Notice of Closure: Target Shooting Public Safety Closure on the Lake Mountains in Utah County, UT, 74111-74112 [2014-29277]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 240 / Monday, December 15, 2014 / Notices emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES greater sandhill crane (Grus canadensis tabida), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea), and tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor). ‘‘Take’’ as defined under the Act does not apply to listed plant species, and therefore cannot be authorized under a section 10 permit. However, the Permit Applicants propose to include plant species on the permit in recognition of the conservation benefits provided for them under an HCP. For the purposes of the Plan, certain plant species are further included to meet regulatory obligations under section 7 of the Act and CESA. All species included on an ITP would receive assurances under the Service’s ‘‘No Surprises’’ regulations found in 50 CFRs 17.22(b)(5) and 17.32(b)(5). The following unlisted plant species are proposed for inclusion in the YSRCP in recognition of the conservation benefits provided for them under the YSRCP and the assurances permit holders would receive if they are included on a permit: Bogg’s Lake hedge-hyssop (Gratiola heterosepala), Ahart’s dwarf rush (Juncus leiospermus var. ahartii), dwarf downingia (Downingia pusilla), and legenere (Legenere limosa). Bogg’s Lake hedgehyssop is listed as endangered under CESA. Environmental Impact Statement Before deciding whether to issue the requested Federal ITP, the Service will prepare a draft EIS in order to analyze the environmental impacts associated with issuance of the ITP. In the EIS component of the EIS/EIR, the Service will consider the following alternatives: (1) The proposed action, which includes the issuance of take authorizations consistent with the proposed YSRCP under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act; (2) no action (no permit issuance); and (3) a reasonable range of additional alternatives. The EIS/EIR will include a detailed analysis of the impacts of the proposed action and alternatives. The range of alternatives could include variations in impacts, conservation, permit duration, Covered Species, Covered Activities, Permit Area, or a combination of these elements. The EIS/EIR will identify and analyze potentially significant direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts of our authorization of incidental take (permit issuance) and the implementation of the proposed YSRCP on biological resources, land uses, utilities, air quality, water resources, cultural resources, socioeconomics and environmental justice, recreation, aesthetics, climate change and greenhouse gases, and other VerDate Sep<11>2014 02:54 Dec 13, 2014 Jkt 235001 environmental issues that could occur with implementation of each alternative. The Service will also identify measures to avoid or minimize any significant effects of the proposed action on the quality of the human environment. Following completion of the environmental review, the Service will publish a notice of availability and a request for comment on the Draft EIS/ EIR and the applicants’ permit application, which will include the proposed the YSRCP. Public Comments We request data, comments, new information, or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, Tribes, industry, or any other interested party on this notice. We will consider these comments in developing a Draft EIS/EIR and in the development of an HCP and ITP. We particularly seek comments on the following: 1. Biological information concerning species in the proposed Plan Area; 2. Relevant data concerning these species; 3. Additional information concerning the range, distribution, population size, and population trends of the species; 4. Current or planned activities in the subject area and their possible impacts on the species; 5. The presence of archaeological sites, buildings and structures, historic events, sacred and traditional areas, and other historic preservation concerns, which are required to be considered in project planning by the National Historic Preservation Act; and 6. Identification of any other environmental issues that should be considered with regard to the proposed development and permit action. You may submit your comments and materials by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting documentation we use in preparing the EIS/EIR document, will be available for public inspection by appointment during normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Service’s Sacramento address (see ADDRESSES). Scoping Meetings See DATES for the date and time of the scheduled public meeting. The purpose of the scoping meeting is to provide the public with a general understanding of the background of the proposed HCP and activities it would cover, alternative proposals under consideration for the Draft EIS, and the Service’s role and PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 74111 steps to be taken to develop the Draft EIS for the proposed HCP/NCCP. The primary purpose of these meetings and public comment period is to solicit suggestions and information on the scope of issues and alternatives for the Service to consider when drafting the EIS. Written comments will be accepted at the meeting. Comments can also be submitted by methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. Once the Draft EIS and proposed HCP/NCCP are complete and made available for review, there will be additional opportunity for public comment on the content of these documents through additional public comment periods. Meeting Location Accommodations Persons needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and participate in the public meetings should contact Ellen McBride at (916) 414–6600 as soon as possible. In order to allow sufficient time to process requests, please call at least one week before the public meeting. Information regarding this proposed action is available in alternative formats upon request. Authority We publish this notice under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1501.7, 1506.6, and 1508.22), as well as in compliance with section 10(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: November 25, 2014. Alexandra Pitts, Deputy Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Southwest Region, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. 2014–29255 Filed 12–12–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [14XL 1109AF LLUTW01100 L12200000.AL0000 24 1A] Notice of Closure: Target Shooting Public Safety Closure on the Lake Mountains in Utah County, UT Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), pursuant to its regulations, is maintaining an existing closure of approximately 900 acres of public land on the Lake Mountains in Utah County, Utah, to the discharge or use of firearms or dangerous weapons SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\15DEN1.SGM 15DEN1 74112 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 240 / Monday, December 15, 2014 / Notices for the purposes of recreational target shooting to protect public safety, property and resources. This closure does not restrict other public activities or access to the Lake Mountains area. DATES: This notice reestablishes the temporary target shooting closure order within the described area for no longer than two years from December 15, 2014, or earlier if a land use planning decision is completed. