Part V
[Federal Register: September 13, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 176)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 54213-54224]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13se05-36]
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Part V
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation
43 CFR Parts 423 and 429
Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies; and Procedure To Process and Recover the Value of Rights- of-Use and Administrative Costs Incurred in Permitting Such Use; Proposed Rule
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation
43 CFR Parts 423 and 429
RIN 1006-AA45
Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies; and Procedure to Process and Recover the Value of Rights- of-Use and Administrative Costs Incurred in Permitting Such Use
AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
SUMMARY: The Bureau of Reclamation is issuing this proposed rulemaking to establish regulations regarding public access to and conduct on all Reclamation projects, waters, and real property subject to the jurisdiction or administration of Reclamation or in its custody. Reclamation is required by law to issue this rule in order to maintain law and order and protect persons and property on its projects. This proposed rule would supersede the existing Public Conduct rule, and amend provisions located elsewhere to ensure consistency.
DATES: Reclamation must receive any comments on this proposed rulemaking no later than November 14, 2005.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by the number 1006-AA45, by any of the following methods:
--Federal rulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov Follow the
instructions for submitting comments. --E-mail: PublicConductRule Comments@do.usbr.gov Include the number 1006-AA45 in the subject line of the message. --Fax: (720) 544-4208. --Mail: Director, Security, Safety, and Law Enforcement, Bureau of Reclamation, 6th and Kipling, Building 67, Denver, CO 80225. --Hand Delivery: Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Federal Center, 6th and Kipling, Building 67, Room 124, Lakewood, Colorado.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Todd, Director, Security, Safety, and Law Enforcement, Bureau of Reclamation, 6th and Kipling, Building 67, Denver, CO 80225, telephone 303-445-3736.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Background
On November 12, 2001, Congress enacted Pub. L. 107-69, which provides for law enforcement authority within Reclamation projects and on Reclamation lands. Section 1(a) of this law requires the Secretary of the Interior to ``issue regulations necessary to maintain law and order and protect persons and property within Reclamation projects and on Reclamation lands.'' The Secretary's authority in this regard has been delegated to the Commissioner of Reclamation, and this proposed rulemaking would replace the existing statutorily required regulations.
Reclamation is best known to the public by its large dams such as Hoover and Grand Coulee. In fact, Reclamation has constructed and operated major water projects in all of the 17 contiguous western states, including more than 500 dams, 348 reservoirs, and 58 hydroelectric powerplants. These plants produce an average of 42 billion kilowatt-hours annually, making Reclamation the nation's ninth largest utility. Reclamation projects deliver 10 trillion gallons of water to more than 31 million people annually, and provide irrigation water to 10 million acres of farmland producing vegetables, fruits, grains, fiber, and other crops critical to the nation's economy. In addition, Reclamation reservoirs draw 90 million recreational user visits annually, and Reclamation is responsible for the administration of over 8 million acres of public lands. Because of Reclamation's vital role in providing water, power, agricultural products, and recreational opportunities to the entire nation, the safety and security of Reclamation facilities and the people visiting them is of critical importance.
In addressing security issues on Reclamation projects, this proposed rule inevitably touches on a wide range of public safety, recreation, and resource management topics such as firearms, hunting, boating, diving, archeological resources, and many others. Therefore, while this proposed rule is primarily focused on the security of the hundreds of Reclamation dams, reservoirs, hydroelectric power plants, and other project facilities, it also addresses a number of related issues concerning public conduct on Reclamation projects. This proposed rule is designed to provide consistent and adequate tools for addressing public conduct while at the same time providing the necessary flexibility to be successfully applied to the wide variety of Reclamation projects and facilities.
In this rulemaking, Reclamation is also proposing minor amendments to the existing 43 CFR part 429, Procedure to Process and Recover the Value of Rights-of-Use and Administrative Costs Incurred in Permitting Such Use, to make it consistent with the proposed 43 CFR part 423. These minor amendments would clarify 43 CFR part 429 which addresses uses of Reclamation lands involving possession and occupation, in contrast to the proposed 43 CFR part 423 which would apply to occasional public uses that do not involve possession or occupation.
These proposed rules would not significantly affect either the administration or the existing public uses of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. Rather, these proposed rules are intended to provide a tool for administrators and law enforcement personnel to utilize in enhancing the security of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies for the benefit of the public.
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Existing Rule Superseded
On April 17, 2002, Reclamation published 43 CFR part 423, Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Lands and Projects (67 FR 19092, April 17, 2002) as an interim rule. In the preamble to that rule, Reclamation stated its intent to replace the interim rule with a more comprehensive public conduct rule and set April 17, 2003 as the interim rule's expiration date. In order to provide more time to develop the comprehensive public conduct rule, Reclamation later extended the expiration of the interim rule to April 17, 2005 (68 FR 16214, Apr. 3, 2003), and again to April 17, 2006 (70 FR 15778, March 29, 2005). This proposed rule would satisfy Reclamation's commitment to develop a comprehensive public conduct rule and would supersede the existing 43 CFR part 423.
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Procedural Matters
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Reclamation has analyzed this proposed rule in accordance with the criteria of the NEPA and Department Manual 516 DM. This proposed rule does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. An environmental assessment is not required. The proposed rule is categorically excluded from NEPA review under 40 CFR 1508.4 and Departmental Manual 516 DM 2, Appendix 1, paragraph 1.10.
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review
Under Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, (58 FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993), an agency must determine whether a regulatory action is significant and therefore subject to Office of Management and
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Budget (OMB) review and the requirements of the E.O. E.O. 12866 defines a ``significant regulatory action'' as a regulatory action meeting any one of four criteria specified in the E.O. This rulemaking is considered a significant regulatory action under criterion number four, because it raises novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in the E.O. Reclamation has therefore submitted this proposed regulation to OMB for review.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Department of the Interior certifies that this document will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq). A Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required. Accordingly, a Small Entity Compliance Guide is not required.
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This proposed rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Fairness Act. The proposed rule:
(1) Will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more.
(2) Will not cause a major increase in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, Federal, state, or local government agencies, or geographic regions.
(3) Will not have significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
This proposed rule does not impose an unfunded mandate on state, local, or tribal governments or the private sector of more than $100 million per year. Moreover, the proposed rule does not have a significant or unique effect on state, local, or tribal governments or the private sector. A statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is not required.
Executive Order 12630, Takings
In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this proposed rule does not have significant takings implications. Thus, a takings implication assessment is not required. This proposed rule only addresses public access to and the possible consequences of public conduct on Reclamation lands and Reclamation projects.
Paperwork Reduction Act
This proposed rule does not require any information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Therefore, an OMB Form 83-I is not required.
Executive Order 13132, Federalism
In accordance with Executive Order 13132, this proposed rule does not have Federalism implications. A Federalism assessment is not required. The proposed rule will not affect the roles, rights, and responsibilities of states in any way. Moreover, the proposed rule will not result in the Federal Government taking control of traditional state responsibilities, nor will it interfere with the ability of states to formulate their own policies. In addition, the proposed rule will not affect the distribution of power, the responsibilities among the various levels of government, nor preempt state law.
Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform
In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Department's Office of the Solicitor has determined that this proposed rule does not unduly burden the judicial system and meets the requirements of section 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Executive Order.
Executive Order 13211, Energy Impacts
In accordance with Executive Order 13211, this proposed rule will not have a significant adverse effect on the supply, distribution, and use of energy. Therefore, a Statement of Energy Effects is not required.
Clarity of This Regulation
Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations that are easy to understand. Reclamation invites your comments on how to make this rule easier to understand, including answers to questions such as the following: (1) Are the requirements in the rule clearly stated? (2) Does the rule contain technical language or jargon that interferes with its clarity? (3) Does the format of the rule (grouping and order of sections, use of headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce its clarity? (4) Would the rule be easier to understand if it were divided into more (but shorter) sections? (A ``section'' appears in bold type and is preceded by the symbol ``Sec. '' and a numbered heading; for example, Sec. 423.18.) (5) Is the description of the rule in the ``Supplementary Information'' section of the preamble helpful in understanding the proposed rule? What else could Reclamation do to make the rule easier to understand?
Send a copy of any comments that concern how Reclamation could make this rule easier to understand to: Office of Regulatory Affairs, Department of the Interior, Room 7229, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240. You may also e-mail the comments to this address: exsec@ios. doi.gov.
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Comments on the Existing 43 CFR Part 423, Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Lands and Projects
Reclamation received only one response concerning the existing 43 CFR part 423 which was published on, and has been in effect since, April 17, 2002. The commenter was a state agency which stated that it had no major comment, but asked that any additional or follow-up information be forwarded to that office.
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Comments on This Proposed Rulemaking
If you wish to comment on the substance of this proposed rule, there are four ways you may do so:
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You may mail comments to: Director, Security, Safety, and Law Enforcement, Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Federal Center, 6th and Kipling, Building 67, Denver, CO 80225, Attention: Gary Anderson, D- 1410.
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You may hand-deliver comments to the Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Federal Center, 6th and Kipling, Building 67, Room 124, Lakewood, Colorado.
Please submit Internet comments as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Please also include ``Attn: RIN number 1006-AA45'' and your name and return address in your Internet message. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system that Reclamation has received your Internet message, contact us directly at (303) 445-3736.
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You may send comments by facsimile machine to telephone number (720) 544-4208.
It is Reclamation's practice to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents may request that Reclamation withhold their home address from the rulemaking record. Reclamation will honor such a request to the extent allowable by law. There also may be circumstances in which Reclamation would withhold from the rulemaking record a respondent's identity, as allowable by law. If you wish Reclamation to withhold your name and/or address,
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you must indicate your request prominently at the beginning of your comment. However, Reclamation will not consider anonymous comments. Reclamation will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety.
List of Subjects
43 CFR Part 423
Law enforcement, Public conduct, Reclamation lands, and Reclamation projects.
43 CFR Part 429
Public lands--rights-of-way; Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
R. Thomas Weimer, Acting Assistant Secretary--Water and Science.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Bureau of Reclamation proposes to amend 43 CFR part 423 and 43 CFR part 429 as follows:
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Revise part 423 to read as follows:
PART 423--PUBLIC CONDUCT ON BUREAU OF RECLAMATION FACILITIES, LANDS, AND WATERBODIES
Subpart A--Purpose, Definitions, and Applicability Sec. 423.1 Purpose. 423.2 Definitions of terms used in this part. 423.3 When does this part apply? Subpart B--Areas Open and Closed to Public Use 423.10 What areas are open to public use? 423.11 What areas are closed to public use? 423.12 How will Reclamation close additional areas? 423.13 How will Reclamation establish periodic and regular closures? 423.14 How will Reclamation post and delineate closed areas? 423.15 How will Reclamation document closures or reopenings? 423.16 Who can be exempted from closures? 423.17 How will Reclamation reopen closed areas? Subpart C--Rules of Conduct 423.20 General rules. 423.21 Responsibilities. 423.22 Interference with agency functions and disorderly conduct. 423.23 Abandonment and impoundment of personal property. 423.24 Trespassing. 423.25 Vandalism, tampering, and theft. 423.26 Public events and gatherings. 423.27 Advertising and public solicitation. 423.28 Memorials. 423.29 Natural and cultural resources. 423.30 Weapons, explosives, and fireworks. 423.31 Fires. 423.32 Hunting, fishing, and trapping. 423.33 Camping. 423.34 Sanitation. 423.35 Animals. 423.36 Swimming. 423.37 Winter activities. 423.38 Operating vessels on Reclamation waters. 423.39 Standards for vessels. 423.40 Vehicles. 423.41 Aircraft. 423.42 Gambling. 423.43 Alcoholic beverages. 423.44 Controlled substances. Subpart D--Authorization of Otherwise Prohibited Activities 423.50 How can I obtain permission for prohibited or restricted uses and activities? Subpart E--Special Use Areas 423.60 How special use areas are designated. 423.61 Notifying the public of special Use Areas. 423.62 Documentation of special use area designation or termination. 423.63 Reservations for public use limits. 423.64 Existing special use areas. Subpart F--Violations and Sanctions 423.70 Violations. 423.71 Sanctions.
Authority: Public Law 107-69 (November 12, 2001) (Law Enforcement Authority) (43 U.S.C. 373b and 373c); Public Law 102- 575, Title XXVIII (October 30, 1992) (16 U.S.C. 460l-31 through 34); Public Law 89-72 (July 9, 1965) (16 U.S.C. 460l-12); Public Law 106- 206 (May 26, 2000) (16 U.S.C. 460l-6d); Public Law 59-209 (June 8, 1906) (16 U.S.C. 431-433); Public Law 96-95 (October 31, 1979) (16 U.S.C. 470aa-mm).
Subpart A--Purpose, Definitions, and Applicability
Sec. 423.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this part is to maintain law and order and protect persons and property within Reclamation projects and on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies.
Sec. 423.2 Definitions of terms used in this part.
Aircraft means a device that is used or intended to be used for human flight in the air, including powerless flight, unless a particular section indicates otherwise.
Archeological resource means any material remains of past human life or activities which are of archeological interest, as determined under 43 CFR part 7, including but not limited to pottery, basketry, bottles, weapons, projectiles, tools, structures or portions of structures, pit houses, rock paintings, rock carvings, intaglios, graves, human remains, or any portion of any of the foregoing items. Archeological resources are a component of cultural resources.
