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Fossil Ridge Wilderness Area Occupancy & Use
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
Alert Start Date: January 20th, 2021
Alert End Date: May 31st, 2026
Order Number: GMUG-2021-03
Associated Documents
Forest Order
GUNNISON NATIONAL FOREST
GUNNISON RANGER DISTRICT
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and § 261.50(b), the following acts are prohibited within the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area of the Gunnison Ranger District of the Gunnison National Forest, Gunnison Counties, State of Colorado (the “Restricted Area”) and on National Forest System (NFS) Trails located within the Restricted Area (the “Restricted Trails”).
The Restricted Area and the Restricted Trails are depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A.
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Fossil Ridge Wilderness and Fossil Ridge Recreation Management Area, and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
PROHIBITIONS:
FOSSIL RIDGE WILDERNESS
1. Entering or being in the Restricted Area with a group of more than 15 people or more than 10 stock animals. 36 CFR § 261.58(f)
2. Camping within 100 feet of any NFS trail or any lake, stream, pond, river, or other similar body of water. 36 CFR § 261.58(e)
3. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or wood-burning stove:
a. Within 100 feet of any NFS trail or any lake, stream, pond, river, or other similar water body; or
b. Above tree line. 36 CFR § 261.52(a)
4. Storing equipment, personal property, or supplies. 36 CFR § 261.57(f)
5. Hitching, tethering, hobbling or fencing a horse or other saddle or pack animal in violation of posted instructions. Instructions to include, but may not be limited to:
a. Prohibiting hitching, tethering, hobbling, or fencing within 100) feet of any NFS Trail or any lake, stream, pond, river or similar water body; or
b. Prohibiting tying directly to trees except during loading and unloading. 36 CFR § 261.58(aa)
6. Possessing a dog that is: (i) off leash; (ii) not under direct verbal control of the dog’s owner or handler at all times; or (iii) disturbing or damaging wildlife, other animals, people or property. 36 CFR § 261.58(s)
7. Shortcutting a switchback in the Restricted Trails. 36 C.F.R .§ 261.55(e)
FOSSIL RIDGE RECREATION MANAGEMENT AREA
1. Camping within 100 feet of any NFS trail or any lake, stream, pond, river, or other similar body of water. 36 CFR § 261.58(e)
2. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or wood-burning stove:
c. Within 100 feet of any NFS trail or any lake, stream, pond, river, or other similar water body; or
d. Above tree line. 36 CFR § 261.52(a)
3. Hitching, tethering, hobbling or fencing a horse or other saddle or pack animal in violation of posted instructions. Instructions to include, but may not be limited to:
a. Prohibiting hitching, tethering, hobbling, or fencing within 100) feet of any NFS Trail or any lake, stream, pond, river or similar water body; or
b. Prohibiting tying directly to trees except during loading and unloading. 36 CFR § 261.58(aa)
4. Possessing a dog that is: (i) off leash; (ii) not under direct verbal control of the dog’s owner or handler at all times; or (iii) disturbing or damaging wildlife, other animals, people or property. 36 CFR § 261.58(s)
5. Shortcutting a switchback in the Restricted Trails. 36 C.F.R .§ 261.55(e)
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 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.
2. Any Federal, State, or local office, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
This Order shall be in effect when signed until rescinded or until May 31, 2026, whichever occurs first.
Executed in Delta, Colorado this 7th day of June 2021.
CHAD STEWART
Forest Supervisor
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 USC § 551 and 18 USC §§ 3559, 3571, 3581.