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R1-2024-01 Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
It is illegal to possess, store or transport straw, hay, grain, seed or other forage or mulch products on Forest Service lands without documentation that the product is certified as “weed free” by a state certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards. Read the full order for all prohibitions. More information about weed free certification standards can be found at the North American Invasive Species Management Association.
Alert Start Date: July 13, 2024
Alert End Date: July 13, 2027
Order Number: R1-2024-01
Contact Information
Contact Name: Northern Region Office of the Regional Forester
Contact Number: (406) 329-3058
Associated Documents
Forest Order
USDA FOREST SERVICE NORTHERN REGION
26 Fort Missoula Road
Missoula, MT 59804
Regional Forester’s Closure Order R1-2024-01
WEED FREE FORAGE AND MULCH PRODUCTS ORDER
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551, and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on all National Forest System lands administered as National Forests or National Grasslands within the Northern Region (Region 1) of the United States Forest Service in the states of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Washington (the “Restricted Area”). The Restricted Area includes all land, roads and trails located within the boundaries of the following National Forests and National Grassland:
National Forests
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge
- Bitterroot
- Custer Gallatin
- Flathead
- Idaho Panhandle
- Kootenai
- Nez Perce-Clearwater
- Helena-Lewis and Clark
- Lolo
National Grassland
- Dakota Prairie
PROHIBITIONS
Possessing, storing, and transporting straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch product without:
- Documentation that it is certified as weed free by a State certification process that meets or exceeds the North American Weed Free Forage standards, https://naisma.org/programs/weed-free-products/ or comparable standard; and
- Tags, twine, or other weed free certification marking on all individual bales, containers, sacks, etc., as required by the product’s State of origin.
36 C.F.R § 261.58(t).
PURPOSE
The purpose of this order is to restrict the introduction or spread of noxious weeds on National Forest System lands.
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from the prohibitions in this Order:
- Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e)(1). - Any Federal, State or Local Law Enforcement Officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e)(4). - Persons transporting forage or mulch products across the Restricted Area without unloading or using the products on NFS lands, roads or trails. 36C.F.R. § 261.50(e)(6).
IMPLEMENTATION
This order will be in effect starting July 13, 2024 and will remain in effect through July 13, 2027. A copy of this order shall be posted as prescribed under 36 CFR § 261.51.
VIOLATIONS
Violation of these prohibitions is 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 six (6) months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581(b)(7)).
INFORMATION
Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Northern Region Office in Missoula, MT, telephone number (406) 329-3058.
Executed in Missoula, Montana, this 16th day of July 2024.
/s Leanne Marten
Regional Forester