Authorized official means the Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation and those officials to whom the Commissioner has delegated the authority to enforce and implement this part 423.
Camping means erecting a tent or shelter; preparing a sleeping bag or other bedding material for use; parking a motor vehicle, motor home, or trailer; or mooring a vessel for the intended or apparent purpose of overnight occupancy.
Cultural resource means any man-made or associated prehistoric, historic, architectural, sacred, or traditional cultural property and associated objects and documents that are of interest to archeology, anthropology, history, or other associated disciplines. Cultural resources includes archeological resources, historic properties, traditional cultural properties, sacred sites, and cultural landscapes that can be delimited and associated with human activity or occupation.
Disorderly conduct means any of the following acts:
(1) Fighting, or threatening or violent behavior;
(2) Language, utterance, gesture, or display or act that is obscene, physically threatening or menacing, or that is likely to inflict injury or incite an immediate breach of the peace;
(3) Unreasonable noise, considering the nature and purpose of the person's conduct, location, time of day or night, and other factors that would govern the conduct of a reasonably prudent person under the circumstances;
(4) Creating or maintaining a hazardous or physically offensive condition; or
(5) Any other act or activity that may cause or create public alarm, nuisance, or bodily harm.
Explosives means explosive materials, including explosive fireworks, pyrotechnics, and any other explosive devices, but not ammunition.
Fishing means taking or attempting to take, by any means, any fish, mollusk, or crustacean found in fresh or salt water.
Geophysical discovery device means any mechanism, tool, or equipment including, but not limited to, metal detectors and radar devices, that can be used to detect or probe for objects beneath land or water surfaces.
Historic property means any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included on, or eligible for inclusion on, the National Register of Historic Places, including artifacts, records, and material
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remains related to such a property or resource.
Hunting means taking or attempting to take wildlife by any means, except by trapping or fishing.
Museum property means personal property acquired according to some rational scheme and preserved, studied, or interpreted for public benefit, including, but not limited to, objects selected to represent archeology, art, ethnography, history, documents, botany, paleontology, geology, and environmental samples.
Natural resources means assets or values related to the natural world, such as plants, animals, water, air, soils, minerals, geologic features and formations, fossils and other paleontological resources, scenic values, etc. Natural resources are those elements of the environment not created by humans.
Off-road-vehicle means any motorized vehicle (including the standard automobile) designed for or capable of cross-country travel on or immediately over land, water, sand, snow, ice, marsh, swampland, or natural terrain. The term excludes all of the following:
(1) Nonamphibious registered motorboats;
(2) Military, fire, emergency, or law enforcement vehicles when used for emergency purpose;
(3) Self-propelled lawnmowers, snowblowers, garden or lawn tractors, and golf carts while being used for their designed purpose;
(4) Agricultural, timbering, construction, exploratory, and development equipment and vehicles while being used exclusively as authorized by permit, lease, license, agreement, or contract with Reclamation;
(5) Any combat or combat support vehicle when used in times of national defense emergencies;
(6) ``Official use'' vehicles; and
(7) Wheel chairs and other vehicles designed and used for transporting persons with disabilities.
Operator means a person who operates, drives, controls, has charge of, or is in actual physical control of any mode of transportation or other equipment.
Permit means any written document issued by an authorized official pursuant to subpart D of this part 423 authorizing a particular activity with specified time limits, locations, and/or other conditions.
Person means an individual, entity, or organization.
Pet means a domesticated animal other than livestock. (``Livestock'' is any hoofed animal used for agricultural, riding, pulling, or packing purposes.)
Public use limit means any limitation on public uses or activities established by law or regulation.
Real property means any legal interest in land and the water, oil, gas, and minerals in, on, and beneath the land surface, together with the improvements, structures, and fixtures located thereon.
Reclamation means the Bureau of Reclamation, United States Department of the Interior.
Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies means Reclamation facilities, Reclamation lands, and Reclamation waterbodies.
Reclamation facility means any facility constructed or acquired under Federal reclamation law that is used and occupied by Reclamation under a lease, easement, right-of-way, license, contract, or other arrangement. The term includes, but is not limited to, any of the following that are under the jurisdiction of or administered by Reclamation: dams, powerplants, switchyards, transmission lines, recreation facilities, fish and wildlife facilities, canals, drains, pumping plants, buildings, warehouses, tunnels, siphons, water diversion structures, bridges, and roads.
Reclamation lands means any real property under the jurisdiction of or administered by Reclamation, and includes, but is not limited to, all acquired and withdrawn lands and lands in which Reclamation has a lease interest, easement, or right-of-way.
Reclamation project means any water supply, water delivery, flood control, or hydropower project, together with any associated facilities for fish, wildlife, recreation, or water treatment constructed or administered by Reclamation under the Federal reclamation laws [the Act of June 17, 1902 (32 Stat. 388, chapter 1093; 43 U.S.C. 371 et. seq.), and Acts supplementary thereto and amendatory thereof].
Reclamation waterbody means any body of water situated on Reclamation lands or under Reclamation jurisdiction.
Refuse means any human or pet waste, litter, trash, garbage, rubbish, debris, contaminant, pollutant, waste liquid or other discarded materials.
Sacred site means any specific, discrete, or narrowly delineated location on Federal land that is identified by an Indian tribe, or Indian individual determined to be an appropriately authoritative representative of an Indian religion, as sacred by virtue of its established religious significance to, or ceremonial use by, an Indian religion; provided that the tribe or appropriately authoritative representative of an Indian religion has informed the land managing agency of the existence of such a site.
Special use area means an area at or within a Reclamation facility, or an area of Reclamation lands or waterbodies, which has been designated by an authorized official pursuant to subpart E of this part 423 as an area in which special rules for public conduct which may differ from those established in subpart C of this part 423 will apply.
State and local laws means the laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances, codes, and court decisions of a state and of the counties, municipalities, or other governmental entities which are enabled by statute and vested with legislative authority.
Traditional cultural property means a discretely defined property that is eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places because of its association with cultural practices or beliefs of a living community that:
(1) Are rooted in that community's history; and
(2) Are important in maintaining the continuing cultural identity of the community.
Trapping means taking, or attempting to take, wildlife with a snare, trap, mesh, wire, or other implement, object, or mechanical device designed to entrap, ensnare, or kill animals, including fish.
Trespass means:
(1) Unauthorized possession or occupancy of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies;
(2) Personal entry, presence, or occupancy on or in any portion or area of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies that have been closed to public use pursuant to subpart B of this part 423;
(3) Unauthorized extraction or disturbance of natural or cultural resources located on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies;
(4) Unauthorized conduct of commercial activities on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies;
(5) Holding unauthorized public gatherings on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies; or
(6) Unauthorized dumping or abandonment of personal property on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies.
Vehicle means every device in, upon, or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn on land, whether moved by mechanical, animal, or human power, including but not limited to automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, mini-bikes, snowmobiles, dune buggies, all-terrain vehicles,
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trailers, campers, bicycles, and those used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks; except wheelchairs used by persons with disabilities.
Vessel means any craft that is used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on or under water or ice, including but not limited to powerboats, cruisers, houseboats, sailboats, airboats, hovercraft, rowboats, canoes, kayaks, ice yachts, or personal watercraft. A seaplane on Reclamation waters is considered a vessel for the purposes of Sec. 423.38 of this part. Inner tubes, air mattresses, and other personal flotation devices are not considered vessels.
Weapon means any instrument or substance designed, used, or intended to be used to cause or threaten to cause pain, injury, or death.
Wildlife means any non-domestic member of the animal kingdom and includes a part, product, egg, offspring, or dead body or part thereof, including but not limited to mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, arthropod, coelenterate, or other invertebrate, whether or not bred, hatched, or born in captivity.
You means a person or entity on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies.
Sec. 423.3 When does this part apply?
(a) This part and all applicable state and local laws apply to all persons on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, with the following exceptions:
(1) Certain exceptions apply to Federal, state, local, and contract employees, as further addressed in paragraph (b) of this section.
(2) Certain exceptions apply to non-Federal entities, as further addressed in paragraph (c) of this section;
(3) Certain exceptions apply on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies administered by other Federal agencies, as further addressed in paragraph (d) of this section;
(4) Certain exceptions apply on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies subject to treaties and Federal laws concerning tribes and Indians, as further addressed in paragraph (e) of this section; and
(5) This part does not apply on Hoover Dam; on any structure, building, or property appurtenant thereto; or on the surrounding Reclamation facilities and lands. Public conduct at Hoover Dam is governed by 43 CFR part 421.
(b) This part does not apply to:
(1) Federal, state, and local law enforcement, fire, and rescue personnel in the performance of their official duties on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies;
(2) An employee or agent of the Federal government when the employee or agent is carrying out official duties; or
(3) An employee or agent of an entity that has entered into a contract or agreement with Reclamation to administer, operate, maintain, patrol, or provide security for Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, when the employee or agent is working within the scope of the defined activities described in the contract or agreement.
(c) If a non-Federal entity has assumed responsibility for operating, maintaining, or managing Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies through a contract or other written agreement:
(1) Public conduct in and on those Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies will be regulated by this part 423 as well as any regulations established by the entity, and the terms of the entity's contract with Reclamation.
(2) In cases of conflict between the regulations of the entity and this part 423 or other Federal laws, this part and other Federal laws will govern.
(d) Public conduct on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies administered by other Federal agencies under statute or other authority will be governed by the regulations of those agencies rather than this part 423. However, Reclamation retains the right to take necessary actions to safeguard the security and safety of the public and such Reclamation facilities, lands and waterbodies.
(e) This part applies on all Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies that are subject to Treaties with, and Federal laws concerning the rights of, Federally recognized Tribes, and individual Indians who are members thereof, to the extent that this part is consistent with those Treaties and Federal laws.
Subpart B--Areas Open and Closed to Public Use
Sec. 423.10 What areas are open to public use?
All Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies are open to lawful use by the public unless they are closed to public use under this subpart B of this part 423.
Sec. 423.11 What areas are closed to public use?
The following Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, or portions thereof, are closed to public use:
(a) Those that were closed to public use as of [effective date of this regulation], as evidenced by fencing, gates, barriers, locked doors, road closures, signage, posting of notices, or other reasonably obvious means; and
(b) Those that are closed after [effective date of this regulation] under Sec. 423.12.
(c) Those that are closed periodically and regularly under Sec. 423.13.
Sec. 423.12 How will Reclamation close additional areas?
(a) Non-emergency situations. In non-emergency situations, an authorized official must provide 30 days advance public notice before closing all or portions of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. The notice must include publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the locale of the Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies to be closed. Non-emergency situations covered by this section include:
(1) Protection and security of Reclamation facilities and of Reclamation's employees and agents;
(2) Protection of public health and safety, cultural resources, natural resources, scenic values, or scientific research activities;
(3) Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of Reclamation projects;
(4) Reduction or avoidance of conflicts among visitor use activities;
(5) National security; or
(6) Other reasons in the public interest.
(b) Emergency situations. In emergency situations where delay would result in significant risks, or for reasons of national security, an authorized official may close all or portions of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies without advance public notice.
Sec. 423.13 How will Reclamation establish periodic and regular closures?
Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies that are closed periodically and regularly, regardless of the date of the initial closure, must be noticed as provided in Sec. 423.12(a) only once, and at any time the schedule of closure is changed.
Sec. 423.14 How will Reclamation post and delineate closed areas?
Before or at the time of closing all or portions of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies to public use, the responsible authorized official must indicate the closure by:
(a) Locked doors, fencing, gates, and other barriers;
(b) Posted signs and notices at conspicuous locations, such as at normal points of entry and at reasonable intervals along the boundary of the closed area;
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(c) Notations on maps available at the local Reclamation office, office of the operating entity, or other places convenient to the public; or
(d) Other reasonably obvious means.
Sec. 423.15 How will Reclamation document closures or reopenings?
(a) The authorized official must document the reason(s) for establishing any closure or reopening that occurs after [insert the effective date of the regulation]. The official must do this before the closure or reopening, except in the situations described in Sec. 423.12(b). In such situations, the authorized official must complete the documentation as soon as practicable.
(b) Documentation of a closure must cite one or more of the conditions for closure described in Sec. 423.12 of this part.
(c) Documentation of closures or reopenings will be available to the public upon request, except when the release of this documentation would result in a breach of national security or the security of Reclamation facilities.
Sec. 423.16 Who can be exempted from closures?
(a) You may be exempted from a closure, subject to any terms and conditions established under paragraph (c) of this section, by the authorized official who effected or who is responsible for the closure, if you are:
(1) A person with a license or concession agreement that requires you to have access to the closed Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies;
(2) An owner or lessee of real property, resident, or business in the vicinity of closed Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies who cannot reasonably gain access to your property, residence, or place of business without entering and crossing such closed Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies; or
(3) A holder of a permit granting you an exemption from the closure issued under subpart D of this part 423 by the authorized official who effected or who is responsible for the closure.
(b) You may request exemption from a closure by writing to the authorized official who effected or who is responsible for the closure. You need not do so if you have such an exemption in effect on
[effective date of this regulation] .
(c) An authorized official may establish terms and conditions on any exemption from a closure, or terminate such exemption, for any of the reasons listed in Sec. 423.12.
Sec. 423.17 How will Reclamation reopen closed areas?
An authorized official may reopen to public use any Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, or portions thereof. The authorized official may do this at any time with advance or subsequent public notice, except as required by other statute or regulation, and must document the reopening as provided in Sec. 423.15.
Subpart C--Rules of Conduct
Sec. 423.20 General rules.
(a) You must obey all applicable Federal, State, and local laws whenever you are at or on any Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies.
(b) You must comply with all provisions of this subpart C whenever you are at or on any Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies, except as specifically provided by:
(1) A permit issued by an authorized official under subpart D of this part 423;
(2) A contract with Reclamation or agency managing Reclamation lands, facilities and waterbodies;
(3) The rules established by an authorized official in a special use area under subpart E of this part 423; or
(4) A right-of-use issued under 43 CFR part 429.
Sec. 423.21 Responsibilities.
(a) You are responsible for finding, being aware of, and obeying notices and postings of closed and special use areas established by an authorized official under subpart B and subpart E of this part 423.
(b) You are responsible for the use of any device, vehicle, vessel, or aircraft you own, lease, or operate on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies. You may be issued a citation for a violation of regulations applicable to the use of any device, vehicle, vessel, or aircraft as provided in this part as the owner, lessee, or operator.
(c) You are responsible for the use and treatment of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies, and the cultural resources, wildlife, and other natural resources located thereon, by you and those for whom you are legally responsible. This presumption is sufficient to issue a citation to you for violation of provisions of these regulations by you or by those for whom you are legally responsible.
(d) The regulations governing permits, other use authorizations, and fees on Reclamation lands that are found in subpart D of this part 423 apply to your use of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies.
(e) You must furnish identification information upon request by a law enforcement officer.
Sec. 423.22 Interference with agency functions and disorderly conduct.
(a) You must not assault, threaten, disturb, resist, intimidate, impede, or interfere with any employee or agent of the United States, state, or local government engaged in an official duty.
(b) You must comply with any lawful order of an authorized government employee or agent for the purpose of maintaining order and controlling public access and movement during law enforcement actions and emergency or safety-related operations.
(c) You must not knowingly give a false report or other false information to an authorized government employee or agent.
(d) You must not interfere with, impede, or disrupt the authorized use of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies or impair the safety of any person.
(e) Disorderly conduct is prohibited.
Sec. 423.23 Abandonment and impoundment of personal property.
(a) You must not abandon personal property of any kind in or on Reclamation lands, facilities, or waterbodies.
(b) You must not store or leave unattended personal property of any kind.
(1) Unattended personal property is presumed to be abandoned:
(i) After a period of 24 hours;
(ii) At any time after a posted closure takes effect under subpart B of this part 423; or
(iii) At any time for reasons of security, public safety, or resource protection.
(2) If personal property is presumed abandoned, an authorized official may impound it and store it and assess a reasonable impoundment fee.
(3) The impoundment fee must be paid before the authorized official will return the impounded property to you.
(c) An authorized official may impound or destroy unattended personal property at any time if it:
(1) Interferes with safety, operation, or management of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies; or
(2) Presents a threat to persons or Reclamation project resources.
(d) An authorized official may dispose of abandoned personal property in accordance with the procedures contained in title 41 CFR and applicable Reclamation and Department of the Interior policy.
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Sec. 423.24 Trespassing.
You must not trespass on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies.
Sec. 423.25 Vandalism, tampering, and theft.
(a) You must not tamper or attempt to tamper with, move, manipulate, operate, adjust, or set in motion property not under your lawful control or possession including, but not limited to, vehicles, equipment, controls, recreational facilities, and devices.
(b) You must not destroy, injure, deface, damage, or unlawfully remove property not under your lawful control or possession.
(c) You must not drop, place, throw, or roll rocks or other items inside, into, down, or from, dams, spillways, dikes, or other structures and facilities.
Sec. 423.26 Public events and gatherings.
You must not conduct public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other events without a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part 423. Public gatherings that involve the possession or occupancy of Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies are governed by 43 CFR part 429.
Sec. 423.27 Advertising and public solicitation.
You must not engage in advertising or solicitation on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies except as allowed under a valid contract with Reclamation, or as allowed by a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part 423.
Sec. 423.28 Memorials.
You must not bury, deposit, or scatter human or animal remains, or place memorials, markers, vases, or plaques on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies, except with a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part 423, and in accordance with applicable Federal, state, and local law. In addition to the foregoing requirements, human or animal burial is allowed only in established cemeteries that are open to interments. This section does not apply to the burial of parts of fish or wildlife taken in legal hunting, fishing, or trapping.
Sec. 423.29 Natural and cultural resources.
(a) You must not destroy, injure, deface, remove, search for, disturb, or alter natural resources or cultural resources, including abandoned buildings or structures, on or in Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies except in accordance with applicable Federal, state, and local laws.
(b) You must not introduce wildlife, fish, or plants, including their reproductive bodies, into Reclamation lands and waterbodies without a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part 423.
(c) You must not drop, place, throw, or roll rocks or other items inside, into, at, or down, caves, caverns, valleys, canyons, mountainsides, thermal features, or other natural formations.
(d) You must not damage, cut, gather, harvest, remove, use, or possess wood, trees, or parts of trees on Reclamation lands except as specifically allowed in special use areas designated by an authorized official under subpart E of this part 423.
(e) You must not walk on, climb, enter, ascend, descend, or traverse cultural resources on Reclamation lands, including monuments or statues, except as specifically allowed in special use areas designated by an authorized official under subpart E of this part 423.
(f) You must not possess a metal detector or other geophysical discovery device, or use a metal detector or other geophysical discovery techniques to locate or recover subsurface objects or features, except:
(1) When transporting, but not using, a metal detector or other geophysical discovery device in a vehicle on a public road as allowed under applicable Federal, state, and local law; or
(2) As allowed by a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part 423.
Sec. 423.30 Weapons, explosives, and fireworks.
(a) You must not have a weapon in your possession when at or in a Reclamation facility.
(b) Except where prohibited or otherwise regulated by an authorized official in a special use area, you may possess a weapon at or on Reclamation lands and waterbodies, provided the weapon is stowed, transported, and/or carried in compliance with applicable Federal, state, and local law.
(c) You must not discharge a weapon unless you are:
(1) Using the weapon lawfully for hunting or fishing as allowed under Sec. 423.32, or at an authorized shooting range; and
(2) In compliance with applicable Federal, state, and local law.
(d) You must not use or possess explosives, or fireworks or pyrotechnics of any type, except as allowed by a permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part 423, or in special use areas so designated by an authorized official under subpart E of this part 423.
