Target Type Restrictions Order

Associated Documents

Forest Order

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

Possessing or storing any refuse for the purpose of target shooting with a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(cc). Refuse is defined as any material used as targets, except for the following materials:

1. Cardboard and cardboard targets with reusable frames (not including wooden pallets) removed from the site after shooting;
2. Paper and paper targets with reusable frames (not including wooden pallets) removed from the site after shooting;
3. Reactive targets made of non-metallic materials designed to move or bounce along the ground when hit and removed from the site after shooting;
4. Self-healing targets removed after shooting;
5. Metal targets designed to swing, spin, or knock-down after being shot with a firearm and removed after shooting; and
6. Biodegradable clay targets (clay pigeons).

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
All National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the confines of the exterior boundaries of the Tonto National Forest, as depicted in Exhibit A of this Order.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is to protect public health and safety and natural resources.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from October 20, 2023, at 6 a.m. through October 19, 2028, unless rescinded.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/r03/tonto/alerts.
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 Cave Creek Ranger District in Scottsdale AZ, (480) 595-3300, the Globe Ranger District in Globe, AZ, (928) 402-6200, the Mesa Ranger District in Mesa, AZ, (480) 610-3300, the Payson Ranger District in Payson, AZ, (928) 474-7900, the Tonto Basin Ranger District in Roosevelt, AZ, (602) 225-5395 and the Tonto National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Phoenix, AZ, (602) 225-5200, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same Described Area.

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