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Raggeds Wilderness, Occupancy and Use
The following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands within the Raggeds Wilderness of the White River and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests:
Alert Start Date: March 21st, 2017
Alert End Date: December 31st, 2027
Rec Sites Affected:
Order Number: GMUG WRNF 2017-02
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Pursuant to 16 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 551 and 36 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands within the Raggeds Wilderness of the White River and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests (the "Restricted Area") and on all trails located within the Restricted Area (the "Restricted Trails") in the State of Colorado, as depicted on the maps attached as Exhibit A hereby incorporated into the order.
This Order is necessary to protect physical and biological resources of the Raggeds Wilderness and to protect the human experience of Wilderness character, solitude, and the untrammeled condition of the landscape.
PROHIBITIONS:
1. Entering or being in the Restricted Area with a group of more than 15 people or with a group of people and stock consisting of a combined total of more than 25. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (f)
2. Camping within 100 feet of any lake, stream, pond, river, or other similar body of water, or any National Forest System Trails. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (e)
3. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or wood burning stove: a. within 100 feet of any lake, stream, pond, river, or other similar body of water, and/or National Forest System Trails b. above 10,800 ft. elevation. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52 (a)
4. Riding, hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse or other saddle pack animal in violation of posted instructions. Posted instructions include but are not limited to:
- a. hitching, tethering, hobbling, or fencing a horse or other pack or saddle animal within 100 feet of all lakes, streams, and/or National Forest System Trails.
- b. Tying directly to trees except during loading and unloading. 36 C.F.R. §58(aa)
5. Possessing a dog, which is not under control or which is disturbing or damaging wildlife, other animals, people or property. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (s) NOTE: The term "under control" is defined as the dog being leashed, and/or under direct verbal control of the dogs' owner or handler at all times.
6. Possessing a dog in the Oh-Be-Joyful valley (see Exhibit B), except for working stock dogs, or dogs used for legal hunting purposes, unless under physical restraint of a leash. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58 (s)
7. Shortcutting a switchback in a trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55 (e)
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State or local officer, or a member of an organized rescue or firefighting force, in the performance of an official duty.
This Order shall remain in effect from the date signed until December 31, 2027 or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
Executed in Delta, Colorado this 21st day of March, 2017.
Scott G. Armentrout
Forest Supervisor
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559 and 3571