Ptarmigan Wilderness, Occupancy and Use

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 Service (NFS) lands and trails within the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness Area, Dillon Ranger District, White River National Forest, shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (“Described Area”): 

1. Entering or being in the Described Area with more than 15 people per group or 25 people and pack or saddle animals per group. 36 CFR 261.58(f) 

2. Camping within 100 feet of all lakes, streams, NFS trails, and any "No Camping" or "Wilderness Restoration Site" signs. 36 CFR 261.58(e) 

3. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire within 100 feet of any streams or NFS trails, within ¼ mile of any lake, or above 11,000 feet. 36 CFR 261.52(a) 

4. Storing equipment, personal property or supplies for more than 72 hours. 36 CFR 261.57(f) 

5. Hitching or tethering any pack or saddle animal within 100 feet of all lakes, streams, and NFS Trails. 36 CFR 261.58(aa) 

6. Possessing a dog, except working stock dogs or dogs used for legal hunting purposes, which is not under physical control of a leash six feet (or less) in length. 36 CFR 261.58(s) 

7. Possessing, storing, or transporting any livestock feed, such as hay or straw, except for livestock feed processed to destroy viable seeds (e.g., pelletized feed and rolled grains). 36 CFR 261.58(t)

8. Possessing or using a wagon, cart, wheelbarrow, or other vehicle including game carts. 36 CFR 261.57(h) 

9. Shortcutting a switchback in a trail. 36 CFR 261.55(e) 
 

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. 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of this Order is to protect natural resources and Wilderness character by managing recreational use within the Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness. 

IMPLEMENTATION 

1. This Order shall be in effect from May 10, 2024 at 12:01am through December 31, 2028, at 11:59pm, unless rescinded. 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/whiteriver/alerts/ptarmigan-wilderness-occu…;

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 Dillon Ranger District in Silverthorne, CO, (970) 468-5400, and White River National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Glenwood Springs, CO, (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 10, 2024

Scott Fitzwilliams
Forest Supervisor
White River National Forest