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Forest Special Order 02-02-06-25-04 Elk Fire Trail Closure
Temporary trail closures on National Forest System Trails 002, 004, 006, 008, 077, 085, 201, and 428 are in effect due to the increased risk of debris flows from impacts of the Elk Fire.
What is a debris flow? Often referred to as mud slides, debris flows are fast moving landslides made up of a powerful slurry of mud, boulders, or entire trees that can be dangerous to anyone in their path. Landslides, in general, are not uncommon in the Bighorn Mountains but due to the Elk Fire it is very likely that debris flows will occur after or during spring run off or during a significant precipitation event. Due to this increased risk, trails that access areas with high debris flow likely hood are temporarily closed, including Tongue River Canyon. Time is the best treatment for reducing the risk. For more information on debris flows visit the USGS at https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/what-a-debris-flow?page=1
Alert Start Date: January 1st, 2025
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 02-02-06-25-04
Associated Documents
Forest Order
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Bighorn National Forest
Tongue Ranger District
Elk Fire Trail Closure
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) trails in the Tongue Ranger District, Bighorn National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Trails”):
- Being on Described Trails. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).
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 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), 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 firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
DESCRIBED TRAILS
The Described Trails are NFS Trails 002, 004, 006, 008, 077, 085, 201, and 428 in their entirety. The Described Trails are located in Sheridan County, Wyoming.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety.
IMPLEMENTATION
- This Order shall be in effect from January 1, 2025 at 12:00 a.m. through December 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., unless rescinded.
- A map identifying the Described Trails 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/detail/bighorn/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd1090225.
- 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.
- 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.
- Contact the Bighorn National Forest Supervisor’s and Tongue Ranger District Office, 2013 Eastside 2nd Street, Sheridan, Wyoming, (307) 674-2600, for more information about this Order.
- This Order supersedes Order 02-02-06-24-08 prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Trails.
Signed and issued on January 1, 2025.