Final Supplementary Rules for the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, ID, 23588-23591 [2013-09272]
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23588
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 76 / Friday, April 19, 2013 / Notices
boating, and conservation communities
and is organized to enhance
partnerships among industry,
constituency groups, and government.
The 18-member Council, appointed by
the Secretary of the Interior, includes
the Service Director and the president of
the Association of Fish and Wildlife
Agencies, who both serve in ex officio
capacities. Other Council members are
directors from State agencies
responsible for managing recreational
fish and wildlife resources and
individuals who represent the interests
of saltwater and freshwater recreational
fishing, recreational boating, the
recreational fishing and boating
industries, recreational fisheries
resource conservation, Native American
tribes, aquatic resource outreach and
education, and tourism. Background
information on the Council is available
at https://www.fws.gov/sfbpc.
Meeting Agenda
The Council will hold a meeting to
consider:
• A draft vision for fish and aquatic
resource conservation in the Service.
The Council will consider a technical
report presented to it by an ad hoc
steering committee and possible
recommendations to the Service
resulting from information included in
the report.
• Issues regarding the Boating
Infrastructure Grant Program, Clean
Vessel Act Grant Program, and the Sport
Fish Restoration Boating Access
Program.
• Updates on the Rigs to Reefs
Program and the Department of the
Interior’s implementation of its ‘‘Idle
Iron’’ policy for decommissioning and
removing unused oil and gas production
infrastructure.
• An update on the activities of the
Federal Interagency Council on Outdoor
Recreation (FICOR) in implementing the
America’s Great Outdoors Initiative.
• An update from the Recreational
Boating and Fishing Foundation on
progress in implementing Council
recommendations to improve the
activities and operations of the
Foundation.
• An update on activities of the
Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish
Restoration Program.
• Other miscellaneous Council
business.
The final agenda will be posted on the
Internet at https://www.fws.gov/sfbpc.
Public Input
If you wish to
Then you must contact the Council
Coordinator (see FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT) no later
than
Attend the meeting ...........................................................................................................................................
Submit written information or questions before the meeting for the council to consider during the meeting
Give an oral presentation during the meeting .................................................................................................
Monday, May 13, 2013.
Monday, May 13, 2013.
Monday, May 13, 2013.
Attendance
Because entry to Federal buildings is
restricted, all visitors are required to
preregister to be admitted. In order to
attend this meeting, you must register
by close of business on the dates listed
in ‘‘Public Input’’ under SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION. Please submit your name,
time of arrival, email address, and
phone number to the Council
Coordinator (see FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT).
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Submitting Written Information or
Questions
Interested members of the public may
submit relevant information or
questions for the Council to consider
during the meeting. Written statements
must be received by the date listed
above in ‘‘Public Input,’’ so that the
information may be made available to
the Council for their consideration prior
to the meeting. Written statements must
be supplied to the Council Coordinator
in one of the following formats: One
hard copy with original signature, and
one electronic copy via email
(acceptable file formats are Adobe
Acrobat PDF, MS Word, MS
PowerPoint, or rich text file).
speaker, with no more than a total of 30
minutes for all speakers. Interested
parties should contact the Council
Coordinator, in writing (preferably via
email; see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT), to be placed on the public
speaker list for this meeting. To ensure
an opportunity to speak during the
public comment period of the meeting,
members of the public must register
with the Council Coordinator.
Registered speakers who wish to expand
upon their oral statements, or those who
had wished to speak but could not be
accommodated on the agenda, may
submit written statements to the
Council Coordinator up to 30 days
subsequent to the meeting.
Meeting Minutes
Summary minutes of the meeting will
be maintained by the Council
Coordinator (see FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT) and will be
available for public inspection within
120 days of the meeting and will be
posted on the Council’s Web site at
https://www.fws.gov/sfbpc.
Stephen Guertin,
Deputy Director.
Giving an Oral Presentation
[FR Doc. 2013–09206 Filed 4–18–13; 8:45 am]
Individuals or groups requesting to
make an oral presentation during the
meeting will be limited to 2 minutes per
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[LLIDB00100 LF1000000.HT0000
LXSS020D0000 4500031240]
Final Supplementary Rules for the
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of
Prey National Conservation Area, ID
Bureau of Land Management,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Final Supplementary
Rules.
