WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Washington Office finalized Forest Service Manual 5309.11, closures of National Forest System lands to hunting, fishing or recreational shooting, April 8. The revised directive implements Title IV of the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management and Recreation Act of 2019, which states that public land managed by the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management is open to hunting, fishing and recreational shooting unless closed by certain procedures. Three webinars will give further information about the processes associated with closures.

Link to PDF version of letter.