Application for Withdrawal and Opportunity for Public Meeting, Deep Creek Canyon and Corridor, Colorado, 62560-62562 [2015-26364]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• Bureau of Land Management

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 200 (Friday, October 16, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62560-62562]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26364]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[LLCO923000-L14400000-ET0000-15X]


Application for Withdrawal and Opportunity for Public Meeting, 
Deep Creek Canyon and Corridor, Colorado

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The United States Forest Service (USFS) has filed an 
application (COC 77206) with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 
requesting the Secretary of the Interior to withdraw approximately 
4,200 acres of National Forest System lands within the White River 
National Forest from location and entry under the United States mining 
laws for a period of 20 years to protect multiple outstanding features, 
including scenic, recreational, geologic, ecologic, wildlife, and 
fisheries values, in the Deep Creek canyon and corridor.
    The character of the canyon and corridor is natural and essentially 
primitive, and the lands and free-flowing waters were found to be 
eligible for Wild and Scenic designation under the Wild and Scenic 
Rivers Act in the 2002 White River National Forest, Land and Resource 
Management Plan Revision. The Forest Plan decision recommended 
withdrawal of the canyon and corridor from location and entry under the 
United States mining laws.
    This notice temporarily segregates the land for up to 2 years from 
location and entry under the United States mining laws while the 
application is being processed. This notice also provides the public an 
opportunity to comment on the application and to request a public 
meeting. The lands have been and will remain open to mineral and 
geothermal leasing, and to such forms of disposition as may be allowed 
by law on National Forest System lands.

DATES: Comments and public meeting requests must be received by January 
14, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Comments and meeting requests should be sent to Steve 
Craddock, Branch of Lands and Realty, BLM Colorado State Office, 2850 
Youngfield Street, Lakewood, CO 80215-7093.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Craddock, BLM Colorado State 
Office, 303-239-3707, or Carole Huey, White River National Forest, 970-
945-3219, during regular business hours 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except holidays. 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. 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 business hours.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The USFS has filed an application with the 
BLM pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, 43 
U.S.C. 1714, requesting the Secretary of the Interior to withdraw the 
following described National Forest System lands from location and 
entry under the United States mining laws (30 U.S.C. Ch. 2), but not 
from leasing under the mineral or geothermal leasing laws, for a period 
of 20 years, subject to valid existing rights:

