Payette Occupancy and Use- 14 Day Stay Limit

Associated Documents

Forest Order

PROHIBITIONS

Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following is prohibited on all National Forest System (NFS) lands within the Payette National Forest, except for the NFS lands within the boundaries of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness:   

1. Camping within the same five-mile radius for more than 14 days in any 30 consecutive days. 36 CFR 261.58(a) 

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 

1. Persons with a special use authorization or other Forest Service authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. 

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 

3. Forest Service administrative personnel in the performance of an official duty. 

IMPLEMENTATION 

1. This Order will be in effect on May 11, 2022 and shall remain in effect through May 31, 2027. 

2. A map identifying the NFS lands subject to the above prohibition is attached and incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A. 

3. A violation of this prohibition is punishable by fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. [16 USC § 551, 18 USC §§ 3559, 3571, 3581]. 

4. This Order supersedes Order #0412-180. 5. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Payette National Forest’s Supervisor’s Office located in McCall, Idaho, 208-634-0700.

Background 

The current order for occupancy and use for the Payette National Forest (1993) states that “Camping within five miles of the same site for a period longer than 18 days in any 30 consecutive days” is prohibited. 

Ranger District offices receive calls each year with complaints about long-term occupancy of campsites, including gear and equipment left at sites. This demonstrates the need to manage the visitor experience during the camping season to reduce user conflict and respond to a public need for camping opportunities. 

While the Forest Plan does not specify a specific stay limit, the following Forest Plan goals are being addressed through this order: REGU02: Seasonal camping stay and group size limits should be established where needed to meet management goals. REGO03: Address current and emerging recreation conflicts, while maintaining recreation opportunities when possible. 

Purpose

The purpose of this Order is to address competition for campsites and to protect public safety and natural resources.  

Intent of Subpart B order 

This Order is needed to address competition for campsites and for resource protection. 

The stay restriction is necessary to maintain camping opportunities on the Payette National Forest by reducing the ability of one visitor, or group of visitors, to monopolize a campsite for long periods of time (in excess of l4 days). Changes will enhance recreation experiences by providing more turnover in camping opportunities and thus more opportunity to use popular areas. This stay limit is consistent with many neighboring Forests and state land agencies. 

Environmental impacts on soil and vegetation are associated with long-term camping in the same location. These restrictions provide the opportunity for these resources to recover from the effects of human habitation. 

Enforcement Plan 

Emphasis will be placed on informing the public of the restriction in the hope of avoiding violations. Forest staff will continue to post and maintain on the ground signing, issue press Order #0412-569 releases, and distribute the message via social media that reasonably bring these prohibitions to the attention of the public. Law Enforcement Officers, Forest Protection Officers, and other Forest staff will patrol areas to inform users, gain compliance, and take enforcement action on persons not in compliance with these orders. 

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