AGENCY:
The Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) is finalizing
supplementary rules for all BLMadministered public lands within the
approximately 483,700-acre Morley
Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey
National Conservation Area (NCA),
addressed in the September 2008
Resource Management Plan (RMP) and
Record of Decision (ROD). The Snake
River Birds of Prey NCA RMP identifies
implementation level decisions which
describe an array of management actions
designed to conserve natural and
cultural resources on BLM administered
land while providing for recreational
opportunities. These supplementary
rules will help enforce the decisions in
the NCA RMP.
DATES: These supplementary rules are
effective May 20, 2013.
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 76 / Friday, April 19, 2013 / Notices
You may direct your
inquiries to the Bureau of Land
Management, Morley Nelson Snake
River Birds of Prey National
Conservation Area, 3948 Development
Ave, Boise, Idaho 83705; or by email:
jfluckiger@blm.gov.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Jared Fluckiger, Outdoor Recreation
Planner, at 208–384–3342 or by email at
jfluckiger@blm.gov. Persons who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the Federal Information
Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339
to contact Mr. Fluckiger.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
II. Discussion of Public Comments
III. Discussion of Supplementary Rules
IV. Procedural Matters
I. Background
Public Law 103–64 established the
NCA in 1993 for the ‘‘* * *
conservation, protection, and
enhancement of raptor populations and
habitats and the natural and
environmental resources and values
associated therewith * * *’’ The NCA’s
RMP was completed in September 2008.
The NCA is located in southwestern
Idaho, within a 30-minute drive of
Idaho’s capital, Boise, where almost half
of the State’s population resides. It is
located in Ada, Canyon, Elmore, and
Owyhee counties and encompasses
approximately 483,700 public land
acres extending 81 miles along the
Snake River. The NCA includes the
138,000-acre Orchard Training Area,
used by the Idaho Army National Guard
for military training since 1953. Within
its boundary are approximately 41,200
State, 4,800 private, and 1,600 military
acres, and 9,300 acres covered by water.
These lands are not affected by the NCA
designation or subsequent RMP
decisions.
These final supplementary rules will
help the BLM achieve management
objectives and implement RMP
decisions. They will also provide the
BLM with enforcement capability to
help prevent damage to natural
resources, and provide for public health
and safety.
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II. Discussion of Public Comments
The BLM published the proposed
supplementary rules in the Federal
Register on July 18, 2012 (77 FR 42327).
Public comments were accepted for a
60-day period ending on September 17,
2012. The BLM received two comments.
Both comments expressed concern that
the prohibition against rock climbing
and rappelling will apply to a style of
climbing commonly referred to as
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‘‘bouldering.’’ In response to these
comments, the proposed supplementary
rules have been revised to define and
allow bouldering, except on the canyon
walls of the Snake River within the
NCA.
III. Discussion of Supplementary Rules
In keeping with the BLM performance
goal of reducing threats to public health,
safety, and property, supplementary
rules are necessary to protect the natural
and cultural resources within the NCA
as described in the NCA RMP; allow for
safe public recreation and protection of
public health; reduce the potential for
environmental damage; and enhance the
safety of visitors and neighboring
residents.
The final supplementary rules will
prohibit rock climbing and rappelling
on BLM-administered public land
within the Morley Nelson Snake River
Birds of Prey NCA because these
activities adversely effect the 16 species
of raptors that nest in or on canyon
walls at various times of the year. This
prohibition will help protect a unique
assemblage of raptors that occupy the
Snake River Canyon and adjacent lands
of southwestern Idaho. This raptor
aggregation, considered to be one of the
densest in North America, and perhaps
the world, was the reason for
designating the NCA in 1993.
Additionally, the final supplementary
rules will prohibit rock climbing and
rappelling on BLM-administered public
land within the NCA because of the
widespread distribution of unstable
basalt rock. This unstable basalt rock
exists throughout the NCA in cliffs,
rimrocks, and rocky outcroppings and
poses a significant safety hazard to those
climbing and rappelling on them.