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rebecca Hotze, Field Manager; Phone: 801–977–4300; Salt Lake Field Office; 2370 South Decker Lake Boulevard, West Valley City, Utah 84119; email: blm_ut_sl_mail@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 the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This temporary closure affects public lands on the Lake Mountains, Utah County, Utah. The legal description of the affected public lands is: Salt Lake Meridian, Utah emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with NOTICES T. 7 S., R. 1 E. Sec. 6, lot 1, NE1⁄4SE1⁄4; Sec. 7, lot 1. T. 7 S., R. 1 W. Sec. 13, lots 2, 11, 12 and portions of lots 3, 4, 9, and 10, and the SE1⁄4SW1⁄4 lying east of the 345 KV power line*; Sec. 24, portions of lots 1–3, 10, 13, 17, 18, and portions of lots 11 and 12, and the NW1⁄4 lying east of the 345 KV power line*; Sec. 26, NW1⁄4NE1⁄4, NW1⁄4SW1⁄4, and portions of the N1⁄2NW1⁄4 lying east of the 345 KV power line*; *BLM right-of-way UTU 0115794. The area described contains approximately 900 acres more or less. The Salt Lake Field Office hereby closes a portion of the Lake Mountains, Utah County, Utah, to all target shooting for public safety reasons. The area will be closed under the authority of 43 CFR 8364.1—Closures and Restrictions and in conformance with BLM Washington Office Instruction Memorandum 2013– 035, Requirements for Processing and Approving Temporary Public Land Closure and Restriction Orders. Due to unsafe conditions and danger to the public, it is imperative for the BLM to reestablish the closure on the area. The Lake Mountains are a small mountain range located on the west side of Utah Lake. The range is only about 8 miles wide and 12 miles long. The city VerDate Sep<11>2014 02:54 Dec 13, 2014 Jkt 235001 of Saratoga Springs borders the north side of the mountains and Eagle Mountain City is along the west side. State Highway 68 runs along the eastern bench of the Lake Mountains; it is a main arterial road and is used by residential, agricultural and recreational traffic. There are a number of communication sites on the top of the mountain, as well as a major power line that runs along a lower elevation ridge. Across Highway 68, there are private residences along the lake shore. Utah Lake is a popular area for recreationists, boaters, and anglers. A lake access point known as ‘‘the Knolls’’ is one of the few public access points on the western shoreline and is located just off Highway 68. The Lake Mountains are comprised of a mixed ownership pattern of lands managed by the BLM, Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), and several private property owners. The area encompassed by the closure is primarily used by residents of Utah County and southern Salt Lake County for target shooting. Prior to the 2012 closure, the Lake Mountains received about 4,000 target shooters each month; and on weekends, as many as 400 shooters concentrated into 5 areas, and other dispersed locations. The slopes of the Lake Mountains provide a natural backstop ideal for target shooting; however, some shooters chose to target practice in the relatively flat terrain on the lower slopes. Given the topography of the area and the number of people who visit it, the area subject to this Order is not conducive to safe target shooting. Target shooting in the area has resulted in nearby private residences being shot and near-misses of automobiles and people. An additional danger is the annual threat from target shootingrelated wildfires adjacent to private residences, a major power line located on the eastern bench, communication towers on the ridge top, and public land resources. The previous two-year closure proved effective in redirecting target shooting to safer locations, allowing cleanup of the area, eliminating illegal dumping and significantly reducing target shootingrelated wildfires. Since the implementation of the closure in August 2012, no near-misses from errant gunfire have been reported to law enforcement. Since the implementation of the original 2012 target shooting safety closure, several additional actions have been taken by private landowners, other agency partners and the BLM to augment the closure. Regular patrols have been conducted by the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, BLM law PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 enforcement rangers and private property owners. Barricades have been installed to identify the closure boundary, especially along private property and in areas receiving recurring violations, such as the Little Cove area. Utah County is completing the construction of a fence along the west side of Highway 68 with gates to allow public access on a few controlled routes. Utah County also has started planning for development of a nearby managed target shooting range. In April 2014, SITLA closed approximately 1,500 acres of state lands adjacent to and near the BLM closure to recreational access. Additionally, the BLM is initiating an amendment to its land use plan to develop a more permanent solution for the target shooting issues in this area. With the closure and these subsequent actions, volunteers have been able to clean up the large amounts of trash and household appliances in these areas. This closure is made under the authority of the regulations in 43 CFR 8364.1—Closures and Restrictions, and is in conformance with BLM Washington Office Instruction Memorandum 2013–035, Requirements for Processing and Approving Temporary Public Land Closure and Restriction Orders. 43 CFR 8364.1(a) states: ‘‘To protect persons, property, and public lands and resources, the authorized officer may issue an order to close or restrict use of designated public lands.’’ The closure only applies to the discharge or use of firearms or dangerous weapons for the purposes of recreational target shooting and does not affect legal hunting. Any person who violates the above restriction may be tried before a United States Magistrate and fined no more than $1,000, imprisoned for no more than 12 months, or both. Such violations also may be subject to the enhanced fines provided for in 18 U.S.C. 3571. Authority: 43 CFR 8364.1 Jenna Whitlock, Associate State Director. [FR Doc. 2014–29277 Filed 12–12–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–DQ–P DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS–SERO–BICY–16765; PPSESEROC3, PMP00UP05.YP0000] Assessment of Eligible and Ineligible Lands for Consideration as Wilderness Areas, Big Cypress National Preserve AGENCY: E:\FR\FM\15DEN1.SGM National Park Service, Interior. 15DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 240 (Monday, December 15, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74111-74112]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-29277]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[14XL 1109AF LLUTW01100 L12200000.AL0000 24 1A]


