-
Idaho Panhandle Seasonal Food Storage Order
Food storage requirements on portions of the Bonners Ferry, Priest Lake and Sandpoint Ranger Districts from April 1 to December 1 every year.
The order requires appropriate food storage practices to reduce the potential for human-wildlife conflicts.
Alert Start Date: July 15th, 2024
Alert End Date: December 1st, 2029
Order Number: 01-04-00-24-001
Associated Documents
Forest Order
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) the following acts are prohibited or restricted on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, and Priest Lake Ranger Districts, Idaho Panhandle (Kaniksu) National Forests north of the Clark Fork River, Lake Pend Oreille, and the Pend Oreille River, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area”).
1. Possessing or storing any food or refuse, except as specified in Exhibit B, which is hereby made part of this Order from April 1 through December 1 annually. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc).
2. Possessing, storing, or transporting any bird, fish, or other animal or parts thereof, except as specified in Exhibit B, which is hereby made part of this Order. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(s)
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. 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)
2. Any Federal or State officer placing baits to capture animals for research or management purposes as part of their official duties. 36 C.F.R. §261.50(e)(4)
DESCRIBED AREA
Appropriate food storage or attendance, as outlined in this Order, is required on all National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, and Priest Lake Ranger Districts of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, north of the Clark Fork River, Lake Pend Oreille, and the Pend Oreille River, and as depicted on the attached map, Exhibit A.
PURPOSE
The purpose of these restrictions is to reduce the likelihood of a human-to-bear conflict, compromising the safety for both humans and bears.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect annually from April 1st to December 1st, through calendar year 2029.
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 Idaho Panhandle National Forests - Alerts & Closures (usda.gov) – https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ipnf/alerts-notices
3. Food/Wildlife Attractant Storage Special Order Prohibitions, Information and Definitions are attached as Exhibit B.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Further information regarding this order may be obtained at the Idaho Panhandle National Forests Supervisors Office, located at 3232 West Nursery Road, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 (208) 765-7223. 7. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.