Sec. 423.31 Fires.
(a) You must not leave a fire unattended, and it must be completely extinguished before your departure.
(b) You must not improperly dispose of lighted smoking materials, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, matches, or other burning material.
(c) You must not burn materials that produce toxic fumes, including, but not limited to, tires, plastic, flotation materials, or treated wood products.
(d) You must not transport gasoline and other fuels in containers not designed for that purpose.
(e) You must comply with all applicable Federal, state, and local fire orders, restrictions, or permit requirements.
Sec. 423.32 Hunting, fishing, and trapping.
(a) You may hunt, fish, and trap in accordance with applicable Federal, state, and local laws in areas where both of the following conditions are met:
(1) The area is not closed to public use under subpart B of this part 423; and
(2) The area has not been otherwise designated by an authorized official as a special use area under subpart E of this part 423.
(b) You must comply with any additional restrictions pertaining to hunting, fishing, and trapping established by an authorized official in a special use area under subpart E of this part 423.
Sec. 423.33 Camping.
(a) You may camp on Reclamation lands, except that you must comply with any restrictions, conditions, limitations, or prohibitions on camping established by an authorized official in a special use area.
(b) You must not camp on Reclamation lands for more than 14 days during any period of 30 consecutive days;
(c) You must not attempt to reserve a campsite for future use by placing equipment or other items on the campsite, or by personal appearance, without camping on and paying the required fees for that campsite daily;
(d) You must not camp on or place any equipment at a campsite that is posted or otherwise marked as ``reserved'' or ``closed'' by an authorized official without a valid reservation for that campsite, except as allowed by a permit issued under subpart D of this part 423; and
(e) You must not dig in or level any ground, or build any structure, in a designated campground.
Sec. 423.34 Sanitation.
(a) You must not bring or improperly dispose of refuse on Reclamation facilities, lands, and Reclamation waterbodies. Both the owner and the
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person bringing or disposing refuse may be issued a citation for violating this provision.
(b) Campers, picnickers, and all other persons using Reclamation lands must keep their sites free of trash and litter during the period of occupancy and must remove all personal equipment and clean their sites before departure.
(c) You must not construct or use a latrine within 200 yards of any Reclamation waterbody, or within 200 yards of the high water mark of any reservoir.
Sec. 423.35 Animals.
(a) You must not bring pets or other animals into public buildings, public transportation vehicles, or sanitary facilities. This provision does not apply to properly trained animals assisting persons with disabilities, such as seeing-eye dogs.
(b) You must not abandon any animal on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies, or harass, endanger, or attempt to collect any animal except game you are attempting to take in the course of authorized hunting, fishing, or trapping.
(c) Any unauthorized, unclaimed, or unattended animal on Reclamation lands may be:
(1) Removed in accordance with Federal law, and applicable state and local laws; and
(2) Confined at a location designated by an authorized official, who may assess a reasonable impoundment fee that must be paid before the impounded animal is released to its owner.
(d) The following animals are prohibited and are subject to removal in accordance with Federal law, and applicable state and local laws:
(1) Captive wild or exotic animals (including, but not limited to, cougars, lions, bears, bobcats, wolves, and snakes), except as allowed by a permit issued under Subpart D of this part 423; and
(2) Any pets or animals displaying vicious or aggressive behavior or posing a threat to public safety or deemed a public nuisance.
Sec. 423.36 Swimming.
(a) You may swim, wade, snorkel, scuba dive, kayak, raft, or tube at your own risk in Reclamation waters, except:
(1) Within 300 yards of dams, power plants, pumping plants, spillways, stilling basins, gates, intake structures, and outlet works;
(2) Within 100 yards of buoys or barriers marking public access limits;
(3) In canals, laterals, siphons, tunnels, and drainage works; or
(4) At public docks, launching sites, and designated mooring areas.
(b) You must display an international diver down, or inland diving flag in accordance with state and U.S. Coast Guard guidelines when engaging in any underwater activities.
(c) You must not dive, jump, or swing from dams, spillways, bridges, cables, towers, or other structures.
Sec. 423.37 Winter activities.
(a) You must not tow persons on skis, sleds, or other sliding devices with a motor vehicle or snowmobile, except that you may tow sleds designed to be towed behind snowmobiles if joined to the towing snowmobile with a rigid hitching mechanism, and you may tow disabled snowmobiles by any appropriate means.
(b) You must not ice skate, ice fish, or ice sail within 300 yards of dams, power plants, pumping plants, spillways, stilling basins, gates, intake structures, or outlet works.
Sec. 423.38 Operating vessels on Reclamation waters.
(a) You must comply with Federal, State, and local laws applicable to the operation of a vessel or other watercraft on Reclamation waters, and with any restrictions established by an authorized official.
(b) You must not operate a vessel in an area closed to the public.
(c) You must observe restrictions established by signs, buoys, and other regulatory markers.
(d) You must not operate a vessel, or knowingly allow another person to operate a vessel, in a reckless or negligent manner, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger a person, property, natural resource, or cultural resource.
(e) You must not operate a vessel when impaired or intoxicated under the standards established by applicable state and local law.
(f) You must not occupy a vessel overnight, except where otherwise designated under applicable Federal, state, or local law, or where otherwise designated by an authorized official in a special use area.
(g) You must not use a vessel as a place of habitation or residence.
(h) You must not place or operate a vessel on a Reclamation waterbody for a fee or profit, except as allowed by contract or permit issued pursuant to subpart D of this part 423.
(i) You must remove your vessels from Reclamation lands and waters when not in actual use for a period of more than 24 hours, unless they are securely moored or stored at special use areas so designated by an authorized official.
(j) You must not attach or anchor a vessel to structures such as locks, dams, regulatory or navigational buoys, or other structures not designed for such purpose.
(k) You must display an international diver down, or inland diving flag in accordance with state and U.S. Coast Guard guidelines when operating a vessel involved in any underwater activities.
(l) You may engage in towing activities, including but not limited to waterskiing and tubing, only during daylight hours and subject to any applicable Federal, state, and local law.
Sec. 423.39 Standards for vessels.
(a) All vessels on Reclamation waters must:
(1) Be constructed and maintained in compliance with the standards and requirements established by, or promulgated under, Title 46 United States Code, and any applicable state and local laws and regulations;
(2) Have safety equipment, including personal flotation devices, on board in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard boating safety requirements and in compliance with applicable state and local boating safety laws and regulations; and
(3) If motorized, have and utilize a proper and effective exhaust muffler as defined by applicable state and local laws. Actions or devices which render exhaust mufflers ineffective are prohibited.
