[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 188 (Thursday, September 28, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 50210]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-24022]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
[AZ-040-50-1040 00]
Establishment of a Supplementary Rule for Public Lands in the Hot
Well Dunes Recreation Area Prohibiting Nude Bathing
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
ACTION: Establishment of supplementary rule for public lands in the Hot
Well Dunes Recreation Area prohibiting nude bathing.
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SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to establish a supplemental rule
to reduce conflicts related to use of hot tubs and enhance public
safety at the Hot Well Dunes Recreation area. Therefore, nude bathing
will be prohibited at all times within the area designated as the Hot
Well Dunes Recreation Area. This supplementary rule applies to public
lands in the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area. Generally, the recreation
area encompasses approximately 2,000 acres around the hot well located
32 miles southeast of Safford, Arizona. The entire recreation area is
fenced and signed. A precise boundary map is available at the
information address specified toward the end of this notice.
Background
Thousands of visitors use the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area each
year. The number of visitors has increased dramatically over the past
few years and continues to do so each year. This area was designated a
Special Recreation Management Area through the Safford District
Resource Management Plan, completed in September 1992. The area was
established as a Special Recreation Management Area because it provided
opportunities for off-highway-vehicle riding in the sand dunes, hot
water bathing from an artesian well, camping, picnicking and fishing.
There is an increasing number of complaints from visitors,
especially family groups, about nude bathing in the area. There is also
an increasing problem or arguments and fights between nude bathers and
those offended by this activity. This rule will enable BLM to prevent
conflicts between groups while still making the area available for
everyone.
DATES: On or before October 15, 1995, interested parties may submit
comments to the Safford District Manager, 711 14th Avenue, Safford, AZ
85546. Any adverse comments will be evaluated by the District Manager,
who may vacate or modify these actions and issue a final determination.
In the absence of any action by the District Manager, these actions
will become the final determination of the Department of the Interior.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Schnell, Outdoor Recreation
Planner, Bureau of Land Management, San Simon Resource Area, 711 14th
Avenue, Safford, Arizona 85546, (520) 428-4040.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The authority for establishing supplementary
rules is contained in 43 CFR 8365.1-6. Copies of this rule will be
available at the Safford District Office. This rule will be posted
within the Hot Well Dunes Recreation Area.
Dated: August 30, 1995.
William T. Civish,
District Manager.
[FR Doc. 95-24022 Filed 9-27-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-32-M
