Notice of Proposed Supplementary Rule for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Dolores and Montezuma Counties, CO, 20449-20453 [2023-06806]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
• Bureau of Land Management

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 66 (Thursday, April 6, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 20449-20453]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-06806]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

43 CFR Part 8360

[BLM_CO_FRN_MO4500169724]


Notice of Proposed Supplementary Rule for Canyons of the Ancients 
National Monument in Dolores and Montezuma Counties, CO

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed supplementary rule.

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SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing a 
supplementary rule to regulate conduct on public lands within Canyons 
of the Ancients National Monument (CANM or Monument). This proposed 
supplementary rule is needed to implement planning decisions in the 
2010 CANM Resource Management Plan (RMP). The proposed supplementary 
rule would provide for the protection of persons, property, and public-
land resources administered by the BLM's Tres Rios Field Office and 
CANM, located in Dolores and Montezuma Counties, Colorado.

DATES: Comments on the proposed supplementary rule must be received or 
postmarked by June 5, 2023. Comments submitted after the close of the 
comment period or delivered to an address other than the one listed in 
this notice may not be considered or included in the administrative 
record for the development of the final supplementary rule.

ADDRESSES: Please send comments to the Bureau of Land Management, 
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, 27501 Highway 184, Dolores, 
CO 81323; by fax to (970) 385-3228, or email comments to 
[email protected]. Please include ``Proposed Supplementary Rule'' in the 
subject line.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tyler Fouss, Field Staff Ranger, 
Bureau of Land Management, Tres Rios Field Office, 29211 Hwy. 184, 
Dolores, CO 81323; telephone (970) 882-1131; email: [email protected]. 
Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of 
hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or 
TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals 
outside the United States should use the relay services offered within 
their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in 
the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Comment Procedures
II. Background
III. Discussion
IV. Procedural Matters
V. Proposed Supplementary Rule

I. Public Comment Procedures

    Written comments on the proposed supplementary rule should be 
specific, confined to issues pertinent to the proposed supplementary 
rule, and should explain the reason for any recommended change. Where 
possible, comments should reference the specific section or paragraph 
of the rule that the comment is addressing.
    Comments, including names, addresses, and other contact information 
of respondents, will be available for public review at the BLM CANM 
address listed (see ADDRESSES Section) during regular business hours.
    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, be aware that 
your entire comment--including 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.

II. Background

    The BLM proposes to establish this supplementary rule under the 
authority of 43 CFR 8365.1-6, which authorizes BLM State Directors to 
establish supplementary rules for the protection of persons, property, 
and public lands and resources.
    CANM is part of the BLM's National Conservation Lands and consists 
of approximately 178,000 acres of BLM-administered public lands located 
in Dolores and Montezuma Counties in the Four Corners region of 
southwestern

[[Page 20450]]

Colorado. President Clinton established CANM on June 9, 2000, by 
Presidential Proclamation Number 7317, pursuant to Section 2 of the 
Antiquities Act of 1906 (34 Stat. 225, 16 U.S.C. 431), to preserve the 
cultural and natural objects of the Monument. Prior to the 
Proclamation, CANM was managed as the Anasazi Culture Multiple Use Area 
of Critical Environmental Concern, established through the 1985 San 
Juan-San Miguel RMP Record of Decision (ROD).
    The BLM developed the CANM RMP with extensive input from the 
public, Tribes, and elected officials through scoping, opportunities 
for public comment, and advisory committee meetings.
    The BLM signed the CANM RMP and ROD in June 2010, replacing 
portions of the San Juan-San Miguel RMP/ROD and incorporating the 
management principles and policies found in the Presidential 
Proclamation establishing CANM. The CANM RMP identifies specific 
management actions that restrict certain activities and define 
allowable uses within CANM. The proposed supplementary rule would 
implement these management actions and make them enforceable.
    This proposed supplementary rule would implement the management 
decisions in the CANM RMP related to collecting geological and 
biological materials, recreational sporting activities, camping, and 
travel management. Within the Sand Canyon-Rock Creek Special Recreation 
Management Area (SRMA), activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and 
horseback riding and packing would be allowed only on designated travel 
routes, as provided in the CANM RMP.

