Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Occupancy & Use

Associated Documents

Forest Order

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
RIO GRANDE NATIONAL FOREST
AND
PIKE-SAN ISABEL NATIONAL FORESTS &
CIMARRON AND COMANCHE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS
San Carlos, Salida, Saguache, and Conejos Peak Ranger Districts

OCCUPANCY AND USE REGULATIONS
SANGRE DE CRISTO WILDERNESS AREA

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551, and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are prohibited on all National Forest System (NFS) lands and trails within the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness in the San Isabel and Rio Grande National Forests shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area” and “Described Trails”):
1. Entering or being in the Described Area with a group of more than 15 people or a group of more than 25 people and livestock. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(f)
2. Camping within 100 feet of any stream or 300 feet of any lake, except in sites with posted signs authorizing camping. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(e)
3. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire within 100 feet of any stream or 300 feet of any lake. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a)
4. Hitching, tethering, or hobbling any pack or saddle animal within 100 feet of any stream or 300 feet of any lake. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(aa)
5. Possessing a dog or other animal that is not leashed or verbally controlled. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(s)
6. Shortcutting a switchback in the Described Trails. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(e)
7. Possessing or using a wagon, cart, or other vehicle, except wheelchairs as a necessary medical device. 36 C.F.R. § 261.57(h)

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. 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).

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall become effective on July 1, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. through July 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. or until rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Areas and 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/alerts/psicc/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 Supervisor’s office in Del Norte, CO, (719-657-3321) or the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands Forest and Grassland 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 in or on the same Described Areas and Trails.

Signed and issued on 7/01/2024.

Dennis Kuhnel
Forest Supervisor
Rio Grande National Forest

Ryan Nehl
Forest and Grassland Supervisor
Pike-San Isabel National Forests &
Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands

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