Wiley Flat Fire Area Closure (September 17, 2024)

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), the following prohibitions are established within the Lookout Mountain District of the Ochoco National Forest within the area described below and shown on Exhibit A. This order will become effective upon signature September 16, 2024, through December 31, 2024, unless rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITIONS:

1. Entering or being upon an area closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 CFR § 261.53(e)

2. Being on National Forest System Roads. 36 CFR § 261.54(e)

3. Being on a trail within the Closure Area. 36 CFR § 261.55(a)

4. Entering or using a developed recreation site. 36 CFR 261.58(b)

CLOSURE AREA: Closure area consists of all geographical areas, including all roads, trails, and recreation sites, on Forest Service land within a portion of the Lookout Mountain Ranger District of the Ochoco National Forest as shown on Exhibit A (Map). This Order is effective within the area enclosed by the following boundary:

North boundary: Starting at the NW corner of Section (S) 23 in T.17S R19E and moving east across the north boundary of S23 to the NE corner of S24; then continuing east on north boundary of S19, S20, S21, S22, S23, to the NE corner of S24 of T.17S R20E; continuing south on west boundary of S19 of T.17S R21E to the Section’s SW corner; then moving east across the north boundary of S30, S29, S28, to the NE corner of S27 of T.17S R21E.

East boundary: Starting at the NE corner of S27 of T.17S R21E moving south on the east boundary of S27 to the SE corner of S34; then continuing south on east boundary of S03 of T.18S R21E to SE corner of S10.

South boundary: Starting at the SE corner of S10 of T.18S R21E moving west across the south boundary of S10, S09, S08, to the SW corner of S07 of T.18S R21E; then continue on the south boundary of S12, to the SW corner of S10 of T.18S R20E. Then moving north to the NW corner of the same S10; then move west across the south boundary to the SW corner of S04, and then north to the NW corner of the same S04; then move west on the northern boundary of S05 to the NE corner of S06, then south to the SE corner of the same S06. The closure boundary then continues west on the south border of S06, S01 of T.18S R19E to the SW corner of S02.

West boundary: Starting at the SW corner of S2 of T.18S R19E, move north on the west border of S02 to the NW corner of the same section; then begin west on the south boundary of S35 of T. 17S R19E to the SW corner of S34; then move north on the west border of S34 to the NW corner of S27; move east across the north border of S27 to the NE corner of the same section; then travel north on the west boundary of S23 to the beginning of the northern closure boundary. 06-07-01-24-03

Clarification/Exception:

1. The west side of the FS16 Rd from the northern boundary near the 1600012 Rd south through Sherwood Saddle and east to the intersection of the 1600350 Rd is open. The 16 Rd east of the 1600350 is closed.

2. Double Cabin Campground is open.

EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

2. Any Federal, State, or local official or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3. Owners or lessees of land within the closed area (with a permit).

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A. Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 USC § 551; 18 USC § 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

PURPOSE: This closure is necessary to provide protection for forest users, firefighting personnel and natural resources from the current fire hazards associated with existing and predicted wildfire activity.