III. Discussion of the Proposed Supplementary Rule

    This is the first time the BLM has proposed a supplementary rule 
for CANM.
    The purpose of the proposed supplementary rule is to protect public 
health and safety and prevent damage to natural and cultural resources, 
as well as other resources, objects, and values identified in the 
Proclamation and the CANM RMP. Certain activities, by their very 
nature, have the potential to adversely impact the resources and 
objects the Monument was established to protect. The CANM RMP contains 
management actions directing how the BLM manages those activities, 
consistent with the Proclamation. Many uses are permissible so long as 
the objects of the Monument are protected. Additionally, the average 
user is unlikely to notice changes resulting from the establishment of 
this supplementary rule implementing the CANM RMP.
    The Proclamation established CANM to protect resources, objects, 
and values including archaeology, geology, raptors and other bird 
species, and reptiles. CANM contains the highest density of 
archaeological sites in the United States, with an average of one site 
eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places every 
6 acres, or an estimated 30,000 sites on this landscape. The BLM is 
responsible for protecting all the resources for which the Monument was 
designated and for avoiding or minimizing impacts to them.
    Proposed supplementary rule numbers 1 through 4 address collecting 
resources on CANM. The Monument Proclamation prohibits appropriating, 
injuring, destroying, or removing Monument features and withdraws the 
lands and interests in lands from entry, location, and disposition 
under the public land laws, including the mining laws, except for 
certain oil and gas development activities. The CANM RMP more 
specifically prohibits the recreational collection of paleontological 
or geological resources, the scientific collection of paleontological 
or geological resources without a permit, and the cutting or gathering 
of firewood. Proposed supplementary rule numbers 1 through 3 would 
allow enforcement of these restrictions.
    The CANM RMP restricts pinyon pine nut harvesting to 22.5 pounds 
for personal or traditional use and prohibits commercial harvesting. 
Proposed supplementary rule number 4 would allow enforcement of these 
limitations.
    Proposed supplementary rule number 5 addresses recreational target 
shooting within CANM. The RMP prohibits recreational shooting within 
CANM due to the potential for damage to archaeological sites, 
particularly rock art. In the past, shooters have used native 
vegetation, as well as skeet litter and discarded appliances, for 
target practice. This proposed supplementary rule would prohibit 
recreational shooting. Because the Proclamation does not enlarge or 
diminish the State's jurisdiction over wildlife management, hunting 
with a valid Colorado hunting license is allowed within the Monument, 
to the extent permissible under State law.
    Proposed supplementary rule number 6 addresses geocaching within 
CANM. The CANM RMP prohibits geocaching due to the potential for 
irrevocable harm to objects in the Monument's archaeological sites. A 
common problem with this activity is geocachers use the Monument's 
archaeological sites to conceal items, or caches, as part of a quasi-
treasure hunt. Geocachers often camouflage their caches by moving rocks 
or organic material from their original site, which can significantly 
damage the site's archaeological values. The large number of potential 
cache sites within the Monument makes this a serious concern. Proposed 
supplementary rule number 6 would prohibit geocaching and similar 
activities.
    Proposed supplementary rule number 7 addresses rock climbing within 
CANM. This proposed supplementary rule would prohibit rock climbing, 
rappelling, and bouldering within the Monument except for areas 
designated as open to climbing within the Mockingbird Mesa Recreation 
Area Management Zone. Climbing and bouldering have the potential to 
adversely affect archaeological sites and nesting raptors in certain 
locations. Climbing to cliff dwellings on unstable slopes can be 
dangerous and undermine archaeological features. Scrambling up cliffs 
also can be a safety issue due to unstable geological formations. 
Natural oils from hands, climbing chalk, and permanent fixed hardware 
on climbing routes can cause irreversible impacts to archaeological 
sites. Furthermore, climbing activities are likely to disturb or 
displace raptor populations, especially nesting pairs, that reside in 
the Monument in high densities. Currently, one area within the 
Mockingbird Mesa Recreation Area Management Zone is designated as open 
to climbing. The BLM may, consistent with the CANM RMP, consider 
establishing additional climbing areas within this zone in the future.
    Proposed supplementary rule numbers 8 through 14 address camping 
and campfires within CANM to provide a more enjoyable experience for 
visitors and to limit impacts from higher visitation in specific 
management zones and developed recreation sites.
    The CANM RMP prohibits camping in or near sensitive resources and 
areas that experience the highest visitor use in the Monument. This 
prohibition is necessary to minimize impacts camping could cause to 
those resources, including the potential for the illegal collecting or 
moving of artifacts, the compromising of scientific research, and the 
contamination of the archaeological record. Proposed supplementary rule 
numbers 8, 9, and 11 would allow enforcement of these prohibitions.
    Proposed supplementary rule number 10 would require campsites to be 
located at least 300 feet away from riparian areas and the Monument's

