98-17653. Moratorium on Issuance of New Commercial Permits and Rights-of- Way in Mill Creek Canyon

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 127 (Thursday, July 2, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36259-36260]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17653]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[UT-060-08-1040-00]


Moratorium on Issuance of New Commercial Permits and Rights-of-
Way in Mill Creek Canyon

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Department of Interior.

ACTION: Notice of moratorium on authorization of new commercial permits 
and rights of way for Mill Creek Canyon pending completion of a special 
management plan.

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SUMMARY: This notice places a moratorium on issuance of all new 
commercial permits including new special recreation and filming permits 
and rights of way authorized by the Moab Field Office for Mill Creek 
Canyon near Moab, Utah. This action is implemented under the authority 
of 43 CFR 2800, 2920 and 8372.
    Increased recreation and other use of public lands in Mill Creek 
Canyon has adversely impacted wildlife, vegetation, soil, water 
quality, visual and cultural resources and poses a threat to public 
health and safety and enjoyment of the lands. This area encompasses 
lands under BLM management within one-quarter (1/4) mile of the stream, 
from the public land boundary west of the Power Dam to the Forest 
Service boundary, in both forks of the canyon including Rill Canyon.
    The purpose and need for preparation of a special management plan 
for the area has been determined through public scoping. To prevent 
foreclosure of management options in that plan, issuance of additional 
special recreation and filming permits, rights-of-way, and all other 
commercial use permits is hereby suspended. Limiting new permits is one 
way to control future resource damage, ensure the sustainability of 
existing resources, and allow unhindered consideration and possible 
adoption of use ceilings, pending completion of the management plan.

[[Page 36260]]

    It will also respond to public requests for limitations on 
commercial uses, rights-of-way, or any publicized use of the area 
pending completion of the plan. No limitation or suspension of existing 
permits is created by this moratorium nor is any limitation created 
affecting previously pending permits or rights-of-way. This notice does 
not affect existing or future authorizations on the Flat Pass Trail.
    Maps of the moratorium area are available in the Moab Field Office.

DATES: This restriction shall remain in effect pending revision of the 
resource management plan for the Grand Resource Area or completion of a 
special management plan for South Mill Creek Canyon or until updated by 
the authorized officer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad Palmer, Moab Field Office, 82 
East Dogwood Avenue, Moab, Utah 84532 at [phone].

    Dated: June 22, 1998
Brad Palmer,
Acting Moab Field Office Manager.
[FR Doc. 98-17653 Filed 7-1-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-DQ-P