16 U.S.C. § 7913: Closure of Federal land to hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting

Subject to paragraph (2) and in accordance with section 1732(b) of title 43 , the Secretary concerned may designate any area on Federal land in which, and establish any period during which, for reasons of public safety, administration, or compliance with applicable laws, no hunting, fishing, or recreational shooting shall be permitted. In making a designation under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall designate the smallest area for the least amount of time that is required for public safety, administration, or compliance with applicable laws. consult with State fish and wildlife agencies; and provide public notice and opportunity for comment under paragraph (2). in the Federal Register; on the website of the applicable Federal agency; on the website of the Federal land unit, if available; and in at least 1 local newspaper; made available in advance of the public comment period to local offices, chapters, and affiliate organizations in the vicinity of the closure that are signatories to the memorandum of understanding entitled “Federal Lands Hunting, Fishing, and Shooting Sports Roundtable Memorandum of Understanding”; and the proposed closure; and the justification for the proposed closure, including an explanation of the reasons and necessity for the decision to close the area to hunting, fishing, or recreational shooting; and not less than 60 days for a permanent closure; or not less than 30 days for a temporary closure. respond in a reasoned manner to the comments received; explain how the Secretary concerned resolved any significant issues raised by the comments; and show how the resolution led to the closure. A temporary closure under this section may not exceed a period of 180 days. may not be renewed more than 3 times after the first temporary closure; and must be subject to a separate notice and comment procedure in accordance with subsection (b)(2). Any Federal land that is temporarily closed to hunting, fishing, or recreational shooting under this section shall not become permanently closed to that activity without a separate public notice and opportunity to comment in accordance with subsection (b)(2). publish on a public website a list of all areas of Federal land temporarily or permanently subject to a closure under this section; and a list of each area of Federal land temporarily or permanently subject to a closure; the acreage of each closure; and the aggregate areas and acreage closed under this section in each State; and the percentage of Federal land in each State closed under this section with respect to hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting. less than 14 days in duration; and covered by a special use permit.