[[Page 20451]]

limited water sources, to reduce stress on the wildlife that rely on 
them.
    Proposed supplementary rule numbers 12 and 13 would prohibit 
campfires in and near sensitive resources and the Monument's high 
visitor use areas.
    In areas where campfires are allowed, proposed supplementary rule 
number 14 would require fires only be built in firepans, or, if 
available, BLM-provided fire rings.
    Proposed supplementary rule numbers 15 through 20 address travel 
management and access within CANM, consistent with the CANM RMP. Access 
restrictions and trail designations in the Monument help preserve key 
scenic, cultural, and wildlife habitat resources that attract visitors 
to these public lands and minimize conflicts among the different types 
of users. Proposed supplementary rule number 15 would restrict 
mechanized travel to designated travel routes.
    BLM policy directs Wilderness Study Areas (WSA) be managed to 
prevent the impairment of their wilderness characteristics, and the 
CANM RMP designates no routes for motorized or mechanized travel in 
WSAs.
    Proposed supplementary rule number 16 would prohibit motorized or 
mechanized vehicles in WSAs.
    Proposed supplementary rule numbers 17 and 18 would prohibit 
parking in riparian areas, more than 20 feet from the edge of a 
designated travel route, or in a manner that would damage Monument 
resources.
    To protect cultural resources in the Sand Canyon-Rock Creek SRMA, 
which is the most highly visited recreation area in the Monument, the 
CANM RMP restricts hiking and horseback riding/packing to designated 
travel routes approved for their use.
    Proposed supplementary rule numbers 19 and 20 would allow 
enforcement of these restrictions. Horses, pack animals, and hikers 
would be allowed both on and off designated travel routes on the 
remaining 169,000 acres of the Monument outside of the SRMA.

IV. Procedural Matters

Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review

    This proposed supplementary rule is not a significant regulatory 
action and is not subject to review by the Office of Management and 
Budget under Executive Order 12866. This proposed supplementary rule 
would not have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy. 
It is not intended to affect commercial activity, but rather to impose 
rules of conduct for public use on a limited area of public lands. It 
would not adversely affect, in a material way, the economy, 
productivity, competition, jobs, environment, public health or safety, 
State, local, or Tribal governments, or communities. This proposed 
supplementary rule would not create a serious inconsistency or 
otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency.
    The rule would not materially alter the budgetary effects of 
entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights or 
obligations of their recipients; nor would it raise novel legal or 
policy issues. It merely strives to protect public safety and the 
environment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Congress enacted the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) of 1980, 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 would have a 
significant economic impact, either detrimental or beneficial, on a 
substantial number of small entities. This proposed supplementary rule 
would merely establish rules of conduct for public use of a limited 
area of public lands. Therefore, the BLM has determined under the RFA 
this proposed supplementary rule would not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Congressional Review Act

    This proposed supplementary rule does not constitute a ``major 
rule'' as defined at 5 U.S.C. 804(2). It would not have an annual 
effect on the economy of $100 million or more. This proposed 
supplementary rule would merely establish rules of conduct for public 
use of a limited area of public lands.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This proposed supplementary rule would not impose an unfunded 
mandate on State, local, or Tribal governments in the aggregate, or the 
private sector, of more than $100 million per year, nor would they have 
a significant or unique effect on small governments. This proposed 
supplementary rule would merely impose reasonable rules of conduct on 
public lands in Colorado to protect natural resources and public 
safety. Therefore, the BLM is not required to prepare a statement 
containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act, 2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.

Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference With 
Constitutionally Protected Property Rights (Takings)

    This proposed supplementary rule is not a government action capable 
of interfering with constitutionally protected property rights. This 
proposed supplementary rule does not address property rights in any 
form and would not cause the impairment of constitutionally protected 
property rights. Therefore, the BLM has determined this proposed 
supplementary rule would not cause a ``taking'' of private property or 
require further discussion of takings implications under this Executive 
Order.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    This proposed supplementary rule would 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. This proposed 
supplementary rule would not conflict with any State law or regulation. 
Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 13132, the BLM has 
determined this proposed supplementary rule does not have sufficient 
Federalism implications to warrant preparation of a Federalism 
Assessment.

Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform

    Under Executive Order 12988, the BLM has determined this proposed 
supplementary rule would not unduly burden the judicial system and the 
requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order are met.

Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    In accordance with Executive Order 13175, the BLM has determined 
this proposed supplementary rule does not include policies that have 
tribal implications and would have no bearing on trust lands or on 
lands for which title is held in fee status by American Indian tribes 
or U.S. Government-owned lands managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 
Since this supplementary rule would not involve Indian reservation 
lands or resources, the BLM has determined government-to-government 
relationships remain unaffected. This proposed supplementary rule would 
merely establish rules of conduct for public use of a limited area of 
public lands.

[[Page 20452]]

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This proposed supplementary rule does not contain information 
collection requirements the Office of Management and Budget must 
approve under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521.

National Environmental Policy Act

    The BLM published its CANM Draft RMP/Draft Environmental Impact 
Statement (EIS) in October 2007, which incorporated analysis and input 
provided by the public; local, State, and other Federal agencies and 
organizations; Native American tribes; cooperating agencies; and BLM 
staff. After considering public comments and additional input, 
analysis, and review, the BLM published its CANM Proposed RMP/Final EIS 
in July 2009. The BLM signed the CANM RMP and ROD in June 2010, after 
full consideration of alternatives and analysis of public input. The 
CANM RMP seeks to provide an optimal balance between authorized 
resource uses and the protection and long-term sustainability of 
sensitive cultural and natural resource values within the planning 
area, consistent with the Proclamation. This proposed supplementary 
rule would allow the BLM to implement the measures approved in the CANM 
RMP and to enforce decisions developed to protect public health and 
safety and public lands within CANM. This proposed supplementary rule 
would not change the decisions set forth in the CANM RMP.
    On November 18, 2020, the BLM completed a Determination of NEPA 
Adequacy for the proposed CANM supplementary rule. The BLM confirmed 
the NEPA analysis contained in the Final EIS for the CANM RMP was 
sufficient to inform its consideration of the proposed supplementary 
rule.

Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This proposed supplementary rule does not comprise a significant 
energy action. This proposed supplementary rule would not have an 
adverse effect on energy supply, production, or consumption and have no 
connection with energy policy.

Information Quality Act

    In developing this proposed supplementary rule, the BLM did not 
conduct or use a study, experiment or survey requiring peer review 
under the Information Quality Act (Section 515 of Pub. L. 106-554).

Executive Order 13352, Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation

    In accordance with Executive Order 13352, the BLM has determined 
this proposed supplementary rule would not impede facilitating 
cooperative conservation; would take appropriate account of and 
consider the interests of persons with ownership or other legally 
recognized interests in land or other natural resources; would properly 
accommodate local participation in the Federal decision-making process; 
and would provide that the programs, projects, and activities are 
consistent with protecting public health and safety.