In their comments, the public
requested that the BLM reconsider
whether bouldering will be considered
a prohibited act under the prohibition
against rock climbing and rappelling.
Bouldering is a style of rock climbing
that occurs without a rope and is
normally limited to very short climbs.
The BLM has determined that
bouldering does not present safety
hazards or potential harm to raptors.
Therefore, bouldering will be allowed
throughout the NCA and prohibited
only on the cliff walls, which are
primarily unstable basalt.
Prohibiting open fires outside of BLMapproved fire rings will help avert
human-caused wildfire, which in turn
will help prevent damage to
archeological sites and slickspot
peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum), a
federally listed species under the
Endangered Species Act. The final
supplementary rules state that
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additional restrictions on building,
maintaining, attending, or using a fire,
campfire, or stove fire may be imposed
during periods of high fire danger. For
example, statewide Fire Prevention
Orders or Stage II fire restrictions may
be implemented for all BLM-managed
lands in a given geographic area when
conditions warrant and may involve
prohibition of all open fires, even in
approved fire rings.
In the past, some of the NCA’s
significant cultural resources have been
damaged by paintball gun use.
Prohibiting paintball activities within
the Snake River Canyon and within 1⁄4
mile of the canyon rim eliminates the
adverse effects to early cabin
architecture, ferry crossings, Oregon
Trail segments, and petroglyphs.
IV. Procedural Matters
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563,
Regulatory Planning and Review
The final supplementary rules are not
a significant regulatory action and are
not subject to review by the Office of
Management and Budget under
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563.
They will not have an effect of $100
million or more on the economy. They
will not adversely affect, in a material
way, the economy; productivity;
competition; jobs; environment; public
health or safety; or State, local, or tribal
governments or communities. The final
supplementary rules will not create a
serious inconsistency or otherwise
interfere with an action taken or
planned by another agency. They will
not materially alter the budgetary effects
of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan
programs or the right or obligations of
their recipients; nor will they raise
novel legal or policy issues. The
supplementary rules merely contain
rules of conduct for public use of a
limited selection of public lands to
protect public health and safety.
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)
The BLM prepared an environmental
impact statement as part of the
development of the NCA RMP. During
that NEPA process, many alternative
decisions for the NCA were fully
analyzed and offered for public
comment, including the substance of
these final supplementary rules. The
pertinent analysis can be found in
Chapter 4 of the Proposed Resource
Management Plan and Final
Environmental Impact Statement for the
Snake River Birds of Prey National
Conservation Area, April 2006. The
ROD for the RMP was signed by the
Idaho BLM State Director on September
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30, 2008. These supplementary rules
provide for enforcement of plan
decisions. The rationale for the
decisions made in the plan is fully
covered in the ROD. It is available for
review in the BLM administrative
record at the address specified in the
ADDRESSES section.
nor will they be capable of interfering
with constitutionally protected property
rights. Therefore, the BLM has
determined that these rules will not
cause a ‘‘taking’’ of private property or
require preparation of a takings
assessment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
Congress enacted the Regulatory
Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), as
amended, 5 U.S.C. 601–612, to ensure
that Government regulations do not
unnecessarily or disproportionately
burden small entities. The RFA requires
a regulatory flexibility analysis if a rule
will have a significant economic impact,
either detrimental or beneficial, on a
substantial number of small entities.
These final supplementary rules will
merely establish rules of conduct for use
of a limited area of public lands and
will have no effect on business entities
of any size. Therefore, the BLM has
determined, under the RFA, that the
final supplementary rules will not have
a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
The final supplementary rules will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the Federal Government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government. The final
supplementary rules will not conflict
with any law or regulation of the State
of Idaho. Therefore, in accordance with
Executive Order 13132, the BLM has
determined that these final
supplementary rules will not have
sufficient federalism implications to
warrant preparation of a Federalism
Assessment.
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
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Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act
These final supplementary rules do
not constitute a ‘‘major rule’’ as defined
at 5 U.S.C. 804(2). They will not result
in an effect on the economy of $100
million or more, an increase in costs or
prices, or significant adverse effects on
competition, employment, investment,
productivity, innovation, or the ability
of United States-based enterprises to
compete with foreign-based enterprises
in domestic and export markets. These
final supplementary rules will merely
establish rules of conduct for use of a
limited area of public lands and do not
affect commercial or business activities
of any kind.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
These final supplementary rules will
not impose an unfunded mandate on
State, local, or tribal governments or the
private sector of more than $100 million
per year nor do they have a significant
or unique effect on State, local, or tribal
governments or the private sector.
Therefore, the BLM is not required to
prepare a statement or plan under
Subchapter II of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531–
1571).
Executive Order 12630, Governmental
Actions and Interference With
Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights (Takings)
These final supplementary rules will
not have significant takings implications
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Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice
Reform
The BLM has determined that these
final supplementary rules will not
unduly burden the judicial system and
that they meet the requirements of
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive
Order 12988.
Executive Order 13175, Consultation
and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
The BLM has found that these final
supplementary rules do not include
policies that will have tribal
implications.
Information Quality Act
The Information Quality Act (Section
515 of Pub. L. 106–554) requires Federal
agencies to maintain adequate quality,
objectivity, utility, and integrity of the
information that they disseminate. In
developing these supplementary rules,
the BLM did not conduct or use a study,
experiment, or survey or disseminate
any information to the public.
Executive Order 13211, Actions
Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use
These final supplementary rules will
not constitute a significant energy
action. The final supplementary rules
will not have an adverse effect on
energy supplies, production, or
consumption, and have no connection
with energy policy.
Paperwork Reduction Act
These final supplementary rules do
not contain information collection
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requirements that the Office of
Management and Budget must approve
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501–3521.
Author
The principal author of these
supplementary rules is Stanley
Buchanan, Boise District Law
Enforcement Ranger, Bureau of Land
Management.
For the reasons stated in the
Preamble, and under the authority of 43
CFR 8365.1–6, the State Director
establishes supplementary rules for
BLM-administered lands covered under
the Snake River Birds of Prey NCA
RMP, to read as follows:
Supplementary Rules for the Morley
Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey
National Conservation Area
Definitions:
Rock Climbing: A sport/technique in
which participants climb up, down or
across natural rock formations, usually
with ropes and other equipment. Rock
climbing is similar to scrambling
(another activity involving the scaling of
hills and similar formations), but
climbing is generally differentiated by
its sustained use of hands to support the
climber’s weight as well as to provide
balance.
Bouldering: A style of rock climbing
undertaken without a rope and normally
limited to very short climbs over a crash
pad (called a bouldering mat) so that a
fall will not result in serious injury.
Rappelling: A descent of a vertical
surface, as a cliff or wall, by sliding
down a belayed rope that is passed
under one thigh and over the opposite
shoulder or through a device that
provides friction, typically while facing
the surface and performing a series of
short backward leaps to control the
descent.
Improved Campsite: A specific
location identified by the BLM for
camping. Improved campsites include
individual sites in developed
campgrounds and developed recreation
sites for camping that may or may not
contain picnic tables, shelters, parking
sites, and/or grills. All improved
campsites are identified by a BLM map
or sign.
Open Fires: Any fire not in a BLMapproved metal fire ring.
On BLM-administered public land
within the Morley Nelson Snake River
Birds of Prey National Conservation
Area, you must comply with the
following supplementary rules:
1. Rock climbing and rappelling are
prohibited on all lands administered by
the BLM within the NCA. Bouldering is
permitted, provided it does not occur on
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 76 / Friday, April 19, 2013 / Notices
the canyon walls of the Snake River
within the NCA.
2. Open fires are prohibited on all
lands administered by the BLM within
the NCA. Campfires may only be located
on improved campsites within BLMapproved metal fire rings on all lands
administered by the BLM within the
NCA. Additional restrictions may be
imposed during periods of high fire
danger.
3. Paintball guns and equipment may
not be used within the Snake River
Canyon or within 1⁄4 mile of the canyon
rim.
Penalties: On public lands under
Section 303(a) of the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1733(a) and 43 CFR 8360.0–7),
any person who violates any of these
supplementary rules may be tried before
a United States Magistrate and fined no
more than $1,000 or imprisoned for no
more than 12 months or both. Such
violations may also be subject to
enhanced fines provided for by 18
U.S.C. 3571.
