WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Reclamation is publishing updated regulations in the Federal Register regarding public access to and conduct on all Reclamation projects, facilities, lands, and waterbodies. The new regulations update the existing definitions for aircraft usage and the possession of firearms, regulations on camping, swimming, and winter recreation for the wide range of circumstances found across Reclamation and clarifies memorials and permitting of reburials on Reclamation land.
The updated regulations will replace the current rule, Public Conduct on Bureau of Reclamation Facilities, Lands, and Waterbodies (43 CFR PART 423) published in 2008. The new regulations go into effect 30 days from publishing in the Federal Register.
The updates include:
- Updating language to apply consistency with Federal Aviation Administration language for small, unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones.
- Modernizing and updating regulations impacting firearms possession, and access to Reclamation facilities, lands, and waterbodies. This will allow local, state, and other recreation partners to manage their facilities and sites using their regulations.
- Easing the absolute prohibition regarding reburials of Native American ancestors and will allow an application process to obtain permits for this activity.
The updated rule is available in the Federal Register.
