Regulations and Rules

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. Visit Know Before You Go for more information on general rules and safety.

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 Some are temporary closures that are rescinded at a later date; others are more permanent and are reissued every several years.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. View Supervisor's Orders on the Superior. You may also contact either the Supervisor's Office or District Office.

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. Forest Hunting Guidelines , and MN DNR Resources can provide forest and state rules and regulations. Most of these are available in the Hunting and Fishing Guide, published yearly.  

State traffic laws apply throughout the Forest, so check with the MN DOT for traffic regulations.  Motor Vehicle Use Maps are maintained specifically for use on the Superior, and these can be downloaded, printed, or ordered for personal use.

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.

To report a non-emergency violation, e-mail sm.fs.suf-tipline@usda.gov.  Providing the basics:  who, what, when, and where along with details like road names, vehicle license numbers, etc. will allow the forest to best respond to each incident.  In case of emergency call 911.