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Camping limit on Rio Grande National Forest
This special order establishes a 14-day camping limit within a continuous 30-day period anywhere on the Rio Grande National Forest.
Alert Start Date: May 16th, 2023
Alert End Date: April 30th, 2028
Order Number: Special order #02-09-00-23-01
Associated Documents
Forest Order
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Rio Grande National Forest
Occupancy and Use Prohibitions
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following applies to all National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Rio Grande National Forest described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the "Described Area"):
1. Camping in the same location for more than 14 days within any continuous 30-day period. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a).
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 within the Rio Grande National Forest located in southwestern Colorado, which includes the Conejos Peak Ranger District, Divide Ranger District, and Saguache Ranger District.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and public health and safety.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect from May 16, 2023, at 12:01 a.m. through April 30,
2028, at 11 :59 p.m., unless rescinded.
2. Maps and tables identifying the Described Areas are attached and made part of this Order as Exhibits A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit go to https://www.fs .usda.gov/alerts/riogrande/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 Rio Grande National Forest at (719) 657-5017 for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Areas.
Signed and issued on May 16, 2023.
Andrew Kelher
Acting Forest Supervisor