White River National Forest

Sixth Principal Meridian

T. 4 S., R. 87 W.,
    sec. 6, beginning at a point on the west line of Section 6 from 
which the corner common to Sections 6 and 7 bears South a distance 
of 2665 feet, thence S.65[deg]E. a distance of 1100 feet; thence 
N.55[deg]E. a distance of 400 feet; thence N.15[deg]E. a distance of 
800 feet; thence N.40[deg]W. a distance of 600 feet; thence 
N.10[deg]W. a distance of 1100 feet; thence N.40[deg]E. a distance 
of 600 feet; thence S.20[deg]E. a distance of 1300 feet; thence 
S.30[deg]E. 1300 feet; thence S.30[deg]W. a distance of 800 feet; 
thence South a distance of 800 feet; thence S.45[deg]E. a distance 
of 1500 feet; thence N.75[deg]E. a distance of 1300 feet; thence 
South a distance of 750 feet to the south line of said Section 6; 
thence S.89[deg]52' W., along the south line of Section 6, a 
distance of 4452 feet to the corner on the township line common to 
Sections 6 and 7; thence North, along the west township line, a 
distance of 2665 feet to the Point of Beginning;
    sec. 7, beginning at the corner common to Sections 6 and 7 on 
the west township line; thence N.89[deg]52'E., along the north line 
of Section 7, a distance of 4452 feet, thence South a distance of 
1150 feet to a point at 9450 feet elevation, thence S.50[deg]E. a 
distance of 350 feet; thence S.55[deg]E. a distance of 2000 feet; 
thence S.10[deg]E. a distance of 200 feet; thence South a distance 
of 700 feet; thence S.40[deg]E. a distance of 668 feet to a point on 
the east line of Section 7; thence S.89[deg]50'W., along the south 
line of Section 7 a distance of 4614 feet; thence N.30[deg]E. a 
distance of 280 feet; thence N.65[deg]W. a distance of 1100 feet; 
thence North a distance of 50 feet; thence N.50[deg]E. a distance of 
1550 feet; thence N.25[deg]W. a distance of 300 feet; thence 
N.75[deg]W. a distance of 1300 feet; thence N.45[deg]W. a distance 
of 300 feet; thence North a distance of 200 feet; thence N.80[deg]E. 
a distance of 1200 feet; thence N.15[deg]W. a distance of 500 feet; 
thence N.75[deg]W. a distance of 900 feet; thence N.50[deg]W. a 
distance of 2000 feet to the west line of Section 7; thence North, 
along the west line of Section 7 a distance of 286 feet to the Point 
of Beginning;
    sec. 8, beginning at corner common to Sections 8 and 17 only; 
thence N.0[deg]08'W., along the west line of Section 8, a distance 
of 830 feet; thence S.40[deg]E. a distance of 30 feet; thence 
S.70[deg]E. a distance of 700 feet; thence S.30[deg]W. a distance of 
600 feet; thence S.20[deg]E. a distance of 60 feet to a point on the 
south line of Section 8; thence West, along the south line of 
Section 8, a distance of 420 feet to the Point of Beginning;
    sec. 17, W\1/2\W\1/2\W\1/2\SW\1/4\;
    sec. 18,. E\1/2\W\1/2\NE\1/4\, E\1/2\NE\1/4\, E\1/2\SE\1/4\;
    Sec. 19, NE\1/4\NE\1/4\, E\1/2\SE\1/4\NE\1/4\, E\1/2\NE\1/
4\SE\1/4\;
    Sec. 20, S\1/2\NE\1/4\,SE\1/4\, N\1/2\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\, NW\1/
4\SE\1/4\SW\1/4\, N\1/2\SW\1/4\, S\1/2\NW\1/4\, NW\1/4\NW\1/4\;
    sec. 21. lot 4, W\1/2\SW\1/4\, SW\1/4\NW\1/4\;
    sec. 28, beginning at the corner common to Sections 20, 21, 28 
and 29, thence S.89[deg]47'E. along the north section line of 
Section 28, a distance of 1317 feet; thence S.0[deg]02.5'E. a 
distance of 1616 feet to a point on the north line of Tract 40;

[[Page 62561]]