Steven A. Ellis,
Bureau of Land Management, State Director,
Idaho.
[FR Doc. 2013–09272 Filed 4–18–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–GG–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337–TA–828]
Certain Video Displays and Products
Using and Containing Same;
Investigations: Terminations,
Modifications and Rulings
U.S. International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the U.S. International Trade
Commission has determined to
terminate the above-captioned based on
a settlement agreement between the
parties. The investigation is terminated
in its entirety, and the initial
determination previously under review
by the Commission is set aside.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Clark S. Cheney, Office of the General
Counsel, U.S. International Trade
Commission, 500 E Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone 202–
205–2661. Copies of non-confidential
documents filed in connection with this
investigation are or will be available for
inspection during official business
hours (8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the
Office of the Secretary, U.S.
International Trade Commission, 500 E
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SUMMARY:
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Street SW., Washington, DC 20436,
telephone 202–205–2000. General
information concerning the Commission
may also be obtained by accessing its
Internet server (https://www.usitc.gov).
The public record for this investigation
may be viewed on the Commission’s
electronic docket (EDIS) at https://
edis.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired
persons are advised that information on
this matter can be obtained by
contacting the Commission’s TDD
terminal on 202–205–1810.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Commission instituted this investigation
on February 21, 2012, based on a
complaint filed by Mondis Technology,
Inc., of London, England (‘‘Mondis’’). 77
FR 9964 (Feb. 21, 2012). The complaint
alleges violations of section 337 of the
Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19
U.S.C. 1337) (‘‘section 337’’), by reason
of infringement of U.S. Patent Nos.
6,247,090 and 7,089,342. The notice of
investigation names Chimei Innolux
Corporation of Taiwan and Innolux
Corporation of Austin, Texas
(collectively, ‘‘Innolux’’), as the only
respondents.
On August 1, 2012, the presiding
administrative law judge (‘‘ALJ’’)
granted a motion by Innolux for
summary determination of no violation
of section 337 and issued an initial
determination (‘‘ID’’) terminating the
investigation (Order No. 9). The ALJ
held that an ongoing royalty order
issued by the U.S. District Court for the
Eastern District of Texas constitutes a
license authorizing Innolux to practice
the inventions and accordingly there
can be no violation of section 337.
On August 16, 2012, Mondis filed a
petition for the Commission to review
the ID. On October 16, 2012, the
Commission issued a notice stating that
it had determined to review the ID.
On March 14, 2013, while the
Commission was reviewing the ID,
Mondis and Innolux filed a joint motion
to terminate the investigation based on
a settlement agreement between Mondis
and Innolux. On March 25, 2013, the IA
filed a response supporting termination.
The Commission has determined that
the motion to terminate the
investigation based on a settlement
agreement complies with Commission
Rule 210.21 (19 CFR 210.21). The
Commission has further determined that
terminating the investigation based on
the settlement agreement between
Mondis and Innolux is not contrary to
the public interest. Accordingly, the
Commission has determined to grant the
joint motion and terminate the
investigation in its entirety.
The issues under review by the
Commission in relation to the summary
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23591
determination ID (Order No. 9) are now
moot in view of the parties’ settlement.
Since the ID was under review by the
Commission and the Commission has
terminated the investigation based on a
settlement agreement during the period
of review, the ID does not constitute a
Commission determination and is
hereby set aside. See Commission Rule
210.45(c) (19 CFR 210.45(c)).
The authority for the Commission’s
determination is contained in section
337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as
amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and in Part
210 of the Commission’s Rules of
Practice and Procedure (19 CFR part
210).
By order of the Commission.
Issued: April 15, 2013.
Lisa R. Barton,
Acting Secretary to the Commission.
