96-2954. Prineville District; Closure of Public Lands; Oregon

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 29 (Monday, February 12, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 5406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-2954]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
[OR-050-1220-00:G6-0058]


Prineville District; Closure of Public Lands; Oregon

January 31, 1996.
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice is hereby given that the area immediately surrounding 
Paulina Cave, Crook County, Oregon, is closed to all visitor use.

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    Paulina Cave in Crook County, Oregon, and the surrounding area 
extending 150 feet from the rim of the sinkhole, are closed to all 
visitor use. The purpose of this closure is to protect the western big-
eared bat (Plecotus townsendii) from human disturbance. This species is 
extremely sensitive to human disturbance; any disturbance that awakens 
the bats during hibernation may be sufficient to result in their death. 
Paulina Cave is a historical hibernaculum for the western big-eared 
bat. Human disturbance above the cave and surrounding the sinkhole 
creates significant noise and vibration to disturb roosting western 
big-eared bats. Human disturbance and visitation at the site would be 
sufficient to preclude attempts to re-establish use by the western big-
eared bat at this site. Exemptions to this closure will apply to 
administrative personnel for monitoring purposes; other exemptions to 
this restriction may be made on a case-by-case basis by the authorized 
officer. Exemptions could include approved research, essential search 
and rescue, and other emergency actions or administrative operations 
for cave resources protection. The authority for this closure is 43 CFR 
8364.1: Closure and restriction orders.
    A more specific location of public lands under this closure order 
is not provided in order to protect sensitive cave resources. Cave 
locations are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act under the 
Federal Cave Resources Protection Act of 1988.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarah Nichols, Wildlife Biologist, BLM 
Prineville District, P.O. Box 550, Prineville Oregon 97754, telephone 
[phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Violation of this closure order is 
punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to 
exceed 12 months as provided in 43 CFR 8360.0-7.

    Dated: January 31, 1996.
Don Smith,
Acting District Manager, Prineville District Office.
[FR Doc. 96-2954 Filed 2-9-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-33-M