thence West, along said north line of Tract 40, a distance of 400 
feet to Angle Point 2 of said Tract 40; thence N.40[deg]W. a 
distance of 180 feet; thence S.70[deg]W. a distance of 900 feet to a 
point on the west line of Section 28; thence N0[deg]02'W. along the 
west section line of Section 28 a distance of 1820 feet to the Point 
of Beginning;
    sec. 29, beginning at the section corner common to Sections 20, 
21, 28 and 29; thence S.0[deg]02'E. along the east line of Section 
29 a distance of 1820 feet; thence S.75[deg]W. a distance of 1100 
feet; thence S.85[deg]W. a distance of 100 feet; thence N.80[deg]W. 
a distance of 400 feet; thence N.30[deg]W. a distance of 400 feet; 
thence North a distance of 700 feet; thence N.10[deg]W. a distance 
of 300 feet; thence N.55[deg]W. a distance of 1500 feet to a point 
on the north line of Section 29; thence N.89[deg]53'E. along the 
north line of Section 29 a distance of 3940 feet to the Point of 
Beginning.
T. 3 S., R.88 W. (unsurveyed public lands),
    Beginning at the southeast corner of P.L.O. 1611, stated as 
being the southeast corner of the N\1/2\S\1/2\SW\1/4\ of Section 20, 
thence West, on and along the south boundary of P.L.O 1611, a 
distance of 1160 feet; thence S.20[deg]W., leaving the boundary of 
P.L.O. 1611, a distance of 340 feet; thence S.5[deg]E. a distance of 
350 feet to a point of intersection with the 10460 contour 
elevation; thence S.30[deg]E. a distance of 2000 feet; thence 
S.10[deg]E. a distance of 950 feet to a point in White Owl Creek; 
thence S.60[deg]E. a distance of 1100 feet; thence S.30[deg]E. a 
distance of 1600 feet; thence S.35[deg]E. a distance of 800 feet; 
thence S.55[deg]E. a distance of 600 feet; thence S.85[deg]E. a 
distance of 1800 feet; thence East a distance of 2000 feet; thence 
S85[deg]E. a distance of 800 feet; thence S.80[deg]E. a distance of 
500 feet; thence S.30[deg] E. a distance of 900 feet; thence 
S.20[deg] E. a distance of 800 feet; thence S.80[deg]E. a distance 
of 1350 feet; thence S.30[deg]E. a distance of 300 feet; thence 
S.10[deg]E. a distance of 300 feet; thence S.15[deg]E. a distance of 
400 feet; thence S.65[deg]W. a distance of 1300 feet to a point in 
the center of a small drainage; thence S39[deg]E. a distance of 1350 
feet to a point at 10262 feet in elevation; thence S.28[deg]E. a 
distance of 270 feet to a point on the south township line; thence 
East, on and along the south township line, a distance of 6100 feet; 
thence N.50[deg]W. a distance of 3100 feet; thence N.30[deg]W. a 
distance of 600 feet to a point; thence N.30[deg]W. a distance of 
1000 feet; thence N.35[deg]W. a distance of 2300 feet; thence 
N.30[deg]W. a distance of 700 feet; thence North a distance of 700 
feet; thence N.55[deg]E. a distance of 300 feet to a point in a 
drainage; thence N.75[deg]W. a distance of 500 feet; thence 
N.30[deg]W. 1500 feet to a point in the drainage of Short Creek; 
thence S.30[deg]W. a distance of 500 feet; thence S.87[deg]W. a 
distance of 900 feet; thence N.75[deg]W. a distance of 700 feet; 
thence N.89[deg]W. a distance of 900 feet to a point on the 10320 
contour line; thence N.65[deg]W. a distance of 600 feet; thence West 
a distance of 600 feet; thence S.65[deg]W. a distance of 600 feet; 
thence S.80[deg]W. a distance of 700 feet; thence N.80[deg]W. a 
distance of 900 feet; thence N.50[deg]W. a distance of 1450 feet; 
thence N.40[deg]W. a distance of 1200 feet to a point on the 10570 
contour line; thence N.50[deg]W. a distance of 900 feet; thence 
N.60[deg]W. a distance of 250 feet; thence N. 45[deg]W. a distance 
of 800 feet; thence N.30[deg]W. a distance of 400 feet to a point on 
the 10600 elevation contour line; thence on and along said 10600 
feet contour line a distance of 180 feet to a point of intersection 
with the east boundary of P.L.O 1611; thence South a distance of 390 
feet to the Point of Beginning.
T. 4 S., R. 88 W.,
    sec. 1, beginning at the corner on the east township line common 
to Sections 1 and 12, thence North on and along the east township 
line a distance of 2665 feet; thence N.15[deg]W. a distance of 900 
feet; thence N.65[deg]W. a distance of 700 feet; thence S.75[deg]W. 
a distance of 1600 feet; thence S.65[deg]W. a distance of 1200 feet; 
thence N.65[deg]W. a distance of 1900 feet to a point on the west 
line of Section 1; thence South, on and along the west line of 
Section 1, a distance of 3380 feet; thence S.15[deg]E a distance of 
145 feet to the south line of Section 1; thence S.89[deg]57'E, on 
and along the south line of Section 1, a distance of 660 feet; 
thence N.70[deg]W. a distance of 200 feet; thence N. 80[deg]E. a 
distance of 600 feet; thence N.88[deg]E. a distance of 900 feet; 
thence N.55[deg]E. a distance of 700 feet; thence S.85[deg]E. 900 
feet: Thence S. 65[deg]E. a distance of 600 feet; thence S.50[deg]E. 
a distance of 660 feet to a point on the south line of Section 1; 
thence S.89[deg]57'E., on and along the south line of Section 1, a 
distance of 360 feet to the Point of Beginning;
    sec. 2, beginning at the corner common to Sections 2 and 3 on 
the North township line, thence S.0[deg]09'E., on and along the west 
line of Section 2, a distance of 2815 feet; thence S.33[deg]E. a 
distance of 2400 feet; thence S.50[deg]E. a distance of 300 feet; 
thence S.83[deg]E. a distance of 750 feet; thence N.70[deg]E. a 
distance of 900 feet; thence East a distance of 400 feet; thence 
S.55[deg]E. a distance of 900 feet to a point on the east line of 
Section 2; thence North, on and along the east line of Section 2, a 
distance of 3380 feet; thence N.40[deg]W., a distance of 900 feet; 
thence N.60[deg]W a distance of 1900 feet; thence N.40[deg]W. a 
distance of 500 feet to a point on the north section line of Section 
2; thence West, on and along the north line of Section 2, a distance 
of 2620 feet to the Point of Beginning;
    sec. 3, beginning at the corner common to Sections 2 and 3 on 
the north township line, thence West, along the north line of the 
township, a distance of 3480 feet; thence S.28[deg]E. a distance of 
2230 feet to a point in the Johnson Pasture Trail, Forest Service 
Trail Number 1852; thence N.85[deg]E. a distance of 800 feet; thence 
East a distance of 400 feet; thence S.45[deg]E. a distance of 1250 
feet to a point on the east line of Section 3; thence N.0[deg]09'W., 
on and along the east line of Section 3, a distance of 2815 feet to 
the Point of Beginning;
    sec. 12, beginning at a point on the north section line of 
Section 12 from which the corner common to Sections 1, 2, 11, and 12 
bears N.89[deg]57'W. a distance of 30 feet, thence S.15[deg]E. a 
distance of 255 feet; thence N.70[deg]E. a distance of 620 feet to a 
point on the North line of Section 12; thence N.89[deg]57'W., on and 
along the north line of Section 12, a distance of 650 feet to the 
Point of Beginning; and
    Beginning at the corner common to Sections 1 and 12 on the east 
township line, thence N.89[deg]57'W., on and along the north section 
line of Section 12, a distance of 360 feet; thence S.50[deg]E. a 
distance of 465 feet to a point on the west line of Section 12; 
thence North, on and along the west line of Section 12, a distance 
of 286 feet to the Point of Beginning.