(b) Owners or operators of vessels not in compliance with this Sec. 423.39 may be required to remove the vessel immediately from Reclamation waterbodies until items of non-compliance are corrected.
Sec. 423.40 Vehicles.
(a) When operating a vehicle on Reclamation lands and Reclamation projects, you must comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, and with posted restrictions and regulations. Operating any vehicle through, around, or beyond a restrictive sign, recognizable barricade, fence, or traffic control barricade, is prohibited.
(b) You must not park a vehicle in violation of posted restrictions and regulations, or in a manner that would obstruct or impede normal or emergency traffic movement or the parking of other vehicles, create a safety hazard, or endanger any person, property, or natural feature. Vehicles so parked are subject to removal and impoundment at the owner's expense.
(c) You must not operate any vehicle, or allow another person to operate a vehicle in your control, in a careless,
[[Page 54222]]
negligent or reckless manner that would endanger any person, property, natural resource, or cultural resource.
(d) In addition to the regulations in this part, the regulations governing off-road-vehicle use in 43 CFR part 420 apply.
Sec. 423.41 Aircraft.
(a) You must not takeoff or land an aircraft on Reclamation lands or waterbodies except in special use areas so designated by an authorized official. This paragraph does not apply to pilots engaged in emergency rescue or in the official business of Federal, state, or local governments or law enforcement agencies, or who are forced to land due to circumstances beyond the pilot's control.
(b) You must not operate any aircraft while on or above Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies in a careless, negligent, or reckless manner so as to endanger any person, property, or natural feature.
(c) This section does not provide authority to deviate from State or Federal regulations, or prescribed standards, including, but not limited to, regulations and standards concerning pilot certifications or ratings and airspace requirements.
(d) Except in extreme emergencies threatening human life or serious property loss, you must not use non-standard boarding and loading procedures to deliver or retrieve people, material, or equipment by parachute, balloon, helicopter, or other aircraft.
(e) Operation of aircraft on or over Reclamation lands and waterbodies is at the risk of the aircraft owner, pilot, and passenger(s).
(f) You must comply with all applicable U.S. Coast Guard rules and Sec. 423.38 when operating a seaplane on Reclamation waterbodies.
(g) You must securely moor any seaplane remaining on Reclamation waterbodies in excess of 24 hours at mooring facilities and locations designated by an authorized official. Seaplanes may be moored for periods of less than 24 hours on Reclamation waterbodies, except in special use areas otherwise designated by an authorized official, provided:
(1) The mooring is safe, secure, and accomplished so as not to damage the rights of the Government or the safety of persons; and
(2) The operator remains in the vicinity of the seaplane and reasonably available to relocate the seaplane if necessary.
(h) Commercial operation of seaplanes from Reclamation waterbodies is prohibited.
(i) You must not operate a seaplane on Reclamation lands and waterbodies between sunset and sunrise.
(j) You must comply with any further restrictions on the operation of aircraft in the proximity of specific Reclamation facilities established by an authorized official.
(k) You must not operate model aircraft except in special use areas so designated and posted by an authorized official.
Sec. 423.42 Gambling.
Commercial gambling in any form, or the operation of gambling devices, is prohibited on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies unless authorized by applicable treaties or Federal, state, and local laws or regulations.
Sec. 423.43 Alcoholic beverages.
You must not possess or consume alcoholic beverages in violation of Federal, state, or local law, or in special use areas so designated and posted by an authorized official under subpart E of this part 423.
Sec. 423.44 Controlled substances.
You must not possess, consume, deliver, or be under the influence of, controlled substances included in schedules I, II, III, IV, or V of part B of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 812) on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies, unless the controlled substance was legally obtained through a valid prescription or order.
Subpart D--Authorization of Otherwise Prohibited Activities
Sec. 423.50 How can I obtain permission for prohibited or restricted uses and activities?
(a) Authorized officials may issue permits to authorize activities on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies otherwise prohibited or restricted by Sec. Sec. 423.26, 423.27, 423.28, 423.29(a), 423.29(b), 423.29(f), 423.30(d), 423.33(d), 423.35(d)(1), and 423.38(h) and may terminate or revoke such permits for non-use, non-compliance with the terms of the permit, violation of any applicable law, or to protect public health or safety or natural or cultural resources.
(b) You may apply for permission to engage in activities otherwise prohibited or restricted by the sections listed in paragraph (a) of this section. You may apply to the authorized official responsible for the area in which your activity is to take place, and this authorized official may grant, deny, or establish conditions or limitations on this permission.
(c) You must pay all required fees and properly display applicable permits, passes, or receipts.
(d) You must not violate the terms and conditions of a permit issued by an authorized official. Any such violation is prohibited and may result in suspension or revocation of the permit, or other penalties as provided in subpart F of this part 423, or both.
(e) You must, upon request by a law enforcement officer, display any permit authorizing your presence or activity on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies.
Subpart E--Special Use Areas
Sec. 423.60 How special use areas are designated.
(a) After making a determination under paragraph (b) of this section, an authorized official may:
(1) Designate special use areas within Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies for application of reasonable schedules of visiting hours; public use limits; and other conditions, restrictions, allowances, or prohibitions on particular uses or activities that vary from the provisions of subpart C of this part 423; and
(2) From time to time revise the boundaries of a previously designated special use area and revise or terminate previously imposed schedules of visiting hours; public use limits; and other conditions, restrictions, allowances, or prohibitions on a use or activity.
(b) Before taking action under paragraph (a) of this section, an authorized official must make a determination that action is necessary for:
(1) The protection of public health and safety;
(2) The protection and preservation of cultural and natural resources;
(3) The protection of environmental and scenic values, scientific research, the security of Reclamation facilities, the avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities; or
(4) For other reasons in the public interest.
Sec. 423.61 Notifying the public of special use areas.
When designating, revising, or terminating a special use area, Reclamation must notify the public as required by this section.
(a) What notices must contain. The notice must specify:
(1) The location of the special use area; and
(2) The public use limits, conditions, restrictions, allowances, or prohibitions
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on uses and activities that are to be applied to the area or that are to be revised or terminated.
(b) How notice must be made. Reclamation must publish the notice required by paragraph (a) of this section in the Federal Register at least 15 days before the action takes place. Reclamation must also notify the public by one or more of the following methods:
(1) Signs posted at conspicuous locations, such as normal points of entry and reasonable intervals along the boundary of the special use area;
(2) Maps available in the local Reclamation office and other places convenient to the public;
(3) Publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the affected area; or
(4) Other appropriate methods, such as the use of electronic media, brochures, and handouts.
(c) When notice may be delayed. (1) Notice under this section may be delayed in an emergency where delaying designation, revision, or termination of a special use area would result in significant risk to:
(i) National security; or
(ii) The security of a Reclamation facility, Reclamation employees, or the public.
