Updated Willow Fire Area Closure

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

Pike-San Isabel National Forests &

Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands

Leadville Ranger District

Willow Fire Area Closure

 

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads, and trails on the Leadville Ranger District, Pike-San Isabel National Forest & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area”):

1. Going into or being in Described Area which is closed for the protection of public health and safety. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e)

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 firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA

The Described Area is all NFS lands South of Turquoise Lake From the Western border of Section 13, Township T 9 S, Range R 81 W to the South of Lake County Road 4 and NFSR 105 (Hagerman Pass Road) to the East side of Busk Creek, then East of the tree line at the Busk Creek-NSFR105 switchback in Section 20, Township T 9 S, Range R 81 W, South and East following the tree line along the eastern slope of Mount Massive to the wilderness boundary near North Halfmoon TH, East to the Main Mt. Massive Trailhead, and continuing on the North side of Halfmoon Creek to the East boundary of the Forest.

The Described Area is in Lake County, Colorado and in Sections 14-16, 20-23, 26-29, 31-35 Township T. 9 S., Range  R. 81 W., Sections 2-6, 9-16, 20-29, Township T. 10 S., Range R. 81 W,

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public safety related to the Willow Fire.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from August 21tst, 2026 at 12:01 am through September 30, 2026 at 11:59 pm, unless rescinded.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 https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/     /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 Leadville Ranger District in Leadville, Colorado, (719) 486-0749, and Pike-San Isabel National Forest & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Supervisor’s Office in Pueblo, CO (719) 553-1400, for more information about this Order. 
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts on the same Described Area.

Signed and issued on  August 19, 2026.

/s/ Ryan Nehl

Forest and Grassland Supervisor

Pike-San Isabel National Forests &

Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands