Rules and Regulations

All users of national forests are subject to federal and state regulations. As a visitor to the national forest, you must follow certain rules and regulations designed to ensure your health and safety, to protect the forest, and to promote pleasant outdoor experiences for everyone.

Know Before You Go

Supervisors Orders

Forest Supervisors and Regional Foresters issue orders that will close or restrict the use of certain areas if the need arises, often for public health and safety or to protect resources. Some are temporary closures that are rescinded at a later date; others are more permanent and are reissued every several years. These orders are available at Forest Service offices and on the forest website. They are in pdf format and will include a map of the area affected by the order.

Current Orders

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Other rules that originate from various state and federal regulations are enforced in this area. This is particularly true in the case of traffic, boating, hunting, fishing and trapping. Most of these are available in the Hunting and Fishing Guide, published yearly.

Forest Hunting Guidelines MN DNR Resources

Vehicles and Driving

State traffic laws apply throughout the Forest. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are maintained specifically for use on the Chequemegon-Nicolet. These can be downloaded, printed, or ordered for personal use.

Motor Vehicle Use Maps

Code of Federal Regulations and Forest Rules for National Forests

The full set of forest rules and regulations are published in Title 36: Parks, Forests, and Public Property of the Code of Federal Regulations, available at Forest Service offices and online. These regulations are updated annually.

Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

Code of Federal Regulations Rules for Forest Visitors