Land Management Bureau May 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM Montana State Office, Billings, Montana, (30) days from the date of publication in the Federal Register>.

The San Juan Public Lands Center, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is giving notice that public lands near the Silverton Ski Area as described below, will be seasonally closed to all entry, from November 1 through the end of the seasonal ski area operation, but not later than June 15 of each year. This closure is necessary to protect skiers within the ski area boundaries and the general public during periods of avalanche control work as authorized under BLM permit/lease. The lands affected by this closure are described as a portion of those federal lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management within sections 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 of protracted Township 42 N., R.7 W., New Mexico Principal Meridian. These lands are further described as: beginning at a point 0.5 mile north of Cascade Gulch and extending northeasterly along the east side of Colorado State highway 110A to the junction of San Juan County 52, thence southeasterly along the Middle Fork of Cement Creek to the divide between the Middle Fork Cement Creek and the South Fork of the Animas River, thence south along the ridge line forming the Colorado Basin to Storm Peak, thence west along a descending ridge line to the tree line between Grassy Gulch and Cascade Gulch, thence, northwest to the point of the beginning. The BLM will post closure signs in this area. You may obtain maps of the closure area and information from the San Juan Public Lands Center in Durango, CO. Discussion of the Rule: Under the authority of 43 CFR 9268.3(d)(1)(I) and 43 CFR 8364.1(a), the BLM will enforce the following rule on public lands within the closed area as described above: You must not enter the closed area between November 1st through the end of the seasonal ski area operation, or June 15 of each year whichever is the last date of seasonal operation. Exemptions: Persons who are exempt from these rules include any Federal, State, or local officer or employee in the scope of their duties; Members of any organized rescue or fire-fighting force in performance of an official duty; and any person authorized in writing by the Bureau of Land Management. Penalties: The authorities for this closure are section 303(a) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1733(a), 43 CFR 9268.3(a)(4) and 43 CFR 8360.0-7. Any person who violates this closure 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 the enhanced fines provided for by 18 U.S.C. 3571.

In accordance with Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and 43 CFR part 3809, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Elko Field Office will be preparing a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) to analyze the environmental effects of the proposed amendment to the Plan of Operations for the Goldstrike Mine also known as the Betze Project, 25 miles north of Carlin, Nevada. The original EIS was completed in 1991. The Goldstrike Mine has continued in operation since that date.

In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the Department of the Interior, BLM John Day Snake RAC will meet as indicated below: The John Day/Snake RAC is scheduled to meet on June 27, 2007, at the Walla Walla Suites at 7 E. Oak Street in Walla Walla, WA 99362. The meeting time will be from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A public comment period will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 1:15 p.m. (Pacific Daylight Time).The meeting may include such topics as off-highway vehicle and travel management, noxious weeds, planning, Sage grouse, and other matters as may reasonably come before the council. Meeting Procedures: The meeting is open to the public. The public may present written comments to the RAC. Depending on the number of persons wishing to provide oral comments and agenda topics to be covered, the time to do so may be limited. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance such as sign language interpretation, tour transportation or other reasonable accommodations, should contact the BLM representative indicated below. For a copy of the information to be distributed to the RAC members, please submit a written request to the BLM Prineville District Office 10 days prior to the meeting.