Notice of Closure: Target Shooting Public Safety Closure on the 
Lake Mountains in Utah County, UT

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), pursuant to its 
regulations, is maintaining an existing closure of approximately 900 
acres of public land on the Lake Mountains in Utah County, Utah, to the 
discharge or use of firearms or dangerous weapons

[[Page 74112]]

for the purposes of recreational target shooting to protect public 
safety, property and resources. This closure does not restrict other 
public activities or access to the Lake Mountains area.

DATES: This notice reestablishes the temporary target shooting closure 
order within the described area for no longer than two years from 
December 15, 2014, or earlier if a land use planning decision is 
completed.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rebecca Hotze, Field Manager; Phone: 
801-977-4300; Salt Lake Field Office; 2370 South Decker Lake Boulevard, 
West Valley City, Utah 84119; email: blm_ut_sl_mail@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 the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is 
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question 
with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal 
hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This temporary closure affects public lands 
on the Lake Mountains, Utah County, Utah. The legal description of the 
affected public lands is:

Salt Lake Meridian, Utah

T. 7 S., R. 1 E.
    Sec. 6, lot 1, NE\1/4\SE\1/4\;
    Sec. 7, lot 1.
    T. 7 S., R. 1 W.
    Sec. 13, lots 2, 11, 12 and portions of lots 3, 4, 9, and 10, 
and the SE\1/4\SW\1/4\ lying east of the 345 KV power line*;
    Sec. 24, portions of lots 1-3, 10, 13, 17, 18, and portions of 
lots 11 and 12, and the NW\1/4\ lying east of the 345 KV power 
line*;
    Sec. 26, NW\1/4\NE\1/4\, NW\1/4\SW\1/4\, and portions of the 
N\1/2\NW\1/4\ lying east of the 345 KV power line*;
    *BLM right-of-way UTU 0115794.
    The area described contains approximately 900 acres more or 
less.