    The areas described aggregate approximately 4,200 acres in Garfield 
County.
    The purpose of the withdrawal is to protect multiple outstanding 
features, including scenic, recreational, geologic, ecologic, wildlife, 
and fisheries values, in the Deep Creek canyon and corridor.
    The use of a right-of-way, interagency or cooperative management 
agreement would not adequately constrain non-discretionary uses that 
could irrevocably destroy the area's scenic and recreational values.
    No alternative sites are feasible as the described lands contain 
the natural resource and recreation values in need of protection.
    No water rights will be needed to fulfill the purpose of the 
proposed withdrawal.
    For a period until January 14, 2016, all persons who desire to 
submit comments, suggestions, or objections in connection with the 
withdrawal application may present their views in writing to the BLM 
Colorado State Office at the address listed above. Comments, including 
names and street addresses of respondents, will be available for public 
review at the BLM Colorado State Office at the above address during 
regular business hours 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    Notice is also hereby given that the opportunity for a public 
meeting is afforded in connection with the withdrawal application. All 
interested parties who desire a public meeting for the purpose of being 
heard on the proposed withdrawal application must submit a written 
request to the BLM Colorado State Office at the address listed above by 
January 14, 2016.
    If the authorized officer decides that a public meeting will be 
held, a notice of the time and place will be published

[[Page 62562]]

in the Federal Register and in a newspaper of general circulation in 
the respective areas of the proposed withdrawal at least 30 days before 
the scheduled date of the meeting.
    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying 
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.
    Records related to the application may be examined at the White 
River National Forest, Supervisor's Office at 900 Grand Avenue, 
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601.
    For a period until October 16, 2017, subject to valid existing 
rights, the lands described in this notice will be segregated from 
location and entry under the United States mining laws unless the 
application is denied or cancelled or the withdrawal is approved prior 
to that date. The lands will remain open to other uses within the 
statutory authority pertinent to National Forest System lands and 
subject to discretionary approval.
    The application will be processed in accordance with the 
regulations set forth in 43 CFR part 2300.

(Authority: 43 CFR 2310.3-1(b))

Ruth Welch,
BLM Colorado State Director.
[FR Doc. 2015-26364 Filed 10-15-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4311-15-P