Alerts
Please be aware of all Special Orders, Conditions, and Public Notices when visiting the Wayne National Forest. This information can assist you in preparing for a safe visit. Special Orders update the legal usage of the forest and may change as conditions or land management requirements evolve.
Special Orders
Special Orders establish certain travel regulations, closures, and other restrictions on the use of the Forest for public health and safety purposes, or to protect natural resources. Please direct specific questions regarding a special order to your local District Ranger's office.
Forest Alerts
-
Swimming and water contact are not recommended near Big Bend Beach
As of June 2, swimming and water contact are not recommended near Big Bend Beach at Lake Vesuvius until further notice due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The beach area itself remains open for use.
-
Forest-Wide Restriction: Forest Development Roads
Using a forest development roadway for commercial hauling and operating or utilizing a motor vehicle on a forest development roadway in violation of
the state of Ohio motor vehicle code is prohibited . -
Forest-Wide Restriction: Occupancy And Use
The following prohibitions apply regarding occupancy and use within the Wayne National Forest.
-
Timbre Ridge Lake Closure
The Wayne National Forest has closed Timbre Ridge Lake in Lawrence County, Ohio, for public safety after drawing down the pool to assess conditions at the dam.
-
Forest-Wide Restriction: Fire
The use of fireworks and engines without a spark arresting device is prohibited.
-
Forest-Wide Restriction: Fire
Reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires caused by pyrotechnic or fireworks use and/or the use of combustible engines without approved spark arrestors.
-
Shawnee Lookout Tower Closed
Entering and/or occupying the area of the Shawnee Lookout Tower is prohibited.
-
Lewis Lake Fishing Site Closure
Lewis Lake Fishing Site is closed for reasons of public health and safety.