[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 43, Volume 1]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 43CFR420.21]

[Page 586]
 
                    TITLE 43--PUBLIC LANDS: INTERIOR
 
      CHAPTER I--BUREAU OF RECLAMATION, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
 
PART 420--OFF-ROAD VEHICLE USE--Table of Contents
 
            Subpart B--Designated Areas and Permitted Events
 
Sec. 420.21  Procedure for designating areas for off-road vehicle use.


    The Regional Director shall, to the extent practicable, hold public 
hearings to obtain interested user groups, local populace, and affected 
Federal, State, and county agencies' opinions for opening or closing an 
area or trail in a manner that provides an opportunity for the public to 
express themselves and have their views taken into account. The Regional 
Director may act independently if he/she deems emergency action to open 
or close or restrict areas and trails is necessary to attain the 
objectives of the regulations of this part.
    (a) Regional Directors shall designate and publicize those areas and 
trails which are open to off-road vehicle use in accordance with 
Sec. 420.23.
    (b) Before any area or trail is opened to off-road vehicle use, the 
Regional Director will establish specific regulations which are 
consistent with the criteria in these regulations.
    (c) The Regional Director will inspect designated areas and trails 
periodically to determine conditions resulting from off-road vehicle 
use. If he determines that the use of off-road vehicles will cause or is 
causing considerable adverse effects on the soil, vegetation, wildlife, 
wildlife habitat, or cultural or historic resources of particular areas 
or trails of the public lands, he shall immediately close such areas or 
trails to the type of off-road vehicle causing such effects. No area or 
trail shall be reopened until the Regional Director determines that 
adverse effects have been eliminated and that measures have been 
implemented to prevent future recurrence. The public shall be notified 
of restrictions or closure in accordance with Sec. 420.23.

[39 FR 26893, July 24, 1974, as amended at 44 FR 34909, June 15, 1979]

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