    The Salt Lake Field Office hereby closes a portion of the Lake 
Mountains, Utah County, Utah, to all target shooting for public safety 
reasons. The area will be closed under the authority of 43 CFR 8364.1--
Closures and Restrictions and in conformance with BLM Washington Office 
Instruction Memorandum 2013-035, Requirements for Processing and 
Approving Temporary Public Land Closure and Restriction Orders. Due to 
unsafe conditions and danger to the public, it is imperative for the 
BLM to reestablish the closure on the area.
    The Lake Mountains are a small mountain range located on the west 
side of Utah Lake. The range is only about 8 miles wide and 12 miles 
long. The city of Saratoga Springs borders the north side of the 
mountains and Eagle Mountain City is along the west side. State Highway 
68 runs along the eastern bench of the Lake Mountains; it is a main 
arterial road and is used by residential, agricultural and recreational 
traffic. There are a number of communication sites on the top of the 
mountain, as well as a major power line that runs along a lower 
elevation ridge. Across Highway 68, there are private residences along 
the lake shore. Utah Lake is a popular area for recreationists, 
boaters, and anglers. A lake access point known as ``the Knolls'' is 
one of the few public access points on the western shoreline and is 
located just off Highway 68. The Lake Mountains are comprised of a 
mixed ownership pattern of lands managed by the BLM, Utah School and 
Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA), and several private 
property owners. The area encompassed by the closure is primarily used 
by residents of Utah County and southern Salt Lake County for target 
shooting.
    Prior to the 2012 closure, the Lake Mountains received about 4,000 
target shooters each month; and on weekends, as many as 400 shooters 
concentrated into 5 areas, and other dispersed locations. The slopes of 
the Lake Mountains provide a natural backstop ideal for target 
shooting; however, some shooters chose to target practice in the 
relatively flat terrain on the lower slopes. Given the topography of 
the area and the number of people who visit it, the area subject to 
this Order is not conducive to safe target shooting. Target shooting in 
the area has resulted in nearby private residences being shot and near-
misses of automobiles and people. An additional danger is the annual 
threat from target shooting-related wildfires adjacent to private 
residences, a major power line located on the eastern bench, 
communication towers on the ridge top, and public land resources.
    The previous two-year closure proved effective in redirecting 
target shooting to safer locations, allowing cleanup of the area, 
eliminating illegal dumping and significantly reducing target shooting-
related wildfires. Since the implementation of the closure in August 
2012, no near-misses from errant gunfire have been reported to law 
enforcement.
    Since the implementation of the original 2012 target shooting 
safety closure, several additional actions have been taken by private 
landowners, other agency partners and the BLM to augment the closure. 
Regular patrols have been conducted by the Utah County Sheriff's 
Office, BLM law enforcement rangers and private property owners. 
Barricades have been installed to identify the closure boundary, 
especially along private property and in areas receiving recurring 
violations, such as the Little Cove area. Utah County is completing the 
construction of a fence along the west side of Highway 68 with gates to 
allow public access on a few controlled routes. Utah County also has 
started planning for development of a nearby managed target shooting 
range. In April 2014, SITLA closed approximately 1,500 acres of state 
lands adjacent to and near the BLM closure to recreational access. 
Additionally, the BLM is initiating an amendment to its land use plan 
to develop a more permanent solution for the target shooting issues in 
this area. With the closure and these subsequent actions, volunteers 
have been able to clean up the large amounts of trash and household 
appliances in these areas.
    This closure is made under the authority of the regulations in 43 
CFR 8364.1--Closures and Restrictions, and is in conformance with BLM 
Washington Office Instruction Memorandum 2013-035, Requirements for 
Processing and Approving Temporary Public Land Closure and Restriction 
Orders. 43 CFR 8364.1(a) states: ``To protect persons, property, and 
public lands and resources, the authorized officer may issue an order 
to close or restrict use of designated public lands.'' The closure only 
applies to the discharge or use of firearms or dangerous weapons for 
the purposes of recreational target shooting and does not affect legal 
hunting. Any person who violates the above restriction may be tried 
before a United States Magistrate and fined no more than $1,000, 
imprisoned for no more than 12 months, or both. Such violations also 
may be subject to the enhanced fines provided for in 18 U.S.C. 3571.

    Authority:  43 CFR 8364.1

Jenna Whitlock,
Associate State Director.
[FR Doc. 2014-29277 Filed 12-12-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-DQ-P
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