(2) If the exception in paragraph (c)(1) of this section applies, Reclamation must comply with paragraph (b) of this section within 30 days after the effective date of the designation.
(3) Failure to meet the Federal Register notice deadlines in paragraphs (b) or (c)(2) of this section will not invalidate an action, so long as Reclamation meets the remaining notification requirements of this section.
(d) When notice is not required. Notice under this section is not required if all the following conditions are met:
(1) The action will not result in a significant change in the public use of the area;
(2) The action will not adversely affect the area's natural, esthetic, scenic or cultural values;
(3) The action will not require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the area; and
(4) The action is not highly controversial.
Sec. 423.62 Documentation of special use area designation or termination.
(a) The authorized official must document the reasons for designating a special use area and the restrictions, conditions, public use limits, or prohibitions that apply to that area. In the case of the termination of a previously established restriction, condition, public use limit, or prohibition, the authorized official must make a written determination as to why the restriction is no longer necessary.
(b) Documentation of the designation or termination of a special use area must occur before the action, except in the emergency situations described in Sec. 423.61(c). In the latter case, the documentation is required within 30 days after the date of the designation.
(c) Reclamation will make documents produced under this section available to the public upon request except in matters concerning national or facility security, or human safety.
Sec. 423.63 Reservations for public use limits.
To implement a public use limit, the authorized official may establish a registration or reservation system.
Sec. 423.64 Existing special use areas.
Areas designated and formally documented for special uses, public use limits, or other restrictions, on [effective date of this regulation] will remain so designated without the need for compliance with Sec. Sec. 423.60 through 423.63, except with respect to termination or modification of the special uses, public use limits, or other restrictions.
Subpart F--Violations and Sanctions
Sec. 423.70 Violations.
(a) When at, in, or on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies, you must obey and comply with:
(1) Any closure orders established under subpart B of this part 423;
(2) The regulations in subpart C of this part 423;
(3) The conditions established by any permit issued under subpart D of this part 423; and
(4) The regulations established by an authorized official in special use areas under subpart E of this part 423.
(b) Violating any use or activity prohibition, restriction, condition, schedule of visiting hours, or public use limit established by or under this part 423 is prohibited.
(c) Any continuous or ongoing violation of these regulations constitutes a separate violation for each calendar day in which it occurs.
Sec. 423.71 Sanctions.
Under section (1)(a) of Pub. L. 107-69, you are subject to a fine under chapter 227, subchapter C of title 18 United States Code (18 U.S.C. 3571), or can be imprisoned for not more than 6 months, or both, if you violate:
(a) The provisions of this part 423; or
(b) Any condition, limitation, or prohibition on uses or activities, or of public use limits, imposed under this part 423.
PART 429--PROCEDURE TO PROCESS AND RECOVER THE VALUE OF RIGHTS-OF- USE AND ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INCURRED IN THE PERMITTING OF SUCH USE
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Revise the authority citation for part 429 to read as follows:
Authority: 43 U.S.C. 373 (32 Stat. 390); 43 U.S.C. 387 (53 Stat. 1196), as amended by 64 Stat. 463, c. 752 (1950); Department of the Interior Manual Part 346, Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4; 43 U.S.C. 501; Independent Offices Appropriation Act (31 U.S.C. 483a); and Budget Circular A-25, as amended by transmittal memorandums 1 and 2 of Oct. 22, 1963, and April 16, 1974.
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Revise Sec. 429.1 to read as follows:
Sec. 429.1 Purpose.
The purpose of this part is to notify the public that any possession or occupancy of any portion of and the extraction or disturbance of any natural resources from Reclamation lands, facilities, or waterbodies are prohibited without written authorization from Reclamation. Written authorizations must meet the requirements of the Independent Offices Appropriation Act (31 U.S.C. 483a) and Office of Management and Budget Circular A-25, as amended; both of which require that Reclamation recover both the fair market value of rights- of-use granted to applicants and the administrative costs associated with the issuing of rights-of-use on lands, facilities, and waterbodies administered by Reclamation. This part also refers to costs incurred by Reclamation when, at the request of other agencies and parties, Reclamation gives aid and assistance in rights-of-use matters.
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In Sec. 429.2, paragraphs (c) and (d) are revised and new paragraphs (m) and (n) are added to read as follows:
Sec. 429.2 Definitions.
* * * * *
(c) Regional Director means any one of the Reclamation Regional Directors designated by the Commissioner to act in specified rights-of- use of actions. The Regional Directors may re-delegate portions of their authorities for granting rights-of-use to officers and employees of Reclamation.
(d) Rights-of-use means rights-of-way, easements, permits, licenses, contracts, or agreements issued or granted non-competitively by Reclamation that authorize the possession or occupation of and the extraction or disturbance of
[[Page 54224]]
natural resources on Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. * * * * *
(m) Possession or occupancy and possess or occupy both mean to have in one's actual control or to use, hold, or reside in or on Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies, including to use or hold such facilities, lands, or waterbodies in a manner or for a purpose that only temporarily restricts or precludes other public uses.
(n) Reclamation land or lands means facilities, lands, and waterbodies under Reclamation's administrative control or jurisdiction.
Sec. 429.3 [Amended]
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In Sec. 429.3(c), remove the word ``apprised'' and add in its place ``appraised.''
Sec. 429.6 [Amended]
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In Sec. 429.6, remove the second sentence of the introductory text.
Sec. 429.11 [Removed and reserved]
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Remove and reserve Sec. 429.11.
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Add Sec. Sec. 429.12 and 429.13, to read as follows:
Sec. 429.12 Applicability.
(a) This part 429 applies to any possession or occupancy of Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies.
(b) This part 429 does not apply to the use of Reclamation lands for transitory activities such as hiking, camping, sightseeing, picnicking, hunting, swimming, boating, fishing, and other personal recreational pursuits. These activities are governed by 43 CFR part 423, Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies.
(c) This part does not apply to leasing Reclamation lands for grazing, agriculture, or any other purposes where a greater return will be realized by the United States through a competitive bidding process.
(d) This part does not apply to interests issued or granted for the replacement or relocation of facilities belonging to others under section 14 of the Reclamation Project Act of August 4, 1939, 43 U.S.C. 389.
(e) This part does not apply to archaeological resources or archaeological resources management activities that are governed by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (Public Law 96-95), 43 CFR part 7, and 43 CFR part 423.
Sec. 429.13 General restrictions.
You must not possess or occupy, or extract or remove natural resources from Reclamation facilities, lands, or waterbodies unless you obtain a right-of-use in accordance with this part 429 or under other written agreement with Reclamation.
[FR Doc. 05-17918 Filed 9-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MN-P
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