Water Vessel Prohibitions

Forest Order

U.S. Department of Agriculture 

U.S. Forest Service Flathead National Forest

Water Vessel Prohibitions

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a), the following acts are prohibited on all waterways on National Forest System (NFS) within, and or administered by the Flathead National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (All waterways within, or administered by the Flathead National Forest Boundary Map):

1. Violating any State laws/regulations regarding water vessel safety, operation, or compliance (36 C.F.R. § 261.58(n)).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a Forest Service special use authorization or other written authorization from the Forest Service specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA

All waterways on the National Forest System administered by the Flathead National Forest.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this order is to improve water safety on the Flathead National Forest and to help protect the public from accidents and fatalities related to water activities and water vessel compliance.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from 04/22/2025 at 12:00 AM through 4/21/2027 at 12:00 AM, unless rescinded sooner.
2. A map identifying the Described area is attached and made part of this Order as Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/flathead/alerts-notices.
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.§§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Flathead National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Kalispell, MT (406)758-5208, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in/on the same Described Area.

Signed and issued on April 21, 2025. Anthony B. Botello Forest Supervisor Flathead National Forest

Contact Name:

Contact Number: