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Alerts

As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors.

These rules are available to you online below or at any office of the Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests. Please take time to read and understand them. If you have additional questions please call your local Forest Service office for clarification.

Forest Alerts

  • Caywood Point Dock Closed

    The dock at Caywood Point on the Finger Lakes National Forest is closed until further notice due to weather related damage. 
    Alert Start Date: April 20, 2026
  • Heavily damaged or closed trails

    The following trails are heavily damaged or closed:On the Green Mountain National ForestAbbey Pond Trail is heavily damaged and a difficult hike at the present time.Oak Ridge Trail from the Route 125 side has a significant culvert washout about ½ mile from the parking lotWidow’s Clearing Trail…
    Alert Start Date: May 23, 2025
  • Moosalamoo Campground Water System

    The Moosalamoo Campground water system hand pump remains non-operational and is expected to remain non-operational for the 2026 summer. Visitors will need to bring their own potable water.
    Alert Start Date: April 22, 2025
  • Glastenbury fire tower is closed to public use

    Glastenbury fire tower is closed to public use as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently deemed the tower structurally unsafe.Recreationists are asked not to climb or otherwise recreate on the Glastenbury fire tower. Trails in the area including the Glastenbury/West Ridge Loop…
    Alert Start Date: April 22, 2025
  • Forest-wide Development Roads Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts are prohibited within the Green Mountain National Forest.Operating or utilizing a motor vehicle on a forest development roadway in violation of the Vermont state motor vehicle code (Title 23 Vermont Statutes Annotated). 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(d)Operating a vehicle carelessly,…
    Alert Start Date: June 26, 2024
    Forest Order: #R9-20-24-02
  • Forest-wide Occupancy and Use Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts are prohibited within the Green Mountain National Forest.Occupying National Forest lands more than 14 days within a consecutive 30-day period. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a)Occupying a developed campsite with more than 8 persons. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(f)Parking or leaving a vehicle in…
    Alert Start Date: June 26, 2024
    Forest Order: #R9-20-24-01
  • Special Orders and Closures - Green Mountain National Forest

    The Forest Supervisor may issue Special Orders and Closures that will close or restrict the use of certain areas as needed to protect public safety and natural resources.
    Alert Start Date: May 17, 2024
  • Special Orders and Closures - Finger Lakes National Forest

    The Forest Supervisor may issue Special Orders and Closures that will close or restrict the use of certain areas as needed to protect public safety and natural resources.
    Alert Start Date: May 17, 2024
  • Appalachian Trail and Long Trail Use Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and within the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Management Area 8.1 within the Green Mountain National Forest located in Vermont, said trail and management area being described and designated as shown on the…
    Alert Start Date: March 10, 2021
    Forest Order: #R9-20-21-01
  • Food Storage Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Green Mountain National Forest in the state of Vermont, said area being described and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Except while being consumed, all food, food containers…
    Alert Start Date: July 23, 2019
    Forest Order: #R9-20-19-01
  • Joseph Battell Wilderness Area Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited at the Joseph Battell Wilderness Area located off of the South side of State Route 125 adjacent to the Middlebury College Snow Bowl on the Green Mountain National Forest, Middlebury Ranger District, in the town of Hancock in Addison County, Vermont,…
    Alert Start Date: January 17, 2018
    Forest Order: #R9-20-18-01
  • Sparks Pit Use Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited at the Sparks Pit and Steam Mill Spur (Forest Road 59b) area located on the Green Mountain National Forest, Middlebury Ranger District, in the town of Ripton in Addison County, Vermont, said area being described and designated as shown on the map set…
    Alert Start Date: October 2, 2017
    Forest Order: #2017-01
  • OSV Operation Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, said areas being described below and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Operating an Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) at greater than a speed of…
    Alert Start Date: February 3, 2015
    Forest Order: #2014-01
  • Forest Highway 6 Occupancy Restrictions, Manchester Ranger District, VT

    The following act and omission is prohibited on National Forest lands within 150' south and east of Forest Highway 6 (mile 1.80 to Forest Trail 371) located on the Green Mountain National Forest, Manchester Ranger District, in the town of Sunderland in Bennington County, Vermont, said area being…
    Alert Start Date: October 3, 2014
    Forest Order: #2014-05
  • Controlled Substances Restrictions, Hector Ranger District, NY

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Finger Lakes National Forest, New York:For the protection of public safety it is prohibited to Possess, utilize, and/or distribute a controlled substance (as defined by Title 21 of the United States Code, Chapter 13, Subchapter I Part B,…
    Alert Start Date: August 12, 2014
    Forest Order: #2014-02
  • Alcohol Restrictions, Hector Ranger District, NY

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Finger Lakes National Forest, New York:Possessing a beverage, that is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law, in violation of State law. (36 CFR 261.58(bb))
    Alert Start Date: August 12, 2014
    Forest Order: #2014-03
  • Controlled Substances Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont:For the protection of public safety it is prohibited to Possess, utilize, and/or distribute a controlled substance (as defined by Title 21 of the United States Code, Chapter 13, Subchapter I, Part B,…
    Alert Start Date: August 12, 2014
    Forest Order: #2014-02
  • Camping Occupancy Restrictions, Hector Ranger District, NY

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Finger Lakes National Forest, New York:DEVELOPED RECREATION SITESCamping at a campsite for longer than one-half (1/2) hour after arrival at said campsite unless a fee has been paid per posted instructions. (36 CFR 261.58(a))Camping at a…
    Alert Start Date: June 25, 2014
    Forest Order: #2014-01
  • Mt. Tabor Work Center Use Restrictions, Manchester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on lands of the Green Mountain National Forest, in Vermont at the Mt. Tabor Work Center in the Town of Mt. Tabor VT:It is prohibited to go into or be upon National Forest lands within 100 feet of all structures at the Mt. Tabor Work Center for the…
    Alert Start Date: January 13, 2012
    Forest Order: #2012-04
  • Firewood Restrictions, Hector Ranger District, NY