Clarity of This Supplementary Rule

    Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations 
that are simple and easy to understand. The BLM invites your comments 
on how to make this proposed supplementary rule easier to understand, 
including answers to questions, such as the following:
    1. Are the requirements in the proposed supplementary rule clearly 
stated?
    2. Does the proposed supplementary rule contain technical language 
or jargon that interferes with their clarity?
    3. Does the format of the proposed supplementary rule (grouping and 
order of sections, use of headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce 
their clarity?
    4. Would the proposed supplementary rule be easier to understand if 
it were divided into more (but shorter) sections?
    5. Is the description of the proposed supplementary rule in the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this preamble helpful in 
understanding the proposed supplementary rule? How could this 
description be more helpful in making the proposed supplementary rule 
easier to understand?
    Please send any comments you may have on the clarity of the 
proposed supplementary rule to the address specified in the ADDRESSES 
section.

Author

    The principal author of this proposed supplementary rule is Tyler 
Fouss, Field Staff Ranger, Tres Rios Field Office, Colorado.

V. Proposed Supplementary Rule

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, and under the authority for 
supplementary rules at 43 U.S.C. 1733a and 1740, 43 U.S.C. 315a, and 43 
CFR 8365.1-6, the BLM Colorado State Director proposes a supplementary 
rule for public lands managed by the BLM in CANM, to read as follows:

Proposed Supplementary Rule for Canyons of the Ancients National 
Monument (CANM)

Definitions
    Archaeological Site is a physical context and location containing 
material remains that evince past human activity and allow for its 
interpretation. Within CANM, these material remains may include, but 
are not limited to, historic and prehistoric structures, features, rock 
art, shrines, burials, quarries, artifact concentrations, and occupied 
rock alcoves.
    Bouldering means any style of rock climbing undertaken without a 
rope.
    Campfire means any outdoor fire used for warmth or cooking.
    Camping means the erecting of a tent or shelter of natural or 
synthetic material, preparing a sleeping bag or other bedding material 
for use, parking of a motor vehicle, motor home or trailer, or mooring 
of a vessel, for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.
    Commercial use means for the purpose of financial gain.
    Designated travel route means roads, primitive roads, and trails 
open to specified modes of travel and identified on a map of designated 
roads, primitive roads, and trails that is maintained and available for 
public inspection at the BLM. Designated roads, primitive roads, and 
trails are open to public use in accordance with such limits and 
restrictions as are, or may be, specified in the CANM RMP or travel 
management plan, or in future decisions implementing the RMP. This 
definition excludes any road or trail with BLM-authorized restrictions 
that prevent use of the road or trail. Restrictions may include signs 
or physical barriers such as gates, fences, posts, branches, or rocks.
    Geocaching means an outdoor recreational activity in which the 
participants use a Global Positioning System receiver or other 
navigational techniques to hide and seek containers called 
``geocaches'' or ``caches.''
    Mechanized vehicle means any device propelled solely by human 
power, upon which a person, or persons, may ride on land, having any 
wheels and/or tracks with the exception of a wheelchair.
    Public lands means any land or interest in land owned by the United 
States and administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the 
BLM without regard to how the United States acquired ownership.
    Riparian area means lands that are located along watercourses and 
water bodies. Typical examples include flood plains and streambanks. 
They are

[[Page 20453]]

distinctly different from surrounding lands because of unique soil and 
vegetation characteristics that are strongly influenced by the presence 
of water.
    Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) means an administrative 
unit where the existing or proposed recreation opportunities and 
recreation setting characteristics are recognized for their unique 
value, importance, or distinctiveness, especially as compared to other 
areas used for recreation.
    Target shooting means discharging a weapon for recreational 
purposes when game animals are not being legally hunted.
    Weapon means any firearm, cross bow, bow and arrow, paint gun, 
fireworks, or explosive device capable of propelling a projectile 
either by means of an explosion, compressed gas, or by string or 
spring.
    Wilderness Study Area (WSA) means an area inventoried, found to 
have wilderness characteristics, and managed to preserve those 
characteristics under authority of (a) the land use planning direction 
found in Section 202 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
1976 (FLPMA), or (b) the review of public lands required by Section 603 
of FLPMA. WSAs identified during the land use planning process (Section 
202 of FLPMA) and prior to 1993 were forwarded to Congress; those 
identified during or after 1993 were not.
Prohibited Acts
    Unless otherwise authorized, the following acts are prohibited on 
all public lands, roads, trails, and waterways administered by the BLM 
within CANM:
Collection of Resources
    1. You must not collect fossils of any kind, including vertebrate, 
invertebrate, plant, or trace fossils, unless authorized by permit.
    2. Unless otherwise permitted under applicable law, you must not 
collect or remove any rock, mineral specimen, semiprecious gemstone, or 
petrified wood.
    3. You must not cut or collect live, dead, or downed wood.
    4. You must not harvest more than 22.5 pounds of pinyon pine nuts 
for personal use. You must not harvest pinyon pine nuts for commercial 
use.
Target Shooting
    5. You must not discharge any weapon within the Monument, except in 
accordance with State law when hunting with a valid Colorado hunting 
license.
Geocaching
    6. You must not engage in any cache-type activities (including 
geocaching and earth caching).
Climbing and Bouldering
    7. You must not participate in climbing, including rock climbing, 
rappelling, or bouldering outside of designated climbing areas.
Camping and Campfires
    8. You must not camp in the Pueblo Sites SRMA (Painted Hand Pueblo, 
Lowry Pueblo, and Sand Canyon Pueblo), in the Sand Canyon-Rock Creek 
SRMA, or in the Anasazi Heritage Center SRMA.
    9. You must not camp within 300 feet of a developed recreation 
site/area.
    10. You must not camp within 300 feet of a riparian area or water 
source.
    11. You must not camp in archaeological sites, rock shelters, or 
alcoves.
    12. You must not ignite or maintain a campfire in the Pueblo Sites 
SRMA (Painted Hand Pueblo, Lowry Pueblo, and Sand Canyon Pueblo), Sand 
Canyon-Rock Creek SRMA, or Anasazi Heritage Center SRMA.
    13. You must not ignite or maintain a campfire in archaeological 
sites, rock shelters, or alcoves.
    14. You must use a fire pan for campfires or charcoal fires when a 
metal fire ring is not provided or unless using a mechanical stove or 
other appliance fueled by gas and equipped with a valve that allows the 
operator to control the flame.
Travel Management
    15. You must not operate or possess a mechanized vehicle on any 
route, trail, or area that is not designated as open to such use by a 
BLM sign, map, or the appropriate travel management plan, unless you 
have specific authorization from the BLM.
    16. You must not operate or possess a motorized or mechanized 
vehicle in any Wilderness Study Area.
    17. You must not park more than 20 feet from the edge of a 
designated travel route or in a manner that causes resource damage.
    18. You must not park in riparian areas.
    19. Within the Sand Canyon-Rock Creek SRMA (as defined in the CANM 
RMP), you must not ride or be in possession of horses or other pack 
animals on any route, trail, or area not designated as open to such use 
by a BLM sign, map, or the appropriate travel management plan. Horses 
and pack animals are allowed both on and off designated travel routes 
throughout the remainder of the Monument.
    20. Within the Sand Canyon-Rock Creek SRMA (as defined in the CANM 
RMP), you must not hike on any route, trail, or area not designated as 
open to such use by a BLM sign, map, or the appropriate travel 
management plan. Hiking is allowed both on and off designated travel 
routes throughout the remainder of the Monument.
Exemptions
    The following persons are exempt from this supplementary rule: 
Federal, State, local or military employees acting within the scope of 
their duties; members of any organized law enforcement, rescue, or 
fire-fighting force in performance of an official duty; and any person, 
agency, or municipality whose activities are authorized in writing by 
the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Manager.
Enforcement
    Any person who violates any part of this supplementary rule may be 
tried before a United States Magistrate and fined up to $1,000, 
imprisoned no more than 12 months, or both, in accordance with 43 
U.S.C. 1733(a), 18 U.S.C. 3571, and 43 CFR 8360.0-7. In accordance with 
43 CFR 8365.1-7, State or local officials may also impose penalties for 
violations of Colorado or local law.

Douglas Vilsack,
Colorado State Director, Bureau of Land Management.
[FR Doc. 2023-06806 Filed 4-5-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4331-16-P