Wilderness Use Restrictions

Associated Documents

Forest Order

WILDERNESS USE RESTRICTIONS
INYO NATIONAL FOREST

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the portions of the John Muir, Ansel Adams, Hoover, and Golden Trout Wildernesses (“the Wildernesses”) located in the Inyo National Forest. This Order is effective from July 18, 2023, through July 18, 2025.  

1. Camping without a valid Forest Service Wilderness Permit, or camping in the locations described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibits B through E at any time.  36 C.F.R. § 261.58(e).
2. Entering or being in the Wildernesses as part of a group larger than 15 persons.  36 C.F.R. § 261.58(f).
3. Storing equipment, personal property or supplies for more than 24 hours.  36 C.F.R. § 261.57(f).
4. Possessing camping or pack-outfitting equipment, including one or more of the following: tents, sleeping bags, bear canisters, camp stoves, without a valid Forest Service Wilderness Permit.  36 C.F.R. § 261.57(b).
5. Shortcutting a switchback in any National Forest System trail. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(e).
6. Riding, hitching, tethering or hobbling a horse or other saddle or pack animal in violation of posted instructions. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(aa).
7. Possessing, storing, or transporting any saddle or pack animal as described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibits F and G.  36 C.F.R. § 261.58(s).
8. Grazing saddle or pack stock as described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit F.  36 C.F.R. § 261.57(e).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:  

1. Persons with a Forest Service Special Use Permit specifically exempting them from 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. 

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. § 261, Subpart A. 

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581. 

Executed in Bishop, California this 17th day of July, 2023. 

LESLEY YEN

Forest Supervisor

Inyo National Forest

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