Notice is hereby given that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Vernal and Price Field Offices, Utah, are preparing Supplemental Draft Resource Management Plans/Environmental Impact Statements (Draft RMP/EIS) to include additional information and analyses of wilderness characteristics on lands outside existing Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs). This information and analysis includes multiple areas in both the Vernal and Price Field Office planning areas.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM-Eastern States, Springfield, Virginia, 30 calendar days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has examined and found suitable for classification for lease or conveyance to the City of Rock Springs under the provisions of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, as amended, 7.8 acres of public land in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. The City of Rock Springs proposes to use the land for a Senior Citizens Center.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), proposes to amend its regulations at 43 CFR part 3130 pertaining to oil and gas resources in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). The proposed rule would make oil and gas administrative procedures in NPR-A consistent with Section 347 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The proposed rule would amend the administrative procedures for the efficient transfer, consolidation, segregation, suspension, and unitization of Federal leases in the NPR-A. The rule would also make changes to the way the BLM processes lease renewals, lease extensions, lease expirations, lease agreements, exploration incentives, lease consolidations, and termination of administration for conveyed lands in the NPR-A. Finally, the rule would make the NPR-A regulation on additional bonding consistent with the regulations that apply outside of the NPR-A.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is scheduled to file the plats of survey of the lands described below thirty (30) calendar days from the date of this publication in the BLM Wyoming State Office, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement from Kennedy Oil for competitive oil and gas lease WYW138450 for land in Johnson County, Wyoming. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law.

This order transfers administrative jurisdiction over 15,228.05 acres of public lands from the Bureau of Land Management to the National Park Service for the expansion of the Petrified Forest National Park.

In accordance with section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and 43 CFR part 3809, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Butte Field Office will be directing the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) by a third-party contractor on the potential impacts of a proposed Plan of Operations for a proposed expansion of limestone mining operations by Graymont Western U.S., Inc.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has examined and found suitable for classification for conveyance under the provisions of the R&PP Act, as amended, (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.), the following parcel of public lands located in the Bridger Valley area, in Uinta County, Wyoming. The land has been leased under the R&PP Act to Uinta County for use as a sanitary landfill since 1977. The lands are described as follows:

The purpose of this notice is to solicit public nominations for vacant positions on the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) New Mexico Resource Advisory Council (RAC). The RAC provides advice and recommendations to BLM on land use planning and management of the public lands within New Mexico. Public nominations will be considered until June 18, 2007.

In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Resource Advisory Council (RAC), will meet on June 8, 2007, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) National Training Center located at 9828 North 31st Avenue in Phoenix from 8 a.m. and conclude at 4:30 p.m. Morning agenda items include: Review of the March 8, 2007, Meeting Minutes for RAC and RRAC business; BLM State Director's Update on Statewide Issues; Presentations on Proposed Tri-State Shooting Range and Arizona Water Rights; RAC Questions on BLM Field Managers Rangeland Resource Team Proposals; and, Reports by RAC Working Groups. A public comment period will be provided at 11:30 a.m. on June 8, 2007, for any interested publics who wish to address the Council on BLM programs and business. Under the Federal Recreation Enhancement Act, the RAC has been designated the Recreation Resource Advisory Council (RRAC), and has the authority to review all BLM and Forest Service (FS) recreation fee proposals in Arizona. The afternoon meeting agenda on June 8, will include discussion and review of the Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) Working Group Report, updated 4th Quarter Schedule of Fiscal Year 2007 BLM and FS recreation fee proposals, and two FS fee proposals in Arizona: (1) Alto Pit OHV Use Area (Prescott National Forest): Ten minutes from downtown Prescott, and 2 hours from Phoenix and Flagstaff, this fee proposal would add a campground fee at a rate of $10 per night per campsite for single sites and $20 per night for a double site. Improvements include 10 single family sites and one double family site, three toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, loading and unloading area, 9 miles of internal designated trail system, additional external connection trails, 20 acres of designated cross county area, children's OHV play area, and year-round on site host. (2) Haigler Canyon Campground and Day Use Area (Tonto National Forest): Proposed $6 per vehicle fee for overnight camping and day-use at Haigler Canyon Recreation Site near Young, Arizona. Major improvements will increase facilities and services available to the public. Fee revenues will be used for the continued operation and maintenance. A quality, water-based recreational experience will be provided for day-users, campers, hikers, and anglers. The site will include developed campsites and day-use areas plus space for campground hosts. Fourteen campsites will be provided with a picnic table, fire ring with cooking surface, and a tent pad. Campsites will offer hardened sites for tent trailers and tents. Walk-in campsites will be part of developed campsites. Day-use facilities will provide parking for 10-15 vehicles, picnic tables, and barbecue grills. Following the FS and BLM proposals, the RRAC will open the meeting to public comments on the fee proposals. After completing their RRAC business, the BLM RAC will reconvene to provide recommendations to the RAC Designated Federal Official on the fee proposals and discuss future RAC meetings and locations.

The next Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council (SEORAC) meeting is set for 8 a.m., Thursday and Friday, May 10 and 11, at the Holiday Inn Ontario, 1249 Tapadara Avenue. Agenda items for the 2-day session include updates on transportation planning efforts for Oregon and Washington Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service administered lands; information sharing regarding the Energy Policy Act and energy development projects on public lands in southeast Oregon; and a discussion on juniper management and review of a locally produced video regarding managing juniper in eastern Oregon. Council members will also hear updates from the Designated Federal Officials, give liaison and subgroup reports, develop agenda items for the August meeting, and spend Friday touring the Leslie Gulch area. Any other matters that may reasonably come before the SEORAC may also be addressed. The public is welcome to attend all portions of the meeting and may contribute during the public comment period at 1 p.m. Those who verbally address the SEORAC during the public comment period are asked to also provide a written statement of their comments or presentation. Unless otherwise approved by the SEORAC Chair, the public comment period will last no longer than 30 minutes, and each speaker may address the SEORAC for a maximum of 5 minutes. If you have information you would like distributed to SEORAC members, please send it to Tara Martinak at the Burns District Office, 28910 Hwy 20 West, Hines, Oregon 97738, prior to the start of the meeting. If you send information or general correspondence to anyone at the Burns District Office and would like a copy given to the SEORAC, please write ``COPY TO SEORAC'' on the envelope and enclosed document(s). The SEORAC consists of 15 members chartered and appointed by the Secretary of the Interior. Their diverse perspectives are represented in commodity, conservation, and general interests. They provide advice to BLM and Forest Service resource managers regarding management plans and proposed resource actions on public land in southeast Oregon.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend an existing approval to collect information from permittees and lessees on the actual grazing use by their livestock. The BLM requires permittees and lessees to submit the required information on Forms 4130-1 4130-1a, 4130-1b, 4130-3a, 4130-4, and 4130-5 and, nonform information under 43 CFR subparts 4110 and 4130 for grazing use management.

Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement from Loco for competitive oil and gas lease WYW137666 for land in Natrona County, Wyoming. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law.

Three parcels of land, one 1,909.58 acres (Parcel N-66278) and one 1,160 acres (Parcel N-77446) located in northeast Humboldt County, Nevada, and one parcel of land, equaling 798.04 acres (Parcel N-66128) located in southeast Pershing County, Nevada, totaling 3,867.62 acres of Federal public land, have been examined and found suitable for disposal utilizing competitive sale procedures. The authority for the sale is sections 203 and 209 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) (43 U.S.C. 1701, 1713 and 1719).

Pursuant to the provisions of 43 CFR 3108.2-3(b)(2), Pinnacle Operating Company, Inc. timely filed a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas leases TXNM 115038, TXNM 115041 and TXNM 115043 for lands in Sabine County, Texas, and was accompanied by all required rentals and royalties accruing from December 1, 2006, the date of termination.

This notice terminates a Recreation and Public Purposes Act Classification on 17 acres of public lands, more or less, as this classification is no longer needed under the provisions of the Recreation and Public Purposes Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 869 et seq.).

This final rule revises the Bureau of Land Management's geothermal resources leasing and unit agreement regulations to implement the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The rule restructures regulations concerning the general geothermal leasing process and revises regulations on royalties and readjustment of lease terms, conditions, and rentals. The rule also revises regulations on lease duration and work commitment requirements, annual rental and credit of rental towards royalty, unit and communitization agreements, and acreage limitations. Additional revisions required by the Energy Policy Act include various technical corrections. Other changes in sections unaffected by changes in the statute clarify existing procedures, improve grammatical construction, conform the regulations to new administrative regulatory standards, and correct existing errors.