Food Storage Prohibitions on Pike-San Isabel National Forests

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service  

Pike-San Isabel National Forests & 

Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands  

Food Storage Order 

PROHIBITIONS 

Pursuant to 16 USC § 551, and 36 CFR § 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on all National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area”): 

1. Possessing or leaving unattended any food (items intended for human or domestic animal consumption), any refuse from the preparation, consumption, and cleanup of such items, or other bear attractants (such as bird feeders, cooking equipment, personal care products, and coolers), unless it is:  
2. Stored inside a hard-sided vehicle or camper. 
3. Stored inside a securable container or vehicle constructed of a solid, non-pliable material, without any cracks, openings, lids, hinges, or open windows that would allow a bear to gain entry.  
4. Suspended at least ten feet above the ground and four feet from any tree, post, or other vertical support. 
5. Being eaten, prepared for eating, or transported in a motor vehicle.  36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc)  

EXEMPTIONS 

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

1. 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). 
2. Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 

DESCRIBED AREA 

All NFS lands located on the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, which includes the Pikes Peak, South Platte, South Park, Leadville, Salida and San Carlos Ranger Districts. 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of the Order is to protect public safety by minimizing adverse interactions between bears and humans. 

IMPLEMENTATION 

1. This Order shall be in effect from June 6, 2023, at 12:01 am, through June 5, 2028, at 11:59 pm, unless rescinded. 
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 the alerts webpage.  
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 Pike-San Isabel National Forest & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Forest Supervisor’s Office in Pueblo, Colorado, (719) 553-1440, for more information about this Order.  
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area. 

/s/ Diana M. Trujillo 

Forest and Grassland Supervisor 

Pike-San Isabel National Forests & 

Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands