West Fork Road and Bridge Closure Order

Associated Documents

Forest Order

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) Road 648, northeast of Pagosa Springs on the Pagosa Ranger District, San Juan National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Road and Area”):
1. Using a motor vehicle on the Described Road. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(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. Owners or lessees of land accessed by NFS Road 648 past the closure point.
3. 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 West Fork Road and Bridge is located in:
Section 18, Township 37 North, Range. 1 East, Surveyed, NMPM, Mineral County, Colorado
 

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and property due to bridge damage from the October 9-14, 23025 flood event.
Order Number: # 02-13-06-25-19
 

IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect from October 23, 2025 at 12:00 pm through December 31, 2028 at 11:59 pm, unless rescinded.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 https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/sanjuan/newsroom/forest-orders.
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 Pagosa Ranger District in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, (970) 264-2268 or the San Juan National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Durango, Colorado, (970) 247-4874, for more information about this Order.

Contact Number: