Roosevelt Lake, Cottonwood Cove Area Closure for Public Health and Safety

PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following is prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands and water, in the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Tonto National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the Described Area): 

1. Entering or being in a body of water. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(k)

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 resource in the performance of an official duty.
   
   DESCRIBED AREA
   The Described Area consists of all National Forest System lands and water, starting on the western shoreline of Cottonwood Cove, reference point 33° 40.342' N x -111° 07.815' W, then following the Roosevelt Lake shoreline south, east, then north to the eastern shoreline of Cottonwood Cove, reference point 33° 40.362' N x -111° 07.669' W, then following southwest approximately 450ft back to the point of beginning on the western shoreline of Cottonwood Cove, 33° 40.342' N x -111° 07.815' W.
   
   PURPOSE 
   This closure is necessary to protect the water intake barge and related facilities that provide drinking water to the public. Keeping the area closed helps protect both public safety and the critical water supply infrastructure.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order will be effective on May 15, 2026 at 12 a.m., and shall remain in effect until September 30th, 2030 at 6 p.m., unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Restricted 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/alerts/tonto/alerts-notices.
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order a(e 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 11, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibition 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 (6) months, or both (see 16 U.S.C. § 551, 18U.S.C. § 3571(b)(6), 18 U.S.C. § 3581(b)(7)).
5. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Tonto Basin Ranger District located in Roosevelt, Arizona, telephone number 602-225-5395.
6. This Order supersedes any previous orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the Described Area.