Under what authority is BLM closing the area?
The closure is authorized under 43 CFR 8364.1 which states: “To protect persons, property, and public lands and resources, the authorized officer may issue an order to close or restrict use or designated public lands.” Under the rules, BLM must publish a Federal Register Notice, post the closure notice near area affected, specify persons who are exempt, and cites standard public land order violation penalties that can be imposed by a Federal Magistrate (fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months.
