing

    17. Comment: GGNRA, as a federal agency, has a responsibility to 
protect the plover, a protected species listed under the ESA, according 
to the requirements of the law and for the values that protected 
species represent to society.

[[Page 54320]]

    Response: The Western Snowy Plover's threatened status under the 
ESA requires the NPS to proactively conserve it and prevent detrimental 
effects on the species. This rulemaking will provide temporary 
protection for two areas until a permanent determination is made 
through the Dog Management/EIS for the entire park. As stated in NPS 
Management Policies 2006, section 4.4.2.3: ``The Service will fully 
meet its obligations under the NPS Organic Act and the Endangered 
Species Act to both proactively conserve listed species and prevent 
detrimental effects on these species.''

Off-Leash Exercise Opportunities

    18. Comments: GGNRA is one of the few areas available to provide 
off-leash opportunities; dog owners need these park areas to exercise 
their dogs. Commenters stated that dogs had ``rights'' and watching 
them run in the surf and on the beaches give both the dogs and their 
owners great pleasure. Those opposed to off-leash exercising felt there 
are plenty of other areas for dogs to run or exercise off-leash.
    Response: The final rule does not eliminate the opportunity for 
off-leash dog walking at Ocean Beach and Crissy Field outside of the 
designated plover protection areas. Outside of the protected areas 0.99 
miles of beach at Crissy Field, as well as the Crissy Field airfield 
and promenade, are available for off-leash dog walking. At Ocean Beach 
and Fort Funston 2.4 miles of beach are available for off-leash dog 
walking. Other areas that provide additional off-leash dog 
opportunities also exist both within GGNRA and outside of the park.

Public Access

    19. Comment: Park visitors have a right to use all recreation sites 
as off-leash areas. Other commenters felt that dog owners had a 
responsibility to keep their dogs under control and did not have 
special rights or access privileges.
    Response: As stated in section 1.5 of the NPS Management Policies 
2006: ``An `appropriate use' is a use that is suitable, proper, or 
fitting for a particular park, or to a particular location within a 
park. Not all uses are appropriate or allowable in units of the 
national park system, and what is appropriate may vary from one park to 
another and from one location to another within a park * * *. When 
proposed park uses and the protection of park resources and values come 
into conflict, the protection of resources and values must be 
predominant.'' The NPS believes that the plover protection areas are 
not appropriate for off-leash dog recreation when the plover is 
present.

Changes to the Final Rule

    After examining all public comments received and additional 
monitoring data, the NPS is amending the final rule to set firm dates 
for both the start and end of the annual restrictions (July 1 to May 
15) to clarify the seasonal restriction and improve compliance with the 
regulation. In the proposed rule the annual end date would have been 
determined by monitoring the departure of plover from these areas. The 
firm ending date of May 15 replaced language that removed the 
restriction when monitoring determined that the species was no longer 
present. Long term NPS monitoring data show the last plovers having 
departed from both plover protection areas by May 15. Therefore, using 
May 15 as the date the restriction terminates will still enable the NPS 
to protect the plovers. The final rule will clearly state that this 
annual restriction starts on July 1 and ends on May 15.

Compliance With Other Laws

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Order 12866)

    This document is not a significant rule and is not subject to 
review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 
12866.
    (1) This rule will not have an effect of $100 million or more on 
the economy. It will not adversely affect in a material way the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or 
communities. Most of the areas proposed to be restricted through this 
rulemaking have been closed or restricted for the same activity through 
the park's compendium in the past, although those closures or 
restrictions were not published in the Federal Register. Since this is 
not a new closure or restriction, and because opportunities for off-
leash dogwalking still exist in these areas, the proposed rule will not 
significantly affect the existing patterns of park users.
    (2) This rule will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise 
interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. GGNRA has 
received letters of concurrence for the emergency restrictions in these 
areas, and has begun informal consultation with U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service. This rule does not alter the budgetary effects of 
entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or 
obligations of their recipients.
    (3) This rule does not raise novel legal or policy issues.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Department of the Interior certifies that this document will 
not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small 
entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). 
The economic effects of this rule are local in nature and negligible in 
scope. The primary purpose of this rule is to provide protection for a 
threatened species. The rule will require dogwalkers to leash their 
dogs when in specified areas. There will be no economic effect of this 
additional required action.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA)

    This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act. This rule:
    a. Does not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more. This rule will only affect those who choose to walk their dogs in 
two designated areas.
    b. Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, federal, state, or local government 
agencies, or geographic regions. There will be no costs associated with 
the requirement to leash dogs in these two designated areas.
    c. Does not have significant adverse effects on competition, 
employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of 
U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. The 
primary purpose of this regulation is to provide additional protection 
for a threatened species. This rule will not change the ability of 
United States based enterprises to compete in any way.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or 
tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per 
year. The rule does not have a significant or unique effect on State, 
local or tribal governments or the private sector. The restrictions 
under this regulation do not have a significant effect or impose an 
unfunded mandate on any agency or on the private sector. This rule 
applies only to Federal parkland administered by the National Park 
Service in GGNRA, and no costs will be incurred by any parties.