[FR Doc. 2013–09184 Filed 4–18–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7020–02–P
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
COMMISSION
[Investigation No. 337–TA–659
(Enforcement)]
Certain Prepregs, Laminates, and
Finished Circuit Boards
U.S. International Trade
Commission.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Notice is hereby given that
the U.S. International Trade
Commission has determined to grant a
petition to rescind a consent order and
not to review an ID (Order No. 20) of the
administrative law judge (‘‘ALJ’’)
terminating the above-captioned
enforcement proceeding on the basis of
a settlement agreement. Thus, the
Commission hereby rescinds the April
10, 2009, consent order against Taiwan
Union Technology Corp. (‘‘TUC’’) and
terminates the enforcement proceeding.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James A. Worth, Office of the General
Counsel, U.S. International Trade
Commission, 500 E Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20436, telephone (202)
205–3065. Copies of non-confidential
documents filed in connection with this
investigation are or will be available for
inspection during official business
hours (8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the
Office of the Secretary, U.S.
International Trade Commission, 500 E
Street SW., Washington, DC 20436,
telephone (202) 205–2000. General
information concerning the Commission
may also be obtained by accessing its
Internet server (https://www.usitc.gov).
The public record for this investigation
SUMMARY:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 76 (Friday, April 19, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23588-23591]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-09272]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[LLIDB00100 LF1000000.HT0000 LXSS020D0000 4500031240]
Final Supplementary Rules for the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds
of Prey National Conservation Area, ID
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Final Supplementary Rules.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is finalizing
supplementary rules for all BLM-administered public lands within the
approximately 483,700-acre Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey
National Conservation Area (NCA), addressed in the September 2008
Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Record of Decision (ROD). The Snake
River Birds of Prey NCA RMP identifies implementation level decisions
which describe an array of management actions designed to conserve
natural and cultural resources on BLM administered land while providing
for recreational opportunities. These supplementary rules will help
enforce the decisions in the NCA RMP.
DATES: These supplementary rules are effective May 20, 2013.
[[Page 23589]]
ADDRESSES: You may direct your inquiries to the Bureau of Land
Management, Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National
Conservation Area, 3948 Development Ave, Boise, Idaho 83705; or by
email: jfluckiger@blm.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jared Fluckiger, Outdoor Recreation
Planner, at 208-384-3342 or by email at jfluckiger@blm.gov. Persons who
use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact Mr.
Fluckiger.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
II. Discussion of Public Comments
III. Discussion of Supplementary Rules
IV. Procedural Matters
I. Background
Public Law 103-64 established the NCA in 1993 for the ``* * *
conservation, protection, and enhancement of raptor populations and
habitats and the natural and environmental resources and values
associated therewith * * *'' The NCA's RMP was completed in September
2008.
The NCA is located in southwestern Idaho, within a 30-minute drive
of Idaho's capital, Boise, where almost half of the State's population
resides. It is located in Ada, Canyon, Elmore, and Owyhee counties and
encompasses approximately 483,700 public land acres extending 81 miles
along the Snake River. The NCA includes the 138,000-acre Orchard
Training Area, used by the Idaho Army National Guard for military
training since 1953. Within its boundary are approximately 41,200
State, 4,800 private, and 1,600 military acres, and 9,300 acres covered
by water. These lands are not affected by the NCA designation or
subsequent RMP decisions.
These final supplementary rules will help the BLM achieve
management objectives and implement RMP decisions. They will also
provide the BLM with enforcement capability to help prevent damage to
natural resources, and provide for public health and safety.
II. Discussion of Public Comments
The BLM published the proposed supplementary rules in the Federal
Register on July 18, 2012 (77 FR 42327). Public comments were accepted
for a 60-day period ending on September 17, 2012. The BLM received two
comments. Both comments expressed concern that the prohibition against
rock climbing and rappelling will apply to a style of climbing commonly
referred to as ``bouldering.'' In response to these comments, the
proposed supplementary rules have been revised to define and allow
bouldering, except on the canyon walls of the Snake River within the
NCA.
III. Discussion of Supplementary Rules
In keeping with the BLM performance goal of reducing threats to
public health, safety, and property, supplementary rules are necessary
to protect the natural and cultural resources within the NCA as
described in the NCA RMP; allow for safe public recreation and
protection of public health; reduce the potential for environmental
damage; and enhance the safety of visitors and neighboring residents.
The final supplementary rules will prohibit rock climbing and
rappelling on BLM-administered public land within the Morley Nelson
Snake River Birds of Prey NCA because these activities adversely effect
the 16 species of raptors that nest in or on canyon walls at various
times of the year. This prohibition will help protect a unique
assemblage of raptors that occupy the Snake River Canyon and adjacent
lands of southwestern Idaho. This raptor aggregation, considered to be
one of the densest in North America, and perhaps the world, was the
reason for designating the NCA in 1993.
Additionally, the final supplementary rules will prohibit rock
climbing and rappelling on BLM-administered public land within the NCA
because of the widespread distribution of unstable basalt rock. This
unstable basalt rock exists throughout the NCA in cliffs, rimrocks, and
rocky outcroppings and poses a significant safety hazard to those
climbing and rappelling on them.
In their comments, the public requested that the BLM reconsider
whether bouldering will be considered a prohibited act under the
prohibition against rock climbing and rappelling. Bouldering is a style
of rock climbing that occurs without a rope and is normally limited to
very short climbs. The BLM has determined that bouldering does not
present safety hazards or potential harm to raptors. Therefore,
bouldering will be allowed throughout the NCA and prohibited only on
the cliff walls, which are primarily unstable basalt.
Prohibiting open fires outside of BLM-approved fire rings will help
avert human-caused wildfire, which in turn will help prevent damage to
archeological sites and slickspot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum),
a federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act. The final
supplementary rules state that additional restrictions on building,
maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire may be
imposed during periods of high fire danger. For example, statewide Fire
Prevention Orders or Stage II fire restrictions may be implemented for
all BLM-managed lands in a given geographic area when conditions
warrant and may involve prohibition of all open fires, even in approved
fire rings.
In the past, some of the NCA's significant cultural resources have
been damaged by paintball gun use. Prohibiting paintball activities
within the Snake River Canyon and within \1/4\ mile of the canyon rim
eliminates the adverse effects to early cabin architecture, ferry
crossings, Oregon Trail segments, and petroglyphs.
IV. Procedural Matters
Executive Orders 12866 and 13563, Regulatory Planning and Review
The final supplementary rules are not a significant regulatory
action and are not subject to review by the Office of Management and
Budget under Executive Orders 12866 and 13563. They will not have an
effect of $100 million or more on the economy. They will not adversely
affect, in a material way, the economy; productivity; competition;
jobs; environment; public health or safety; or State, local, or tribal
governments or communities. The final supplementary rules will not
create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action
taken or planned by another agency. They will not materially alter the
budgetary effects of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs
or the right or obligations of their recipients; nor will they raise
novel legal or policy issues. The supplementary rules merely contain
rules of conduct for public use of a limited selection of public lands
to protect public health and safety.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
The BLM prepared an environmental impact statement as part of the
development of the NCA RMP. During that NEPA process, many alternative
decisions for the NCA were fully analyzed and offered for public
comment, including the substance of these final supplementary rules.
The pertinent analysis can be found in Chapter 4 of the Proposed
Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement for
the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, April 2006.
The ROD for the RMP was signed by the Idaho BLM State Director on
September
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30, 2008. These supplementary rules provide for enforcement of plan
decisions. The rationale for the decisions made in the plan is fully
covered in the ROD. It is available for review in the BLM
administrative record at the address specified in the ADDRESSES
section.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
Congress enacted the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), as
amended, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, to ensure that Government regulations do not
unnecessarily or disproportionately burden small entities. The RFA
requires a regulatory flexibility analysis if a rule will have a
significant economic impact, either detrimental or beneficial, on a
substantial number of small entities. These final supplementary rules
will merely establish rules of conduct for use of a limited area of
public lands and will have no effect on business entities of any size.
Therefore, the BLM has determined, under the RFA, that the final
supplementary rules will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
These final supplementary rules do not constitute a ``major rule''
as defined at 5 U.S.C. 804(2). They will not result in an effect on the
economy of $100 million or more, an increase in costs or prices, or
significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment,
productivity, innovation, or the ability of United States-based
enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic and
export markets. These final supplementary rules will merely establish
rules of conduct for use of a limited area of public lands and do not
affect commercial or business activities of any kind.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
These final supplementary rules will not impose an unfunded mandate
on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more
than $100 million per year nor do they have a significant or unique
effect on State, local, or tribal governments or the private sector.
