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Forest Order 09-19-17-16 Bicycles on Forest Trails
Visitors cannot use bicycles on the following trail systems:
- Laurel Mill Hiking and Cross-country Ski Trail System
- North Country National Scenic Trail
- Minister Trail Creek System
Alert Start Date: May 16th, 2017
Alert End Date: N/A
Rec Sites Affected:
Order Number: 09-19-17-16
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Under the authority of the Act of Congress dated June 4, 1897, as amended (16 USC 551) and the Secretary of Agriculture’s regulation 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following act is prohibited on the Allegheny National Forest, Laurel Mill Cross Country Ski Area, located within Elk County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Using a bicycle on the following trail systems:
- Laurel Mill Hiking and Cross Country Ski Trail System
- The North Country National Scenic Trail System
- The Minister Creek Trail System
[36 CFR 261.55(b)]
THIS RESTRICITION IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY. THEY ARE IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL PROHIBITIONS SET FORTH IN 36 CFR PART 261. THE PROHIBITIONS WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER UNTIL SPECIFICALLY WITHDRAWN BY TERMINATION ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR.
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:
- Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Violation of any of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both, under authority of Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3559 and 3571.
Justification for Order
This order is necessary to protect trails designed for hiking and/or cross-country skiing, but not mountain bike use. Other trails exist on the forest that allow mountain biking opportunities.
This order is an updated and revised edition stemming from a previously existing and in effect order from 2008.
This update is to ensure that consistent and accurate information is being portrayed to the public and also to reflect the recent change in Forest leadership staffing.
Enforcement Plan
This order will be enforced by law enforcement officers as well as forest protection officers. The primary method of enforcement will be through regular patrols. These patrols may or may not include other law enforcement agencies.