-
R1-2025-01 Camping stay limits & prohibitions on pallets and refuse use for target shooting
This order defines the maximum length of occupation at a single location or cumulatively at any number of locations within a calendar year, within all national forests in Montana, and the Dakota Prairie National Grasslands, Idaho Panhandle and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. It also prohibits use of any wood with nails or other metal for use in campfires (e.g., pallets) and prohibits the use of refuse as targets for shooting.
Alert Start Date: August 1st, 2025
Alert End Date: July 31st, 2030
Order Number: R1-2025-01
Associated Documents
Forest Order
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Northern Region, Regional Forester’s Office
OCCUPANCY AND USE ORDER
National Forests
- Bitterroot
- Custer-Gallatin
- Idaho Panhandle
- Nez Perce-Clearwater
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge
- Lolo
- Flathead
- Kootenai
- Helena-Lewis and Clark
National Grasslands
- Dakota Prairie
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551, and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), 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 in Montana:
Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 16 consecutive days within a calendar year. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a). (see appendix A).
Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 32 cumulative days within a calendar year. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a). (see appendix A).
National Forests in Idaho and Dakota Prairie National Grasslands:
Camping or otherwise occupying a single site for over 14 consecutive days within a calendar year. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a). (see appendix A).
Camping or otherwise occupying any number of sites over 28 cumulative days within a calendar year. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a). (see appendix A).
Possessing any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as firewood. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc).
Use any refuse for the purposes of target shooting with a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e). (see appendix B).
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48, specifically exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or (2).
Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty
IMPLEMENTATION
This order will be in effect starting August 1, 2025 and will remain in effect through July 31, 2030, unless rescinded earlier.
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.
Signed and issued on July 17, 2025.
/s Kristin Bail
Regional Forester (Acting)
Northern Region