Therefore, the BLM is not required to prepare a statement or plan under
Subchapter II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531-1571).
Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference With
Constitutionally Protected Property Rights (Takings)
These final supplementary rules will not have significant takings
implications nor will they be capable of interfering with
constitutionally protected property rights. Therefore, the BLM has
determined that these rules will not cause a ``taking'' of private
property or require preparation of a takings assessment.
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
The final supplementary rules will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. The final
supplementary rules will not conflict with any law or regulation of the
State of Idaho. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132,
the BLM has determined that these final supplementary rules will not
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant preparation of a
Federalism Assessment.
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform
The BLM has determined that these final supplementary rules will
not unduly burden the judicial system and that they meet the
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988.
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal
Governments
The BLM has found that these final supplementary rules do not
include policies that will have tribal implications.
Information Quality Act
The Information Quality Act (Section 515 of Pub. L. 106-554)
requires Federal agencies to maintain adequate quality, objectivity,
utility, and integrity of the information that they disseminate. In
developing these supplementary rules, the BLM did not conduct or use a
study, experiment, or survey or disseminate any information to the
public.
Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use
These final supplementary rules will not constitute a significant
energy action. The final supplementary rules will not have an adverse
effect on energy supplies, production, or consumption, and have no
connection with energy policy.
Paperwork Reduction Act
These final supplementary rules do not contain information
collection requirements that the Office of Management and Budget must
approve under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521.
Author
The principal author of these supplementary rules is Stanley
Buchanan, Boise District Law Enforcement Ranger, Bureau of Land
Management.
For the reasons stated in the Preamble, and under the authority of
43 CFR 8365.1-6, the State Director establishes supplementary rules for
BLM-administered lands covered under the Snake River Birds of Prey NCA
RMP, to read as follows:
Supplementary Rules for the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey
National Conservation Area
Definitions:
Rock Climbing: A sport/technique in which participants climb up,
down or across natural rock formations, usually with ropes and other
equipment. Rock climbing is similar to scrambling (another activity
involving the scaling of hills and similar formations), but climbing is
generally differentiated by its sustained use of hands to support the
climber's weight as well as to provide balance.
Bouldering: A style of rock climbing undertaken without a rope and
normally limited to very short climbs over a crash pad (called a
bouldering mat) so that a fall will not result in serious injury.
Rappelling: A descent of a vertical surface, as a cliff or wall, by
sliding down a belayed rope that is passed under one thigh and over the
opposite shoulder or through a device that provides friction, typically
while facing the surface and performing a series of short backward
leaps to control the descent.
Improved Campsite: A specific location identified by the BLM for
camping. Improved campsites include individual sites in developed
campgrounds and developed recreation sites for camping that may or may
not contain picnic tables, shelters, parking sites, and/or grills. All
improved campsites are identified by a BLM map or sign.
Open Fires: Any fire not in a BLM-approved metal fire ring.
On BLM-administered public land within the Morley Nelson Snake
River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, you must comply with
the following supplementary rules:
1. Rock climbing and rappelling are prohibited on all lands
administered by the BLM within the NCA. Bouldering is permitted,
provided it does not occur on
[[Page 23591]]
the canyon walls of the Snake River within the NCA.
2. Open fires are prohibited on all lands administered by the BLM
within the NCA. Campfires may only be located on improved campsites
within BLM-approved metal fire rings on all lands administered by the
BLM within the NCA. Additional restrictions may be imposed during
periods of high fire danger.
3. Paintball guns and equipment may not be used within the Snake
River Canyon or within \1/4\ mile of the canyon rim.
Penalties: On public lands under Section 303(a) of the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1733(a) and 43 CFR 8360.0-
7), any person who violates any of these supplementary rules may be
tried before a United States Magistrate and fined no more than $1,000
or imprisoned for no more than 12 months or both. Such violations may
also be subject to enhanced fines provided for by 18 U.S.C. 3571.
Steven A. Ellis,
Bureau of Land Management, State Director, Idaho.
[FR Doc. 2013-09272 Filed 4-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-GG-P