04-15-23-213 - Targhee Common Loon

Order Number: # 04-15-23-213

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Caribou-Targhee National Forest 
Ashton/Island Park Ranger District 

Common Loon Area, Road, and Trail Closure

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following are prohibited annually from May 1st to July 15th on the National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads and trails in the Ashton/Island Park Ranger District, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the "Described Area, Road, and Trail"):

1. Going into or being upon the Described Area. 36 CFR § 261.53(a)
2. Being on the Described Road. 36 CFR § 261.54(e)
3. Being on the Described Trail. 36 CFR § 261.55(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, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.

DESCRIBED AREA and ROADS

Described Area: All NFS lands and waters below high-water mark on Bergman Reservoir and Indian Lake and below 200 meters past the high-water mark on Fish Lake and Moose Lake. All NFS lands and waters on Loon Lake east of a line from the boat ramp heading due north to the opposite shore.

Described Road: NFS Road 642 from the gate to the end of the road.

Described Trail: Fish Lake Trail in its entirety from the end of Fish Lake Road to the Yellowstone National Park Boundary.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Order is to protect the Common Loon, which is a rare and sensitive species. One of the primary threats to Common Loons is human disturbance during the nesting season.

IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Order shall be in effect from March 30, 2023 at 1200 through March 30, 2028 at 1200, unless rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area, Road and Trail 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/r04/caribou-targhee/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 11, 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 Caribou-Targhee National Forest Supervisor's Office 208-557-5900, for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in/on the same Described Area, Road, and Trail.

Signed and issued
MEL BOLLING
Forest Supervisor
Caribou-Targhee National Forest