Fossil Creek Motor Vehicle Closure

Associated Documents

Forest Order

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands in the Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, and Payson Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area and Roads”):

1. Going into or being upon the Described Area with a motorized vehicle. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e)
2. Using a motorized vehicle on the Described Roads. 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. Any Federal, State, Local Officer, Utility Manager, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
3. Any persons operating or occupying a motorized vehicle on Forest Road 708 and/or Forest Road 502 for the sole purpose of transit without stopping, parking, or otherwise delaying their deliberate passage, except for emergencies.
4. Any persons operating or traveling within a motorized vehicle occupied by a valid Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River permit holder on the days of Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

DESCRIBED AREA AND ROADS

As depicted on the map in Exhibit A, the Described Area and Roads includes all NFS lands and Roads:

• Within one-quarter (0.25) mile on either side of Fossil Creek from the confluence of Sandrock Canyon and Calf Pen Canyon (34°26’48.64”N; 111°32’ 25.01”W), downstream to the confluence with the Ike Saddle Drainage (34°21’19.31” N; 111°39’52.48”W).
• Within one-quarter mile on either side of Forest Road (FR) 708 from the cattle guard at Cimarron Saddle (34°25’28.95”N; 111°40’23.24”W) to the East Entry Gate outside of the town of Strawberry (34°24’17.78” N; 111°32’50.25”W).
• Within one-quarter mile on either side of FR 502 from the junction with FR 708 to the junction of FR 502 and FR 502E.
• Within one-quarter mile on either side of Forest Trail #18 (Bob Bear Trail) from the intersection of Forest Trail #154 (Flume Trail) to the Bob Bear Trailhead off of FR 708.
• Within an area bounded by Fossil Creek to the north and west, the Bob Bear Trail #18 to the east, and FR 708 to the south.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and preserve resource integrity.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from April 01, 2025, at 8 a.m. through October 01, 2025, at 8 a.m., unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area and Roads 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/coconino/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 Red Rock Ranger District, (928) 203-2900, or the Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, (928) 527-3600, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area and Roads.

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