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Finger Lakes National Forest, New York:Possess, storing, or transporting any part of a tree as described below (36 CFR 261.58(t)).Any firewood of any species originating from any location outside Seneca and Schuyler Counties in New York, EXCEPT…
    Alert Start Date: December 22, 2010
    Forest Order: #2011-01
  • Tree Stands and Blinds Use Restrictions, Hector Ranger District, NY

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Finger Lakes National Forest, New York:Use and occupancy of temporary tree stands and ground blinds, during the period from January 01 to Sept 01 of each year. (36 CFR 261.58(v))The use and occupancy of temporary tree stands and ground blinds…
    Alert Start Date: November 17, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-07
  • Horses Use Restrictions, Hector Ranger District, NY

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Finger Lakes National Forest, New York:Use and possession of horses and horseback riding on all forest development trails during the period from March 15 to May 1 of each year. (36 CFR 261.55(c))The use and possession of horses and horseback…
    Alert Start Date: July 26, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-05
  • Road Restrictions, Hector Ranger District, NY

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Finger Lakes National Forest, New York:Operating a vehicle carelessly, recklessly, or without regard for the rights or safety of other persons, or in a manner or at a speed that would endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property.…
    Alert Start Date: July 26, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-03
  • Bicycle Use Restrictions, Hector Ranger District, NY

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Finger Lakes National Forest, New York:Using bicycles upon Forest System trails when the trail is posted as closed to that use. (36 CFR 261.55(b))
    Alert Start Date: July 26, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-04
  • OSV Use Restrictions, Hector Ranger District, NY

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Finger Lakes National Forest, New York:The use and possession of a snowmobile on any National Forest System trail, except on those designated for and posted open to snowmobiles during the listed periods of time. (36 CFR 261.55(b))The use of…
    Alert Start Date: July 26, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-06
  • FR 71 Occupancy Restrictions, Manchester Ranger District, VT

    The following act and omission is prohibited adjacent to Forest Road 71 located on the Green Mountain National Forest, Manchester Ranger District, in the town of Somerset in Windham County, Vermont, said area being described and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is…
    Alert Start Date: May 20, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-17
  • Texas Brook Use Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited in Texas Brook on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, said areas being described and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Entering or being in the waters of Texas Brook…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-06
  • OSV Use Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, said area being described and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Operating any vehicle except a snowmobile when posted. (36 CFR…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-01
  • General Forest Area Occupancy Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont:Camping for a period longer than 14 days in any 30 day period. (36 CFR 261.58(a))
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-03
  • Silver Lake Occupancy Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Silver Lake Recreation Area on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, said areas being described and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Operating an internal combustion…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-04
  • Devil’s Den Area Restrictions, Manchester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Devil's Den Area on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, said areas being described and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:To be within the area for the purpose of…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-05
  • Appalachian Trail and Long Trail Shelter Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, said areas being described and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Camping for more than two…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-07
  • Bingo Brook Occupancy Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Bingo Brook Area located on the Green Mountain National Forest, Rochester Ranger District, in the towns of Rochester and Hancock in Addison and Windsor Counties, Vermont, said area being described and designated as shown on the map set forth at…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-15
  • Chittenden Reservoir Occupancy Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Chittenden Reservoir Area located on the Green Mountain National Forest, said areas being described below and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Camping within 50 ft. of the…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-14
  • Blueberry Lake Occupancy and Use Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Blueberry Lake Recreation Area located on the Green Mountain National Forest, said areas being described below and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Building, maintaining,…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-13
  • Warren Falls Occupancy Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Warren Falls Area located on the Green Mountain National Forest, said areas being described below and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Building, maintaining, attending, or…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-12
  • Rattlesnake Cliff and Mount Horrid Area Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Rattlesnake Cliff and Mount Horrid Areas located on the Green Mountain National Forest, said areas being described below and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibits A and B, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:To go…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-11
  • Wilderness Areas Use Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited in the Big Branch Wilderness, the Breadloaf Wilderness, the Bristol Cliffs Wilderness, the George D. Aiken Wilderness, the Lye Brook Wilderness, the Peru Peak Wilderness, Glastenbury Wilderness, and Joseph Battell Wilderness on the Green Mountain…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-10
  • FR 54 and FR 233 Use Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on Forest Road 54 and Forest Road 233 on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, said areas being described and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Operating a vehicle in…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-09
  • Tree Stands and Blinds Use Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont:Use or occupancy of tree stands or blinds that are not clearly identified with the owner's name and address in legible English. (36 CFR 261.58(v))Leaving tree stands or blinds outside the period between…
    Alert Start Date: April 25, 2010
    Forest Order: #2010-08
  • Firewood Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont. Said area being described and designated as shown on the map set forth as Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Possess, storing, or transporting any part of a tree as described…
    Alert Start Date: July 15, 2009
    Forest Order: #2009-01
  • OHV Use Restrictions, Green Mountain National Forest, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont, said area being described and designated as shown on the map set forth at Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and made a part hereto:Being on a trail when posted closed. (36 CFR 261.55(a))
    Alert Start Date: August 26, 2008
    Forest Order: #2008-04
  • Thundering Falls Use Restrictions, Middlebury/Rochester Ranger District, VT

    The following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Appalachian Trail between Thundering Brook Road and River Road. Located on the Green Mountain National Forest, Rochester Ranger District, in the town of Killington in Rutland County, Vermont, said area being described and designated as shown on…
    Alert Start Date: July 5, 2007
    Forest Order: #2007-01