Forest Wide Camping Stay Limits

Forest Order 02-13-00-24-03

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service 
San Juan National Forest 
Forest Wide Camping Stay Limits

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on National Forest System (NFS) lands in the San Juan National Forest (the "Described Area"):

1. Camping, or leaving camping equipment at any location or within three (3) miles of any prior camping or equipment location(s), for a combined total of more than 14 consecutive days. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(a)
2. Camping, or leaving camping equipment, for more than 28 days within a continuous 60-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 law enforcement officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force engaged in the performance of an official duty.
3. The above prohibitions do not apply to the following developed campgrounds, where visitors may camp up to 28 consecutive days:

DESCRIBED AREA

The Described Area is all NFS lands within the San Juan National Forest administrative unit, which includes all roads and trails located within the Described Area.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and to provide for public health and safety.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from August 1, 2024, at 0001 hours through December 31, 2029, at 2359 hours, unless rescinded.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/sanjuan/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 San Juan National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Durango, Colorado, (970) 247-4874, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in and on the same Described Area.

Signed and issued on: 08/01/24
/s/ Dave Neely
Forest Supervisor