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Shawnee Lookout Tower Closed
Entering and/or occupying the area of the Shawnee Lookout Tower is prohibted.
Alert Start Date: May 15th, 2023
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 09-14-23-01
Associated Documents
Forest Order
6 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Persons with a written Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
RESTRICTED AREA
The Restricted Area is within Ward Township, Section 24, specifically all lands within the boundary starting at T-393 Sand Run Road and FSR 723 junction and following the road template width of FSR 723 to continue around the site as defined by the rock barrier and mowing limits encompassing the Shawnee Lookout Tower and radio building back to the T-393/FSR723 junction, as depicted in Exhibit A of this Order. Order Number: 09-14-23-01 PURPOSE The purpose of this Order is to close the Shawnee Lookout Tower to all public access, due to safety concerns. Priority 1 structural deficiencies were found, including SF-3 chipping, cracking, and spalling on the tower foundation blocks. See attached inspection report and photographs. The tower is an inactive 100-foot-tall lookout tower with a "do not climb" sign (Red Tagged) on the tower. The tower is surrounded by an 8' chain link and barbed wire fence with a chain locked gate. FSR 723 is closed to vehicular traffic by a straight pipe gate. The closure order is necessary to further limit public foot access in the vicinity of the tower.
IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order will be effective on the date signed at 1700 hours, and shall remain in effect until April 30, 2025, or until structural deficiencies are remediated and the order is rescinded, whichever occurs first.
- A map identifying the Restricted Area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A.
- Any violation of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18 U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581 (b)(7)).
- Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Athens Ranger District located in Nelsonville, OH, telephone number 740-753-0403, and at the Wayne National Forest Supervisor's Office in Nelsonville, OH, telephone number 740-753-0880.
- This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same acts covered by this Order.