Flat Tops Wilderness, Occupancy and Use

Forest Order

PROHIBITIONS 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a), the following are prohibited within the Flat Tops Wilderness on the Blanco, Rifle, and Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger Districts of the White River National Forest, and the Yampa Ranger District of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest, in Eagle, Garfield, and Rio Blanco Counties, State of Colorado, hereinafter referred to as the Restricted Area. The Restricted Area is depicted on the attached map, hereby incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A. This Order is necessary to protect the wilderness character and to manage recreational use within the Flat Tops Wilderness. 

1. Entering or being in the restricted area with more than 15 people per group, and a maximum combination of 25 people and pack stock or saddle animals in any one group. 36 C.F.R. § 261.57(a). 

2. Camping: i) Within one hundred (100) feet of any lake, stream, National Forest System Trails, or any “No Camping” or “Wilderness Restoration Site” sign, or; ii) Within ¼ mile of Trappers, Hooper, Keener, or Smith lakes. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(e). 

3. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a campfire within one hundred (100) feet of any lake, stream, or National Forest System Trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a). 

4. Possessing (except for watering or through travel), hitching, tethering, grazing, loose herding, picketing or hobbling any pack, saddle, or draft animal: 

• i) Within one hundred (100) feet of any lake, stream, or National Forest System Trail, or;
• ii) Within ¼ mile of Trappers Lake 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(aa). 

5. Possessing a dog or other animal that is uncontrolled, harassing wildlife, people, or damaging property. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(s). 

6. Possessing, storing, or transporting any plant material, such as hay or straw. NOTE: Exceptions are allowed for livestock feed that has been processed through chemical or mechanical means in a manner that will destroy viable seeds. Examples of allowed material include pelletized feed and rolled grains. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(t). 

7. Possessing or using a bicycle, wagon, cart, or other vehicle including a wheelbarrow or game cart. 36 C.F.R. § 261.57(h). 

8. Shortcutting a switchback in a trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(e). 

9. Storing equipment, personal property, or supplies within the wilderness area for more than 10 days. 36 C.F.R. § 261.57(f). 

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 service in the performance of an official duty. 

DESCRIBED AREA 

The Described Area is the entirety of the Flat Tops Wilderness, located within the White River and Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests, Eagle, Garfield, and Rio Blanco Counties, Colorado, including all NFS trails within the Described Area. 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and wilderness character.

IMPLEMENTATION 

1. This Order shall be in effect from January 31, 2024 at 12:01 am through January 31, 2029 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 White River NF Alerts and 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 Blanco Ranger District in Meeker, Colorado, (970) 878-4039, and White River National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, (970) 945-2521 for more information about this Order. 

6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area. 

Signed and issued on February 2, 2024.

Scott Fitzwilliams
Forest Supervisor
White River National Forest

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