Takings (Executive Order 12630)

    In accordance with Executive Order 12630, the rule does not have 
significant takings implications. This rule does not apply to private 
property, or cause a compensable taking, there are no takings 
implications.

[[Page 54321]]

Federalism (Executive Order 13132)

    In accordance with Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have 
sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment. This regulation will not have a substantial 
direct effect on the states, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. The rule 
addresses dog walking in two areas of the Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area. The affected lands are under the administrative 
jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Civil Justice Reform (Executive Order 12988)

    This regulation meets the applicable standards set forth in 
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This regulation does not require an information collection from 10 
or more parties and a submission under the Paperwork Reduction Act is 
not required. An OMB form 83-I is not required.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The Handbook for NPS Director's Order 12 contains a listing of 
Categorical Exclusions. Section 3.4 D(2) of the Director's Order 12 
Handbook provides that ``minor changes in programs and regulations 
pertaining to visitor activities'' may be categorically excluded under 
NEPA. The proposed regulations for Ocean Beach and Crissy Field are 
actions that would result in minor changes to regulated visitor 
activities in these areas (transitioning seasonally from unleashed to 
leashed dog recreation). GGNRA has prepared all the appropriate 
Categorical Exclusion screening forms. These forms disclose that the 
adoption of these regulations would result in no measurable adverse 
environmental effects. Furthermore, no exceptional circumstances or 
conditions exist that would make use of a Categorical Exclusion 
inappropriate. As such, a Categorical Exclusion under NEPA is the 
appropriate form of NEPA compliance for these regulatory actions.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
``Government to Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments'' (59 FR 22951) and 512 DM 2, we have evaluated potential 
effects on federally recognized Indian tribes and have determined that 
there are no potential effects.

Clarity of Rule

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    Drafting Information: The primary authors of this rule are: 
Marybeth McFarland, Law Enforcement Specialist; Christine Powell, 
Public Affairs Specialist, Shirwin Smith, Management Analyst, Barbara 
Goodyear, Solicitor, PWRO; and Jerry Case, Regulations Program Manager, 
NPS, Washington, DC.

List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 7

    National Parks, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, the National Park Service 
amends 36 CFR part 7 as follows:

PART 7--SPECIAL REGULATIONS, AREAS OF THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM

0
1. The authority for part 7 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1, 3, 9a, 460(q), 462(k); Sec. 7.96 also 
issued under D.C. Code 8-137 (1981) and D.C. Code 40-721 (1981).

0
2. Add new paragraph (d) to Sec.  7.97 to read as follows:


Sec.  7.97  Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

* * * * *
    (d) Dogs--Crissy Field and Ocean Beach Snowy Plover Areas. (1) Dogs 
must be restrained on a leash not more than six feet in length starting 
July 1 and ending May 15, in the following areas:
    (i) Crissy Field Wildlife Protection Area (WPA): Dog walking 
restricted to on-leash only in the area encompassing the shoreline and 
beach north of the Crissy Field Promenade (excluding the paved parking 
area, sidewalks and grass lawn of the former Coast Guard Station 
complex) that stretches east from the Torpedo Wharf to approximately 
700 feet east of the former Coast Guard station, and all tidelands and 
submerged lands to 100 yards offshore.
    (ii) Ocean Beach Snowy Plover Protection Area (SPPA): Dog walking 
restricted to on-leash only in the area which encompasses the shoreline 
and beach area west of the GGNRA boundary, between Stairwell 21 to 
Sloat Boulevard, including all tidelands and submerged lands to 1,000 
feet offshore.
    (2) Notice of these annual restrictions will be provided through 
the posting of signs at the sites, on maps identifying the restricted 
areas on the park's official website and through maps made available at 
other places convenient to the public.

    Dated: September 5, 2008.
Lyle Laverty,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. E8-21943 Filed 9-18-08; 8:45 am]
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